“This is America. When ordering please speak English.”
Read this 3 paragraph article on how not to order a cheesesteak and see if something odd doesn’t jump out at you?
The owner of Geno’s steaks has a sign in his store window that says, “This is America. When ordering please speak English.” Now I grew up in South Jersey and love love love cheesteaks. While I prefer Pat’s Steaks, it doesn’t matter here. Someone filed a complaint with Philadelphia’s Commission on Human Relations about the sign which was subsequently dismissed and obviously the right thing to do. My beef (pun intended!) with this is that Geno’s is a private business, he asks nicely and he is allowed to make a political point. Afterall, non-English speakers wouldn’t get it as they probably can’t read English either so this sign is clearly not meant for non-English speakers. In my estimation the sign is obviously meant for the English speaking population and Geno’s has a valid point. You’re in America now, please learn to speak the language. And I say this proudly as I am the child of immigrants raised in a non-English speaking household. However, every member of my family and extended family learned to speak English and most even obtained post graduate degrees in this country. There is just no excuse not to speak English in this country and I am fairly certain I would not have had the success in this country were I isolated by only being fluent in my native language. I could go on an on about the economic and social advantages of being fluent in a country’s dominant language, but enough said. I am sure you all get it. Speak as many language as you want, but know English in America! Go Geno’s!!
Today’s Print Reading List
- Seattle Times, entire March 20th edition (PRINT) with breakfast, lunch and while watching TV during commercials
- The Science of Parenting by Margot Sunderland (PRINT) evening
Approximate print reading time: 2 hours
Today’s Online Reading List
- Amazon.com- Kindle discussion forum to see when my Kindle might arrive. They just started shipping orders from 2/22. I’m 3/7, trying to be patient! Finally, an open letter today from Bezos addressing the long waits.
- ESPN.com for the Women’s Basketball brackets
Approximate online reading time: 1 hour
