English only cheesesteak?

Question

I know this article is going to illicit all kinds of "racist" responses, but not so fast!! Don't make the claim and run. Let's hear the arguement why this is racist. Also, before you start, take note of that other little sign in the window below the "order in English" one. Doesn't that little sign allow this business owner to operate his restaurant in any manner he (legally) choses?

(If you're too lazy to click the link, a guy in Philly is demanding customers order food in English. The other little sign I referred to says "Management reserves the right to refuse service to anyone" You know, you've seen it.)

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/06/09/national/main1697176.shtml

I also find it interesting he was asked to take the sign down because it "irritated some local activists"

Ug, once again the smallest group the complains the loudest wins again. Minority rule.

Answer 1

The restaurant owner have the right to refuse service to anyone.
And people should not feel offended by the sign. We should order in English. We can't assume every worker or cashier speaks your native language? That is a rude assumption.

What is so hard about saying/ordering "one cheesesteak sandwich please" and "large coke please". For you not to know the words "one", "large" and "coke" would be difficult to believe. Those words are used all over the world...globally.

Answer 2

I don't think it's racist. I believe that he has the right to choose how he runs his business. If he happens to hire people that only speak English, then he has the right to ask that people order in that language. Being Latina, and working with Latinos, I can see how people now DEMAND to helped in Spanish, or to be given employment applications or whatever in Spanish. We live in America, let's all learn the language, and not get all bent out of shape and cry 'racism' every time we feel that we've been wronged. Now that doesn't mean we shouldn't speak our native tongue, just "when in Rome, do as the Romans".

Answer 3

It is a big stretch to claim it's racist. I know people of many different races that speak English. The thing that I see about the restaurant owner is that he is being rather rude. I've been in other countries where I didn't know the language too well, I still had fine meals and we got along just fine.

Answer 4

It's funny, this EXACT same thing happened here in Cincinnati last year BEFORE all the immigration stuff came up. It wasn't a national story like this, but the store got so much bad publicity and I think the city council forced him to remove the sign. The same will probably happen here unfortunately. Total bullshit.

Answer 5

How is that racist? I work in customer service, too, and I insist that people speak to me in English if they want help. It's not racist- I just don't have the patience to learn other languages and I pretend I can't speak Spanish when they ask me- if they're not even going to attempt to communicate in English.

Answer 6

He can do whatever he wants. It's his business. He can also just instruct his employees to act like they don't understand spanish.
How will they ever learn english unless they practice it?
I learned "I would like to have a Cheesestaek" in 1st grade over in Germany. Is that too much to ask of a US resident or citizen???

Answer 7

I don't see anything racist about it, it's his right to serve or not serve, I agree with him if they can't learn too words that's tuff. And unless he knows every language on earth, they don't have a choice, but to speak English.

Answer 8

I don't think it's racist.But it isn't being very tolerant.It takes time to learn a new language.He can do whatever he wants,but in the long run it will be bad for business.

Answer 9

I think the guy is an idiot. He needs to take the sign down. I hope the government forces him to!

Answer 10

when will this stupid crap end ok its one thing to be tolerant of other people . but when you go to a place of business they should be allowed to conduct that business as they see fit if you don't like it don't go back simple .