Is an "English Only" sign offensive??

Question

http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070208/NEWS01/70208004

An owner of Geno's Steaks in Philadelphia has come under fire for posting a sign "This is AMERICA: WHEN ORDERING 'PLEASE SPEAK ENGLISH"

I say he is 1000% correct!! What are your thoughts??

If you disagree please give me clear reasons why.

Answer 1

Other immigrants had to learn English as part of living in this country and anyone that is too lazy to learn should go back to their native country and continue to live in poverty. The people who object to learning English are the same ones that take public assistance and use our medical system at the expense of those that understand English. English learn it or leave would be my sign.

Answer 2

A bar in Payette ,Idaho did the same thing. So far no "hits". Contrary to popular belief ENGLISH is a universal language. That is why so many countries learn it. Not only to communicate with us but to communicate with each other's respective countries. Spanish is the ONLY language demanded in the United States. This is how it's been for two generations. It is WRONG. The USA was once a melting pot but not anymore.

Answer 3

After working for immigration for several years I say that should be the nations moto. I wouldn't expect to go to Mexico speaking English thinking they would understand me. One of the main critria to become a US citizen through the naturalization process is to Be able to speak basic english unless you have a diagnosed disablity that prevents you from being able to do so. However you would be surprised by the amount of people that want to bring a translator with them. I mean how can you say that you truly swear allegiance to the States when you can barely say it and further more don't understand it.

Answer 4

It is offensive. Forget Immigrants, what about all the tourists that are paying to holiday? You shouldn't tar everyone with the same brush. Just because they can't speak English doesn't mean they are Immigrants.

When you go to France and inadvertantly try and order something in a cafe, and the waiter says something in French, and points to a sign you can't read, I'm guessing you all would feel the same... 'We'll we ARE in France, we should have learnt the language before we came...' I think not.

Mind you, if you Americans want to treat every one that's different like c*ap, then go ahead. You might find that all the revenue you get from Tourism slowly deteriorate. Then you'll find out exactly how much of your economy is fuelled by tourism.

I think it's rude, arrogant, and foolhardy.
But if you don't want your tourists with their tourist dollars, and immigrants with their experience and culture, send them down to Australia. We're very welcoming down here.

Answer 5

I disagree partially.

Yes, I believe that English is a must for survival of immigrants in this country. But the sign lacks courtesy and can easily be found offensive and hostile.

Let's put it in this hypothetical situation:
You go to my country, India, and go to a restaurant. There you see a sign that says, "THIS IS INDIA: WHEN ORDERING "PLEASE SPEAK TAMIL"

If you don't get offended (which I think you will), won't you at least feel a little bit disrepected? Won't you feel slapped? Won't you feel turned down?

So, who's building the meltingpot bridge here? and who's breaking it down?

I HATE to be offensive and rude but I must point out that such behavior will forment hostility and create tensions. A free society must not have such "ridiculous" boundaries.

My country has a a thousand racial divisions, languages, and castes and YET we are a unique, solid democracy and we are here to stay and dominate. Why?

Pride and ego is dangerous, my friend. Stop, think carefully, isolate yourself from your core values, and think in a broad prespective; be open to others while still maintaining integrity. And then you will know what a TRUE democracy is.

Thank you.

Answer 6

This is the reason why people hate Americans, we expect others to learn out language but when we go to other countries we don't bother to learn the language. I think what makes America great is its diversity, so why not speak a diverse number of languages.

Answer 7

I do disagree.
First it is rude. It would be better phrased. "For you pleasure and we prefer you to order in English as we cannot be responsible for orders in any other language. Thank you." Much less offensive and more customer friendly.
Second there is a strong tradition of language diversity in the US even when we are talking about what we refer to as English (any one know where the bubbler is?)
Third there is no official language in the US. see the source below.
Fourth no one can be 1000% correct.
Also in Europe American are seen as rude for not learning even a few phrases in the language of the country they are visiting why should we hold our visitors to the same?

It is a pity that this country that is so proud of its diversity is so intolerant of it.

Answer 8

He is correct. This is America. We speak English here.

That's not to say people can't speak in other languages if they choose, it just means that if they want service, they have to use the common language.

If immigrants are not ready to assimilate, they had better emigrate.

Answer 9

You are 100% correct. This is America and here the word is english. If they can't learn to speak our god given language, then as far as I am concerned, they should do without. Again, this is America, not Mex, Italty, Germany, Japan or any other country. Speak out or leave. By the way, their SS checks will be printed in english along with their DriLic, school text etc etc.

Answer 10

I agree with you, I dont thinks offensive, but you dont have to put This is America. You can just leave it as Please Speak English. The sign is actually kind of obvious.

Answer 11

It is a bit IN YOUR FACE, but I do agree with him. I know we are a land of many races, creeds and origins, but if you are going to live in this country, you have to learn to speak the language. I would never move to another country and then not learn to speak their language. Why should the whole country change for a handful of people? It shouldn't. I am not saying to leave your culture or language behind and forget it. I am saying learn the language of the country you are living in to get along and be able to function in that society. Good for Mr. Geno's Steaks.