Not personally offended but morally offended....what about you?

Question

I am a colombian-american. I don't go around telling people, I'm proud of both sides of my nationality no favorites here. Well this girl I barely knew was at my house with my roomate. The news was on and the story about the toy recall was on. Now I know she didn't know me. She came out of nowhere and stated that she was so happy that the dora the explorer toys were recalled not because of the lead paint or whichever but because the kids in america shouldn't be learning spanish, that they should know they're in america and to speak just english. I was shocked. Any parent you talk to loves dora and the education she brings. Now I agree that latin people should learn english if they're going to be here for a while and if they come to the US that they be legal. But her saying that just hit home to how close minded people are. It didn't offended me personally, but morally I was like whoa! thats just ignorant. I only know 2 languages, I am in awe at people that know 3-5 languages. Opinions??

I do fully agree that illegals should not be and that they're numbers are growing. I also agree that latins should learn english. I was born in America, spanish is my 2nd language I myself is still learning. But why deny that opportunity for your kids, who could instead of being forced to learn- they could gradually learn and it would be no difference to them. I am American and proud, but i still hold education and learning above a lot of things. It is her opinion and she has every right to think that. Just I can't believe people would be so close minded.

Answer 1

That's her opinion. I see what you are saying, and believe me that's only because you are half colombian. But everyone is entitled to their opinions and really if you look at the situation, more people are trying to learn spanish in America then the spenish trying to learn English, At least it seems that way.

Answer 2

Hello,

The native English speaking people of the world have the sad reputation of not being able to speak or even learn a second language in some cases. Having a second or third language opens the doors to other cultures and certainly helps you improve upon your own. For example you see so many great entertainers that can talk and sing in several languages making them popular around the world. I doubt they ever said whaaaa, don't force English, Spanish, French or German down my throat or they would not be where they are today. Also I took a year of Spanish and visited Colombia and I found when I used Spanish I was treated with a lot more respect and kindness from some the people of the streets to the police and military, not to mention las chicas bonitas. I did not wish to return home after a month there.

Now I do not get offended with such statements as I find ones like those on language to the pope being the anti- Christ and Jews running the world so funny and amusing. Even when spouted with such venom they can be entertaining and a laugh and a half. Sorry but I do have a rather warped sense of humor about things... especially ignorance and foolishness.

Cheers,

Michael

Answer 3

Well it was rude to say that in front of you. But there is way too many "illegals" coming in the USA and now we have to "Press 1 for English" I think why she was saying that(even though it was rude) is b/c some people are sick of Spanish becoming a second language b/c illegals are coming more and more these days and they can't speak an ounce of English. The sad thing is people who come here legally and learn English like you are looked down on b/c honestly I think the ratio of illegal immigrants to overall immigrants from Spanish speaking countries is 7 out of 10, it's very high. Thousands a week come over illegally b/c of coyotes and all that. But I do agree that was rude. I hope this clears it up a lil'.

Answer 4

her statement was ignorant, and she is likely monolingual and has no desire to learn another language. Her loss, her opinion. Am I offended in anyway? no, not really. I speak 6 languages, big deal. I am interested in educating myself so I learn the languages of the books I need to educate myself on a different topic. But like everyone else, I have my own opinions and not everyone will agree with them, again, offended? no. Live and let live.

Answer 5

I have mixed feelings about this. It's good for kids to learn multiple languages. On the other hand, if you're coming to this country to work and live, follow in the footsteps of the millions that came before you, learn the language and enrich the culture.

Answer 6

I agree with you. If your going to be in this country it should be done legally and at some point you should make an effort to learn English. You were right in calling her ignorant. There's nothing wrong with exploring other languages.

Answer 7

I think the opinion you heard is the voice of the ignorant. Which is the loud minority. The more people learn the better of they will be, no exceptions.