Is it really so hard to press 1 for English?

Question

So many anti-immigration fanatics complain about how immigrants are supposedly ruining this country, and one of the things they complain about bitterly is how most telphone menus say "Press 1 for English". It seems so silly to me that people complain about pressing just one single button for English. Are all the anti-immigration activists really so lazy that they can't press just 1 button for English? If that's the case, I can't imagine how trying it must be for them to dial a 7 or 10 digit phone number! Or is it just that you anti-immigration activists can't stand being reminded that foreign languages and cultures exist? Please tell me why it is such a grave inconvenience to press 1 for English!

Just to clear things up, I am not trying to start a debate about immigration, I am just asking why it is so hard to press 1 for English.

But some of the answers have already given me the answer: It appears that you just hate being reminded that foreign languages and cultures exist. Some of you seem very snobbish and seem to think that the fact that you are American and speak English makes you better than everyone.

Just to clear things up, I am not trying to start a debate about immigration, I am just asking why it is so hard to press 1 for English.

But some of the answers have already given me the answer: It appears that you just hate being reminded that foreign languages and cultures exist. Some of you seem very snobbish and seem to think that the fact that you are American and speak English makes you better than everyone.

I don't see why you "shouldn't have to press 1 for english". I don't see why companies shouldn't be hospitable to foreigners, who may not actually be illegal aliens, by the way. Not all legal immigrants can speak English perfectly and it may be easier for them to speak to a representative in their first language. Also keep in mind that many of the people calling may be visiting the U.S. from a foreign country LEGALLY but temporarily.

At any rate, it doesn't matter whether you should have to press 1 for English or not, it isn't very hard to press 1 button. I guess you just find it an outrage that as an American, which obviously makes you superior to everyone else, you should be forced to press a button to speak to a representative in your own language.

To Summer: Why does it matter whether you could speak to a representative in English when callign a hotline? Should the U.S. do everything the same way as Mexico?

To everyone who said you shouldn't have to press1 for English because this is the U.S. and eveyone should speak English here: Even if you shouldn't have to, is it really such an inconvenience to press 1 button?! If illegal aliens are really causing as many problems as you guys say they are, then having to press 1 for English should be the least of your problems.

Answer 1

There are even phone systems that don't even require you to push buttons.

I am often met with for service in English say, "English"
Pour le service en francais, dit "Fracais"

This isn't a major inconvenience in my day. Even with more rigid immigration laws the USA will still have a large Spanish speaking population. We live in a multi lingual world which does mean that you are going to have neighbors, friends and business that do not speak English as a first language.

Answer 2

First off, I just want to make it clear that I'm pro-LEGAL immigration, not anti-immigration.

My main problem is that English is the primary language of this nation, whether it's been voted on or not.. It's pure disrespect to this nation and it's citizens when they refuse to respect the laws and learn English.

Mexico's loss in the war is still an open wound - it hasn't healed. They're bitter, brainwashed, and feel they deserve this land. The ACLU, MEChA, and the Council of La Raza are doing everything in their power to reclaim this territory. It's a slow but sure invasion.

What's so hard about learning English? I mean, after all, they come here for a better life - so why not take the legal route, get an immigration attorney, learn English, assimilate?

Answer 3

Amanda

We don't have to have an "official" language. We have a COMMON LANGUAGE. And this language is ENGLISH. PERIOD. As you said, citizens speak MANY different languages....BUT we don't have options for ALL these different languages, now do we?? And why do you suppose this is ? It's discrimination. Other minorities are being discriminated against. They are expected to learn English. They are not "catered" to as others are.

Perhaps to YOU it is only a "one second finger spasm"...it's not the point. It's the PRINCIPLE of the thing, as I'm sure you have heard before. Most Americans are upset at the principle, not the action.
No, it doesn't constitute a tragedy. It constitutes DISCRIMINATION. As another poster said, it's discriminatory to offer an option for ONE foreign language and not all. It encourages and "enables" people of ONE foreign language to live in our country and not learn English. We have people that speak DOZENS of languages in the U.S. Some of these languages also constitute millions of people in the U.S. You do NOT see an option for Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Italian, French, or Japanese.

I also refuse to "press a button" and request that someone speak my language, English (the common language of this country). Let these people that don't speak English either LEARN English or leave our country.
This is always a major issue on this site as you are well aware. It's called ASSIMILATION. People always have their right to retain their culture and even their native language, and nobody has anything against using it with friends and family, but immigrants should learn to speak English. PERIOD.

BTW, This does not apply to illegal aliens. No one cares if they assimilate. No one cares if they learn English. We only want them out of our country!!!!

Perhaps you also should pay attention to the "bigger picture". You could find a different forum if you wish to speak about the war in Iraq, the tragedy in Darfur, the AIDS epidemic, the starving children, orphans in Bosnia, and children dying of abuse.

You should ignore questions about "pushing a button" and concern yourself with the greater "good of humanity" such as the issues you brought up, on a DIFFERENT FORUM, and perhaps even once in awhile defend American citizens and LEGAL immigrants and quit defending illegal alien criminals constantly on this site.

Answer 4

You bet it is!
I am tired of pro-illegal dumb@$$es like you who want to turn the U.S. into a 3rd wolrd country. I hate the inconvenience of pressing an extra button, and worse, it's a remidner that the evil illegal aliens are conquering the U.S., turning it into a 3rd world country, replacing wholesome american culture with disgusting mexican culture, and forcing everyone to speak spanish.

Answer 5

YES it IS
and it is a waste of time and money for catering to the uneducated illegal alien invader
or the legal alien to lazy to learn the English language
Why is Spanish the only other option
Is it because those speak it are to stupid to learn English like every other foreign language speaking person
What other reason could it be?

Answer 6

This is America, where the official language is English. When I get the recording to "press 1 for English" it really demonstrates PC at it's absolute worst.
It also should demonstrate how willing some are to cater to illegal immigrants.
Legal immigrants going through the process learn English and don't need it.
I really love your veiled attempt at labeling anti-ILLEGAL immigration supporters as racists.
Please tell us why you wont use the term "illegal" immigration, rather than lumping it all together like no one will notice?

Answer 7

the criminals from mexico are the only group to come to this country and not learn the language. the press 1 for english is just a reminder of how our elected officials have sold us out again, reminds us of the hugh cost of supporting these criminals with tax dollars, etc., etc.

Answer 8

I refuse to press 1 for English. I will remain on the line and ignore the request. It is discriminatory to offer an "option" for one foreign language and not all.

MY WIFE is an immigrant (legal). All of her family are immigrants. Some of mine is. So the "anti-immigrant" claim doesn't wash with me.

I have nothing against legal immigrants. My wife and I don't want ILLEGAL aliens here though.

Answer 9

You have got to be kidding. You can't possibly think that the problem is pressing a button. Nice try. It's the idea that we should even have to do it that is the issue. And please stop using the term anti-immigration. It's anti illegal immigration.

Answer 10

You know farewell it is not about being lazy or silly it's the principle of having our country being changed to accommodate those who wish to set up a Spanish speaking country within the USA. Even in your posting you call those of us that want to keep one language, English, silly and lazy, just shows your contempt for who we are and what we want.

Answer 11

Hey, I wish I could push a button that would allow me to get a customer service rep that SPOKE English! I'm getting fed up with trying to understand non-native English speakers that read from a script. In fact, I've committed to cease patronizing or buying from those companies that have outsourced their customer service to such agencies. I've closed a bank account and returned two pieces of electronic equipment over the matter. Anyone else with me on this?