Einen Cheesesteak Bitte

So the great debate continues now and apparently nothing is safe, not even the Philly Cheesesteak. What's the story? Well, there's a place in Philadelphia called Geno's Steaks which has taken the debate over the English language to another level. They have come under fire for posting a sign in the window that states, "This is America. When ordering 'speak English'" As you can expect this simple sign has stirred up much controversy and further fueled the debate over whether or not it is legal or right to have English as the official language of the country. The owner of the shop, Joey Vento, has stated that he and his staff don't mind helping those with difficulty speaking English learn what they need to say in order to place their order for a cheesesteak. So far no one has been refused service but the fact remains that a lot of people, both English and non-English speakers, are up in arms over even the insinuation that someone's rights are being violated.

Still, is it really too much to ask that someone make it easier to speak in English in order to place their order? Those siding with Vento argue that being in America with an English-speaking majority it is not too much to ask someone to speak English. Those on the other side argue that this country was built by immigrants and as such we should be accomodating. Now I am all for accomodation of new arrivals or those who have not gone to school here and haven't had the chance to learn. But after living in a country for over 20 years, one would expect at least the rudiments of the language to be picked up.

What happens if we don't at least try to enforce this or make the English language the official language of the country? You have situations where we need translators for the translators. In hospitals these days, nurses report using Spanish nearly as often as they use English. Is that a problem? No, but by doing so much accomadation we are perpetuating the delay in helping immigrants learn the language. And it's not just Spanish speaking people either; it goes for all speakers of foreign languages. I mean in an effort to accomodate the speakers of other languages you hire on nurses who speak the language in question. The problem is if the nurse only speaks that foreign language. If you don't speak that language and only speak English, you may never get the medical attention you need.

My parents came here over thirty years ago. Granted the spoke English before they came over here but over time they came to perfect their understanding of the language and they both have no problem in communicating with anyone. You could say they had a leg up due to their already knowing English but they still took the time to practice and to use it and not lapse into looking for a crutch. The arguement for having English as the official language of the country is not one of racism or prejudice, more it is for having a universal language for all citizens. It's not being touted with the expectation that every single person be able to spout Shakespeare at the drop of the hat, but more so that people can communicate with one another in a much easier fashion. Now how about a cheesesteak mate?