Thread: Speak English Signs Allowed

'Speak English' signs allowed at Philly shop - Life - MSNBC.com

PHILADELPHIA - The owner of a famous cheesesteak shop did not discriminate when he posted signs asking customers to speak English, a city panel ruled Wednesday.

In a 2-1 vote, a Commission on Human Relations panel found that two signs at Geno's Steaks telling customers, "This is America: WHEN ORDERING 'PLEASE SPEAK ENGLISH,'" do not violate the city's Fair Practices Ordinance.

Shop owner Joe Vento has said he posted the signs in October 2005 because of concerns over immigration reform and an increasing number of people in the area who could not order in English.

Good for him. At the risk of sounding politically incorrect maybe even insensitive I'm sick of hearing jibber jabber everywhere. I think it's rude to come to another country and expect people to learn your language to serve you.

I'd like to see an American go to Mexico and get a free translator for government services and forms in English because we're too lazy to learn the language of our new home.

Maybe politically incorrect but I think it is probably the feeling the majority of people have. I have no issue if you talk another language in your house. I think its nice to pass on heritage, but you should also be able to function fully in the society you chose to live in, and that includes speaking the language. And for crying out loud, stop making me always "Press 2 for english" LOL

how is the sign discriminating?

Because no ones "feelings" are allowed to be hurt in this country anymore :P

How about going into a Chinese restaurant and having someone take your order who does not know English?
Has that ever happened to you?
Or a mexican restaurant.

You know, when to order from someone who has little or no knowledge of english, you just point to what you want?

To me there's a difference, If I need/want to communicate with a person who barely speaks English the burden is on me to figure out how to communicate. For instance in a Chinese takeout joint I just circle what I want on the menu since I stutter and trying to communicate with them would just be a waste of time.

On the other hand if someone wants to buy something from me off Ebay they better be able to comprehend English.

Or what everyone really hates:
Calling a number for computer service (or just about any other service) and get someone in some foreign land that can barely answer the phone in english, much less help you.

I "spoke" English on an airplane once, just using my hands. :P Nervous passenger needing reassurance we were gonna land ok and she didn't speak a lick of English... hell, I needed reassurance... I HATE flying.