Was it Racism ? Hope this an an isolated thing :(

[suprastanger507mgte]

I was on my way to Spokane,WA, and we stopped at a small town for some Starbucks about 2 hrs away ( somewhere in the interior)and were standing outside talking in our Language (Hindi)...these two caucasian ladies walked up straight to us and in our face told us this :
"You need to talk in English here. That is the best language in this country and you need to speak it"......

Well..being four guys, extreme heat ..and hearing that...we just straight cussed her out... in ENGLISH ofcourse , right inside Starbucks while people were staring at her for making that comment..lol

Then we decided to just leave the town as soon as possible since we looked around and were the only non-white or reddish looking people out there..

And I was thinking about driving my Supra out that way again i a week..but forget that..man..

What a racist bitch ......!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Big Wang Bandit]

Thats ridiculous... How an someone be so ignorant like that.

Im starting to dislike my country's people more and more because of plain ignorance. Im assuming you dont get that here in CA because of a more diverse community.. But wow.

[JustAnotherVictim]

It's one thing to ask that you talk to the employees in english but to tell you to speak english is just stupid. It's a free country the last time I checked. :3d_frown:
Yea, she probably only gave you shit because of what you look like Moe.
Good to hear she knows you speak english now. :naughty:

[JustAnotherVictim]

Im starting to dislike my country's people more and more because of plain ignorance. Im assuming you dont get that here in CA because of a more diverse community.. But wow.
I get that kind of shit here man. It's never isolated just kept under wraps or thought but not spoken.

[Big Wang Bandit]

Thats horrid. I guess being a "majority" (read. White) I dont deal with this. Except from the homies/gangstas(don't anyone take that the wrong way) around here.

Supra owners against Racisim!

[cartel1_950]

thats brutal man good for you for putting that b@$#% in her place. nothing worse than rascist people

[92turbo4life]

+1 for cussing her

[Jayhall]

you know what really gets under my skin, when i walk into a ast food joint (mcdonalds, BK, DQ ect..) and everyone behind the counter are talking in their own language. I order my food and they start speaking in their own language again. Call my a rascist if you must, but how do i know what they are saying to each other, are they talking about me?? How am i to know?? Now 4 guys out front of a store might make me a little uncomfertable (sp) but that was unnessicary, you should have slapped the white trash whore back to the trailer park. Like my mom said, "if you dont have anything nice to say, dont say anything at all"

[suprastanger507mgte]

you know what really gets under my skin, when i walk into a ast food joint (mcdonalds, BK, DQ ect..) and everyone behind the counter are talking in their own language. I order my food and they start speaking in their own language again. Call my a rascist if you must, but how do i know what they are saying to each other, are they talking about me?? How am i to know?? Now 4 guys out front of a store might make me a little uncomfertable (sp) but that was unnessicary, you should have slapped the white trash whore back to the trailer park. Like my mom said, "if you dont have anything nice to say, dont say anything at all"

At work and dealing with customers and so forth, ofcourse I will speak in English. But if I am on my time, in public with my friends, and not addressing anyone who does not speak my language ...I have no reason to speak English.

Four guys in front of a Starbucks drinking frappuchino and walking towards their car is not a cause for alarm or suspicion....thats bs..

[tonysupra]

From WA to Connecticut, ignorance in the racism sense exists at an extremely shocking rate. I am a minority and have had several experiences with ignorant people. I have shed a lot of blood (literally) to stand up against ignorance but come to realize that it exists in all races. Because of these experiences I sometimes live my life in paranoia, it’s truly sad. But I will not tolerate it. I’m glad you cursed them out. If it were me, I’d be in jail right now. Mind you, I wouldn’t hit a female though. I'm sure this will not be the last time you encounter something like this.

[suprahero]

Can't say that I know how you feel. I'm white and I live in Alabama. We have a lot of racist people in the south, but so do all of you wherever you live. Ignorance is not contained in just one state. It's everywhere. I only hope and pray that it gets better before it gets worse.

Someone on here said "Supra owners against racism" That's almost the whole word for the soarer. I think that's what it's called. I know I've read about a soarer on here before. I can't remember, but I think it was a car from japan that we get motors out of. Just thought I would throw that in there........lol

[JustAnotherVictim]

Well come up with something for the E and R. :D

[suprahero]

Supra Owners Against Random Everyday Racism.................:cool:

I'm sure someone will come up with something better. Everyone knows Weezl is the writer and producer guy.................lol

[MDCmotorsports]

Well Im 1/2 1/2 on this.

Was the way she approached you wrong? Yes.

Was she racist or call you the n word? Sounds to me like no.

Should you speak English here? Yes

Are you free to speak another tongue? Yes

Did she have the right to tell you her opinion? Yes

Did you want to hear it? No.

Not racism, just some ones strong view of Americana.

[89jdm7m]

:werd: +1 for cussing her

[89jdm7m]

Well Im 1/2 1/2 on this.

Was the way she approached you wrong? Yes.

Was she racist or call you the n word? Sounds to me like no.

Should you speak English here? Yes

Are you free to speak another tongue? Yes

Did she have the right to tell you her opinion? Yes

Did you want to hear it? No.

Not racism, just some ones strong view of Americana.

dude, she TOLD him to speak in english "because it's the best language"
i'm 100% american, which means i'm part everything... native american, english, irish, you name it... but, IMHO he can speak to his friends in whatever the hell language he wants to... he's talking to his friends... what she did was purely ignorant, and outrageously rude...

[Yellow 13]

Old white women (and men) have nothing better to do than knit and be rascist. Almost every old white person Ive met still acts like its the 50's.

[MDCmotorsports]

dude, she TOLD him to speak in english "because it's the best language"
i'm 100% american, which means i'm part everything... native american, english, irish, you name it... but, IMHO he can speak to his friends in whatever the hell language he wants to... he's talking to his friends... what she did was purely ignorant, and outrageously rude...


You are correct sir. Again, freedom of speech for both parties.

Not racism.

[JustAnotherVictim]

I doubt she would have said anything if he was speaking French, or German.
She only bothered him because he's of Indian descent. (I know him personally.)

She saw a brown man and instantly thought of an Arab. Did she attack him? No. Should she have bothered him? Not at all. She can say what she wants, but that doesn't mean she should. English is not "THE" best language and she needs to keep her mouth shut and mind her own business.

[89jdm7m]

agree with both of yall... there is no clearly best language, and english is DEFFINATELY not the best langauge... it's so muttled, and non-uniform, it doesn't even make sense (speaking from the perspective of someone trying to learn the language)

[Yellow 13]

Im trying to learn Japanese and its way easier than English. Except you have to talk really fast.

[suprastanger507mgte]

I doubt she would have said anything if he was speaking French, or German.
She only bothered him because he's of Indian descent. (I know him personally.)

She saw a brown man and instantly thought of an Arab. Did she attack him? No. Should she have bothered him? Not at all. She can say what she wants, but that doesn't mean she should. English is not "THE" best language and she needs to keep her mouth shut and mind her own business.

Exactly.
I grew up in Fiji Islands, and English is the common language there. If you did not do well in English, one would automatically have to repeat the whole school year so that they can pass and advance to the next class.So we took English pretty seriously.
I learnt ands spoke English all my life and am fluent in it. But I speak English where appropriate.
No one should tell me when and what I should speak what language. That is my choice and I am iintelligent enough to make sure I do not speak my language when other people of diifferent cultures are around me and I am addressing them.
If I am in a casual place with friends then I can speak what I want...

[kwnate]

English is what americans speak.

And why the hell is this not in off topic? Are you implying that NWesterners are all racists? Or do you want us in the NW to console you and apologize for somebody speaking their mind? :dunno:

[JustAnotherVictim]

He didn't imply all NWesterners were racists, that's just where he happened to be at the time. Just because english is spoken here doesn't mean you are obligated to speak it 24/7. Freedom of speech, not freedom to only speak english.

[suprastanger507mgte]

English is what americans speak.

And why the hell is this not in off topic? Are you implying that NWesterners are all racists? Or do you want us in the NW to console you and apologize for somebody speaking their mind? :dunno:

I think you missed the thread's Heading.
No, I did not imply anywhere in my post that all NorthWesterner's are Racist. I don't need anyones sympathy either...Don't need it.

I asked because I plan to be driving my Supra that way again do not wan't to encounter that again...kinda keep away from towns like that.

btw , Americans speak nothing but gibberish...the English language here has become so twisted and over simplified that when I go to a real English speaking country, they hardly can understand my English.....then they go.." aahh you from USa....u speaking slang..wtf..???

I asked here because I have a better understanding of what it is since you most of the people posting here is from that region ... plus keeps people who have no clue talking crap here about something they don't know about..

[bkma71]

I don't know what everybody else said in this one cuz I didnt read everything, but my oppinion is any other language is fine to be spoken wherever pleased. However I am pissed to the fact that just because all these hispanic people live in america that we have to learn their language and in many cases are required to speak it. It would be nice to have one universal language across the world, cuz I hate when my family comes and starts speaking dutch and I can't understand them. but thats from lack on my part too so whatever.

[kwnate]

Better not go anywhere, people will speak their mind wherever you go...

[JustAnotherVictim]

Still doesn't change the fact it's none of her business.

[kwnate]

::salute:: :icon_mull Washington is full of Racists, don't come here.

[suprahero]

It was the great philosopher Rodney King that muttered the unforgetable words..............Can't we all just get along?....................:biglaugh:

[JustAnotherVictim]

::salute:: :icon_mull Washington is full of Racists, don't come here.
Don't worry I'm not planning on it. :icon_bigg

[mattsplat72]

Wow all I have to say is C ant U nderstand N ormal T hinking

[ChadMKIII]

Im trying to learn Japanese and its way easier than English. Except you have to talk really fast.

:werd:

Me too. And, it is TIMES easier than English.

Allow me to qualify this by saying I'm white and have lived in the Bay Area all my life, and only know English-and a lil Japanese-, but English really does suck. As a matter of fact, it seems like one of the worst languages ever. 'Here's the rules for grammar, and here are the exceptions.' But there are just as many exceptions as those that follow the rule. :-)

I've thought about people speaking other languages in America before, and heres what I feel: As long as you know English enough that you can easily participate in normal English speaking society, its great that you talk in anaother language. As a matter of fact, gorwing up in the Bay, I hear tons of languages every day, and when I go places like the midwest, it gets really boring:-). I kinda enjoy it!

Yeah, so that lady was a total moron. Sorry you have to encounter that kinda crap.

/rant

[suprra_girl]

i think you should be able to talk in your own language whenever you feel its the time to do so... she was rude.. she could have just kept her opinion to herself but instead would rather offend you

the only time i get really pissed with anyone talking another language is when they are serving food (takeaways, restaurants etc) we like to be asked what we would like etc in proper english etc
they can talk in their language in their own time or to their chef's etc
one of my pet peeves of the language barrier is ppl from other countries that come here, open a food shop of any sort and the only english they actually know is their menu grrrrrr

so cliffnotes:

1. it's your right to speak your language
2. its great to have another language but when you're around english speaking only people it's only polite to speak in english also :)
3. other languages fascinate me too :D

and if anything is taken in offense it's not intended k :)

[Allan_MA70]

we should all speak klingon as a universal language http://www.kli.org/

[bkma71]

we should all speak klingon as a universal language http://www.kli.org/
I agree, except I don't really want to be refrenced to a tv show alein lol.

[Boostedstr8six]

For those defending the offensive behavior of the woman: Reverse the roles. How would you feel? Would you drop to your hands and knees, start licking her boots and slavishly apologize for daring to speak a language she doesn't understand in her presence?

I didn't think so.


Of course the reaction was not a good one but I can understand it. I'm a "white" guy and I hear people all the time spouting their ignorant, unfounded, and fear based puke. It's rarely directed at me but it still makes me sick and really pisses me off sometimes.

It's alarming to see this country following the same downward spiraling path that consumed Germany (and many other societies throughout history) and set ideal conditions for the rise of a Fascist state.

This kind of attitude is always around but it is getting so bad that a co-worker said he would kill me if we were in Iraq at the same time because I am strongly against our illegal invasion/occupation/torture/etc. What made that even more shocking is I'm a veteran of OSW, ONE, and OEF.....and this guy is prime enlistment age (22) but won't join, and even said he would dodge a draft....WTF!!??

I'm ranting but this is a very common mentality of people who act this way....

[encomiast]

I agree that the "lady"'s remark was really uncalled for and very rude. If I had been in your situation, I probably wouldn't even have known what to say.
There are many 2nd generation immigrants over here too, but I'd never strike on the idea of telling them to chatter in German :wtf:

As for the English language, I actually like it quite a lot, having learned it along with French and Latin at school and still learning new bits every day. I find it fascinating how many flavours there are and how it's constantly evolving due to the massive amount of English speakers in the world.
If you want to see an overly complicated language, try German :D
Talk about three genders for nouns, upper and lower case, etc. :nono:

[JustAnotherVictim]

German always sounds so powerful though. You could be saying something nice and you sound pissed, I love it. :D

[Big Wang Bandit]

Ja!
Er. oops

[empera]

It was the great philosopher Rodney King that muttered the unforgetable words..............Can't we all just get along?....................:biglaugh:

tell lebanon* and israel that... :icon_mad:

[ChadMKIII]

tell lebanon* and israel that... :icon_mad:

True, just don't forget who the aggressor is.

Israel is just trying to frikkin survive, Hezbollah et al have made it their mission to destroy Israel. You gotta feel sorry for em, actually.

[NATAN666]

You are correct sir. Again, freedom of speech for both parties.

Not racism.
I usually agree with you but i dunno... I don't see how you couldn't assume she was making the comment soley because he's brown. Look at the state of affairs right now in the US. I would bet $50 that she thought to herself "Damn ____(insert racist term here), Speaking their damn jibba jabba, i'ma show them who really owns this town." Completely racist in my opinion. I don't see how she could have a problem with a language. Does it SOUND offensive? i think not. Is she interested in what you're saying? Probabl not. to me there is no other explanation for this than racism. Racism invoked indirectly by propoganda.

[tonysupra]

I usually agree with you but i dunno... I don't see how you couldn't assume she was making the comment soley because he's brown. Look at the state of affairs right now in the US. I would bet $50 that she thought to herself "Damn ____(insert racist term here), Speaking their damn jibba jabba, i'ma show them who really owns this town." Completely racist in my opinion. I don't see how she could have a problem with a language. Does it SOUND offensive? i think not. Is she interested in what you're saying? Probabl not. to me there is no other explanation for this than racism. Racism invoked indirectly by propoganda.

Well said.

[supraman7mgte]

Well,aparently you DO speak English,and cursed her out USING English. You have a diploma,and she do not have(redneck English)
As much as that comment does have value,(coming from Cali,home of the Mexican immigrant) it was just out of place there.

[suprastanger507mgte]

True, just don't forget who the aggressor is.

Israel is just trying to frikkin survive, Hezbollah et al have made it their mission to destroy Israel. You gotta feel sorry for em, actually.

IF you snatch someones country, cut it up in half and give it to someone else...ofcourse they will be angry.....I blame Britian for creating these kinda chaos in the worls. Everyplace the meddled around, they created division and wars and ethnics violece. India / Pakistan is another example.

[cadman]

About speaking English here in the US:
Speaking Japanese, French, German or any other Language here in the USA is perfactly acceptable in my oppinion. It's when you're doing it, where you're doing it, and who you're around that could even remotely be a factor. There is no reason that woman should have said what she said, in that way. I would have been very upset as well.

However, hearing how you handled that situation didn't help your standings and her attitude toward that type of behavior. I agree with you that it did sound racist. I agree with you that there is no way she should have said something like that. I disagree with how you handled it, only because of how it impacts how she now views you, and your friends, and for that matter, others who look like you.

Just so you know where I'm coming from, I hang around people all the time that speak other languages around me, and it only bothers me if I think they're making fun of me. And yeah... sure they do. So what? If I don't like it I'll leave, it is a "free" Country.

May I suggest an alternate way of handling such a rude person, wherein a positive outcome could be reached.
"I'm sorry, I was not aware that our conversation was bothering you in that way. However, I do not believe the way you stated your concern was at all intended to reach a positive outcome, and that provides me some insite to how shallow your request is. In the future, you might want to think about what you say, rather than causing yourself to look racist and insecure. I will do this, I will speak English for the time I remain in your hearing range, as to make you feel more comfortable around me, even though you had no such intentions."

Think before you speak. Think of how you will make yourself look, and all others that look like you. Think of how you could possibly put a positive spin on a very negative situation. If we all thought through things we say a little more, we might see that cussing and swearing at someone who already doesn't like you, would only make matters worse for you and people who look like you.

That was just my humble oppinion.

[MKivSupra_Rob]

Definatly racist and rude, you can speak whatever language you want, you wernt talking to them or about them, so why is it her hillbilly-ass's business what language you speak. The only time i get offended by other people speaking their own languages is if they're obviously talking about me to eachother so i cant understand, and even thats only them being rude. There is no excuse for the way that bitch acted but most old people were just raised to act like that and they dont (and most never will) understand what a free country is.

Up here in canada we basically have people from all over (great for culture, getting to know so many, its amazing, like travelling the world and meeting people, but in the comfort of your very own city.) But here other languages/religions and stuff are 100% accepted, ofcourse you get the old racist geezers and punk wanna be neo-nazi homos, but other then that the other 99.9% of the population is open to not only tolerate other cultures but learn and be interested in them and such. Not that the states are not like this also, im just saying the usa seems to have alot more people who view "foreigners" as inferior. Really, North america, we're all foreigners a few generations back.

[Aaron J Williams]

Racism invoked indirectly by propoganda.

Ponder this, maybe this misguided woman is a symptom of a much larger problem.America used to be a 'melting pot' where the world came to be american. Now, thanks to a certain political group we have hyphenated americans who instead of melting, try to change their little part of america into a reflection of their 'homeland'. Bi-lingual education is a good example of this. This is promoted by politicians who want to keep americans subjugated and powerless so they can have greater power for themselves. There are people who see this happening and so there is a strong undercurrent of anger because they can't stop it and every time they hear people talking in a different language it makes the anger surface. They fear that America of old is dying and they are powerless to stop it and they don't like it.

I don't condone this kind of reaction and I think the encounter was handled badly on all sides. Remember, fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering.

[TrqMnstr]

About speaking English here in the US:
Speaking Japanese, French, German or any other Language here in the USA is perfactly acceptable in my oppinion. It's when you're doing it, where you're doing it, and who you're around that could even remotely be a factor. There is no reason that woman should have said what she said, in that way. I would have been very upset as well.

However, hearing how you handled that situation didn't help your standings and her attitude toward that type of behavior. I agree with you that it did sound racist. I agree with you that there is no way she should have said something like that. I disagree with how you handled it, only because of how it impacts how she now views you, and your friends, and for that matter, others who look like you.

Just so you know where I'm coming from, I hang around people all the time that speak other languages around me, and it only bothers me if I think they're making fun of me. And yeah... sure they do. So what? If I don't like it I'll leave, it is a "free" Country.

May I suggest an alternate way of handling such a rude person, wherein a positive outcome could be reached.
"I'm sorry, I was not aware that our conversation was bothering you in that way. However, I do not believe the way you stated your concern was at all intended to reach a positive outcome, and that provides me some insite to how shallow your request is. In the future, you might want to think about what you say, rather than causing yourself to look racist and insecure. I will do this, I will speak English for the time I remain in your hearing range, as to make you feel more comfortable around me, even though you had no such intentions."

Think before you speak. Think of how you will make yourself look, and all others that look like you. Think of how you could possibly put a positive spin on a very negative situation. If we all thought through things we say a little more, we might see that cussing and swearing at someone who already doesn't like you, would only make matters worse for you and people who look like you.

That was just my humble oppinion.

Wow that's one for the books. Very true, sometimes you have to think before you speak. But, we don't always practice what we preach. In the heat of the moment, you have no thought about a positive outcome. Usually, when things of this nature occur to me, I'll just make a smartass coment because I don't wanna be embarrased.
You just have to know when to "Pick your Spots" -Dave Chapelle

[mc_h]

I'm not from the northwest obviously(although I was in victoria last summer, south of the washington border)....But here's my take on it.

Yea, everybody has the right to speak their own language. You obviously know how to speak English...but why would you be speaking another language in the first place? It's America after all. Personally I get VERY annoyed when I'm standing in line at the bank and I can't understand a word of what anybody is saying around me. She was rude to you, sure...But I bet if anything, she was wondering why you wouldn't be speaking English as it is in fact, the official language.

If that makes me racist, then so be it. But if I lived in Germany for example, I'd speak German, not English there...

[JustAnotherVictim]

The whole problem with that approach is he's speaking to his friends, not to anybody who can't understand him. When you talk to people who work at places of course you should speak English but not simply because you live in America.
Freedom of speech, not freedom to speak only English.

[suprastanger507mgte]

I'm not from the northwest obviously(although I was in victoria last summer, south of the washington border)....But here's my take on it.

Yea, everybody has the right to speak their own language. You obviously know how to speak English...but why would you be speaking another language in the first place? It's America after all. Personally I get VERY annoyed when I'm standing in line at the bank and I can't understand a word of what anybody is saying around me. She was rude to you, sure...But I bet if anything, she was wondering why you wouldn't be speaking English as it is in fact, the official language.

If that makes me racist, then so be it. But if I lived in Germany for example, I'd speak German, not English there...

I think I can speak whatever language I want whenever I want.I do have a freedom of speech in this country, and yes, I am a US citizen. If I am addressing someone, who does not speak my language, then ofcourse I will. I think it is rude to try and listen on to someone elses conversation when it does not concern you. Why would you want to know what another person is talking about if you are standing in a line at a bank or any other place for that matter.Might as well just tap on their shoulder sand ask them what they are talking about...

[encomiast]

Yea, everybody has the right to speak their own language. You obviously know how to speak English...but why would you be speaking another language in the first place? It's America after all. Personally I get VERY annoyed when I'm standing in line at the bank and I can't understand a word of what anybody is saying around me. She was rude to you, sure...But I bet if anything, she was wondering why you wouldn't be speaking English as it is in fact, the official language.
Even if you say "Whoever lives in the US should only speak English in public places", would you also apply this to tourists? I wouldn't...
The "lady" can't even have known whether he was living in the US or just visiting for a few days or if he was an exchange student or whatever.

[mc_h]

I really just don't see the need to speak other languages in an English speaking country if English is in fact, the official language. I mean...what's the point?
No I don't "listen in" on peoples' conversations but at the same time, when there's conversations going on quite audibly in other languages it catches your attention.
Yes, you have the right to - But it's something I see every day here in toronto and I can't understand it to this day...

[JustAnotherVictim]

So people should just forget who they are then?

There is nothing wrong with speaking other languages as long as you take the time to learn the language that is spoken in the country you are in.

[suprastanger507mgte]

USA was never an English Speaking Country......the "immigrants" came and spoke English and made it so.English is as foreign to this country as my language is.

[coreybear08]

i havent read all the comments here..but racism as big as it is will always exsist! nothing will ever stop it....i am no racist but you look at it through the youth today and its there. Take a step into my school's lunch room...you see all the white rich kids sitting together, you see all the people from the ghetto/slums sitting together, the "wankstas" and in the halls too...white people walk with white people and black people walk with black people...

racism even occurs among the same races....some upper class white people look down on the lower class white people....upper class black people look down on the lower class black people...it is a contiueous (sp?) chain of actions and i doubt it will ever stop!

Chris Rock even touches on same race racism in some of his work....if you listen to him....he sadly makes sence.....

[Mr.SelfDestruct]

Remember, fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering.

yoda quote FTW.

if you thought spokane was bad, dont go to granite falls. they actually focus a lot on japanese people for some reason...

I know this because one of my friends is japanese and lives ther, and we usually have to take our cars anywhere instead of just walking..

[mc_h]

USA was never an English Speaking Country......the "immigrants" came and spoke English and made it so.English is as foreign to this country as my language is.

Yes, but using that analogy, no country spoke their original language practically...Ever since the US was founded, it was founded as an English speaking country. Just like Canada except we've also got French as an official language because of Quebec.

I still don't understand the need to use other languages though - Moreso in public because all it does is create an obvious seperation between people.

[JustAnotherVictim]

Yes, but using that analogy, no country spoke their original language practically...Ever since the US was stolen, it was founded as an English speaking country. Just like Canada except we've also got French as an official language because of Quebec.

I still don't understand the need to use other languages though - Moreso in public because all it does is create an obvious seperation between people.
It only creates separation if you bitch about it. I could care less if someone speaks another language as long as when they speak to me I can understand what they're saying.

[Northstar24]

For the record, the United States does not acutally have an official language. Becasue if its ass backwards education system though, the majority of non immigrant people here are only taught English.

My take on the whole language thing: If your children are going to attend our schools, they should learn English, as it is what school is taught in. Every student/teacher should not be required to learn the language of immigrants, it should be the other way around (especially when many of the immigrants feel they should not have to help pay for everyone else to learn thier language) This is a country THEY opted to come to after all, they should expect to speak whatever language is spoekn here.

That does not exuse blantant remarks like the one that the lady made towards you. I have no problem with people speaking other languages (I myself speak English and some Japanese) but when they are interacting with people in a public place, they should be using English (ie they are working or asking for assistance/service from someone)

If i were to go to another country, I don't think they would start talking in English for me, so why should I start talking in Spanish for people that came to MY country (or any other lanugage for that matter) Most business is done in English here, as it always has been. If you want to come to our country, learn to speak our language when dealing with us

Wow, that was a lot of typing, sorry for the length

[suprastanger507mgte]

For the record, the United States does not acutally have an official language. Becasue if its ass backwards education system though, the majority of non immigrant people here are only taught English.

My take on the whole language thing: If your children are going to attend our schools, they should learn English, as it is what school is taught in. Every student/teacher should not be required to learn the language of immigrants, it should be the other way around (especially when many of the immigrants feel they should not have to help pay for everyone else to learn thier language) This is a country THEY opted to come to after all, they should expect to speak whatever language is spoekn here.

That does not exuse blantant remarks like the one that the lady made towards you. I have no problem with people speaking other languages (I myself speak English and some Japanese) but when they are interacting with people in a public place, they should be using English (ie they are working or asking for assistance/service from someone)

If i were to go to another country, I don't think they would start talking in English for me, so why should I start talking in Spanish for people that came to MY country (or any other lanugage for that matter) Most business is done in English here, as it always has been. If you want to come to our country, learn to speak our language when dealing with us

Wow, that was a lot of typing, sorry for the length
Actually, the country I come from, and the level of English they teach by Grade 12, most of the students including myself will cruise through most of college level English here. By the time I was done, I had done and memorized at least 3 or four Shakespeare plays and quotes, and in that weird English too, ha-ha! I myself had to be placed in a higher English class just after a week in an ESL class that was recommended by my counselor in college here. That is after I had passed all the testing. He said just because I was a non -native speaker...wtf. Anyway, that was some years ago.

The point I am trying to make is I am no stranger to the English language. I have been speaking, reading, and writing in English since I started the very first day of school.
To give you an idea of how seriously English language is taken in my country -for any grade 1-12 or in University, if you do not get a minimum of 50% in the final / exit exams ( mind you these are tests prepared by the NZ and Australian and British education departments – All three English speaking countries) , you will have to REPEAT the whole school year.
I myself scored one of the highest scores in English in my final year, and that was highest in the country, and I have papers to prove it. :)
Everyone in my country does speak English daily so speaking, reading and writing is not an issue here.

As I stated earlier, if I need to address someone, I do so in English if they are in a business place. If I am outside in a parking lot talking to my friends who are of the same culture, then of course I will speak my language......I don't have to speak English just because I am in America...and the trees and insects and birds may not understand me...

I was not addressing that lady, nor were any of my comments directed towards her; she just butted into our conversation....

Whew ....I wrote a lot too... :) lol

[xXxICExXx]

Happens all the time up here in Canada, atleast on the pacific, especially with a certain group of ethnic background (anyone here would know exactly who i am talking about). There is nothing wrong with speaking with your pals or family in your own language when its on your own time. As a professional, when you are working, yes you should keep away from it. I work with a couple individuals at work who are always speaking their language together and CLEARLY talking about someone in the imediate area, laughing and joking around or whatever about them. That is NOT right. If you do not have something nice to say to/about someone, say it so they can understand it. If its just a conversation with your friends and its not concerning anyone and its not around your work place (especially customer service), go for it. :icon_bigg

[mc_h]

Actually, the country I come from, and the level of English they teach by Grade 12, most of the students including myself will cruise through most of college level English here. By the time I was done, I had done and memorized at least 3 or four Shakespeare plays and quotes, and in that weird English too, ha-ha! I myself had to be placed in a higher English class just after a week in an ESL class that was recommended by my counselor in college here. That is after I had passed all the testing. He said just because I was a non -native speaker...wtf. Anyway, that was some years ago.

The point I am trying to make is I am no stranger to the English language. I have been speaking, reading, and writing in English since I started the very first day of school.
To give you an idea of how seriously English language is taken in my country -for any grade 1-12 or in University, if you do not get a minimum of 50% in the final / exit exams ( mind you these are tests prepared by the NZ and Australian and British education departments – All three English speaking countries) , you will have to REPEAT the whole school year.
I myself scored one of the highest scores in English in my final year, and that was highest in the country, and I have papers to prove it. :)
Everyone in my country does speak English daily so speaking, reading and writing is not an issue here.

As I stated earlier, if I need to address someone, I do so in English if they are in a business place. If I am outside in a parking lot talking to my friends who are of the same culture, then of course I will speak my language......I don't have to speak English just because I am in America...and the trees and insects and birds may not understand me...

I was not addressing that lady, nor were any of my comments directed towards her; she just butted into our conversation....

Whew ....I wrote a lot too... :) lol

I understand what you're saying there but what I still don't understand, is: why speak a different language specifically when you're with people from the same culture? I mean, what's so different in that instance than if you were speaking with some random person you didn't know? Just my opinion, but it's an example of why it COULD be looked at promoting the racism/segregation "agenda" so to speak on the flip side: You yourself look at people of the same culture differently than others because you can speak your native language with them - Not trying to knock you down by saying that, but that's how I see it...It's being a bit counter-productive in that sense

[suprastanger507mgte]

I understand what you're saying there but what I still don't understand, is: why speak a different language specifically when you're with people from the same culture? I mean, what's so different in that instance than if you were speaking with some random person you didn't know? Just my opinion, but it's an example of why it COULD be looked at promoting the racism/segregation "agenda" so to speak on the flip side: You yourself look at people of the same culture differently than others because you can speak your native language with them - Not trying to knock you down by saying that, but that's how I see it...It's being a bit counter-productive in that sense

When you speak a language from childhood...and everyone else that grows up around you speaks it, its kinda hard not to. Its automatic.

[JustAnotherVictim]

I understand what you're saying there but what I still don't understand, is: why speak a different language specifically when you're with people from the same culture? I mean, what's so different in that instance than if you were speaking with some random person you didn't know? Just my opinion, but it's an example of why it COULD be looked at promoting the racism/segregation "agenda" so to speak on the flip side: You yourself look at people of the same culture differently than others because you can speak your native language with them - Not trying to knock you down by saying that, but that's how I see it...It's being a bit counter-productive in that sense
Why should you forget where you came from just because you live in America? That's ridiculous IMO.
Ice put it very well. In the workplace and areas where you go to shop and the workers clearly speak English yes you should also. When speaking to your friends it should have no bearing on what anyone else thinks.

[kwnate]

/thread, or move it to off topic. We don't need a racism debate in the NW section. Racism is everywhere, sorry guys...

[SupraJDS]

Dumb thread.... needs to be moved to Off Topic

[91T breezen']

Dumb thread.... needs to be moved to Off Topic

Agreed.:boink: Mods, please get this crap off of our NW section!:1zhelp:

[mattgo]

I only read the posts on the first page so if I am repeating what anyone said already, I apologize.

So here I go...

Ignorance is just ignorance. I am a minority and I have been in a situation where ignorant and prejudice comments have come my way. I usually just ignore it because the person being ignorant doesn't even know what they are talking about. Just like the woman who siad that you should speak English, she's just ignorant.

I am not trying to defend her or anything but...

I do wonder, what if she said that to a french person? or a german person? Then would she be a racist? I think not, like I said, she's just ignorant.

[Boostedstr8six]

Agreed.:boink: Mods, please get this crap off of our NW section!:1zhelp:

It's been pretty civilized and I don't think it's a 'racism' thread. It's pretty much been a cultural/philosophical/manners thread.

If you think speaking a language other than english in public, in the u.s. of A is a big no no (with exceptions for commerce and Govt. functions) then I would recommend you take a nice long trip to a country (as a civy, where applicable) where english isn't the dominant form of verbal communication. Make sure you walk at least a mile with those shoes.

Born and raised PacNW, USAF (AWACS) Vet,

-Gerard

have a nice day :D

[RHDMK3]

^^ He brings up a good point. As an American living in Japan and not being able to speak Japanese very fluently I know exactly how many of the immigrants in the US may feel. Whenever I am out in public with people, guess which language I speaK? English. When I was living back in Portland the majority of my friends that I had in middle school/h.s. were either from Russia or Ukraine. Sure they could speak English fluently but the language they spoke when amongst themselves or around me? You guessed it, Russian! Now I personally have no problem with people speaking foreign languages at all. But if you dont at least make an effort to learn the language of the land then you have no business living permantly( did I spell that right?) in the country. If you want to succeed in the US you must have a command of the English language, be it reading, writing and speaking. Now I am trying to learn Japanese but being that my native tongue is a Western one its more difficult then I previously thought. But at least I try. Now also with regards to that lady, I doubt she was truely trying to be racist and I think its sad that people these days are hyper sensitive to stuff like that. though I think she was a jackass for saying something like that, people need to realize that the right to not be offended is NOT a protected right. We do have our Second Amendment Right( freedom of speech for those not in the know) that we like to excercise vigorously.You though had just as much right to cuss her out as she did to say that blowharded statement to you.