” atti
tudes during the apparent unpleasant exchange. Mr. Essling is not without fault in this situation. Conflict cannot result if there is only one side.
Mr. Essling goes on to cite a number grievances that he has suffered at the hands of Mexican fast food employees. To be honest, the attitude I have often received from Caucasian teens as if my placing an order in the establishment they're working inconveniences them. Not to mention the number of times I have had Caucasian teenagers get my order wrong while they were busy “visiting” with their friends. Finally, Mr. Essling stresses the potential danger involved with the drink mix-up. Any diabetic knowing their drink selections would have taken one sip of the raspberry flavored drink and known immediately that the drink could cause health issues. It's diabetes, not a peanut allergy. Oh, and let's not forget to note that he mocks the woman's attempt at speaking English to him.
Mr. Essling quotes Governor Schwarzenegger, whose native Austria's official languages include German, Slovenian, Croation, and Hungaria, as stating “as an immigrant whose second language is English, I know the importance of mastering English as quickly and as comprehensively as possible...” Most of “them” (immigrants) known the importance of learning English and live in areas that promote multi-languages with the exception of the impoverished.
Although Mr. Essling isn't alone in his arrogance and intolerance of immigrants and foreign language, he has sown seeds of hate and distrust creating a flagrant “us/we” versus “them” attitude at Insight. As exemplified by Mr. Tony Neal's recent article “You Must Be Bi-lingual: Why?”.
Mr. Neal also places a definitive “them” and “we” tone to his article delineating a need for an either/or resolution. His opinion is riddled with inaccuracies and vague references.
Mr. Neal feels that “other” immigrants do not force their culture upon us. However, he neglects to mention how someone has "forced" their culture upon him. New immigrants, as a rule, develop communities within communities so as to preserve their cultures and insultate themselves. I would suggest that China-town is a prime example, and is Mr. Neal familiar with the Saturday schools that Polish-Americans attend in order to preserve their culture?
Frankly, I don't understand Mr. Neal's statement that he doesn't feel that he should have to learn to speak Spanish because he is Black. And frankly, there is no such language as African. Africa is a continent comprised of over 200 languages and a variety of native languages. Granted, each country has adopted an official language, most of which originated outside of the continent. In any event, what does his being Black have to do with his learning Spanish? Who is “forcing” Mr. Neal to learn Spanish. One can only come to the conclusion that, because his ancestors were forcibly brought to America where their culture was removed Mr. Neal feels a need for retribution. Clearly Mr. Neal feels it was wrong for the ancestors of Black Americans to be forced to give up their language and culture, and it was wrong. Why, then does he demand that Mexican immigrants do so?
Oh, and let's not delude ourselves Mr. Neal. The jobs that illegal immigrants hold are certainly not forcing Americans out of working class jobs. Employers can not knowingly employ illegal immigrants. Some sort of paperwork must be produced so that taxes can be withheld. These same illegal immigrants do contribute to social security, and do pay taxes under the social security numbers they have purchased from the nearest “American” willing to make a buck off of someone else's misfortune. The sad part, “they” do not file for a tax return. “They” do not collect Social Security. You find me ten “working class Americans” that want to man the counter at the local fast food restaurant, mow your grass or wash your dishes for the same pay received by these immigrants and I'll concede you are right.
Again, I point to the American arrogance dominated by Mr. Neal's article. “I am not going to have this culture ripped from me, because I am an American who will only speak English”. Mr. Neal, I would like to welcome you to the global market where employers seek out not just those employees who are bi-lingual employees, but those employees that are multi-lingual. Best of luck.
Historically, it remains a fact that many Mexicans became Americans but not by crossing any borders. Instead the border crossed them. The United States annexed Texas over the protest of Mexico and later acquired more of Mexico's territory including land that has since become Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada and Utah. It's sad that Mexicans, whether they are Mexican-American, a legal or an illegal immigrant, are under fire and “we” assume that every Mexican “we” come in contact with is an illegal alien or unwilling to learn to speak English.
The United States is the second largest Spanish speaking country in the world. Kudos to those who embrace their language and culture.
Tammy Caltagirone