Please order in english...

[jonessoda]

I think it's his right to do that.

Frankly, if a business owner wants to post a sign that says "absolutely NO [insert racist epithet of choice here] allowed in this restaurant," I'd think that was his right. I'd think he would be an idiot for turning away the business, and I wouldn't eat there (neither, I'm sure, would many other people whether or not they were of the banned race). But I think it's the right of a private* business owner to decide to whom he will sell his goods and services.



*operative word being "private." Government is another matter entirely.

 

[spacejamz]

Deja vu???

I knew this story sounded really familiar...this story was dated June 2006....

edit: I guess it just finally got court??? the article mentioned a hearing that happened yesterday???

 

[Parasitic]

Originally posted by: mugs

Originally posted by: Ronstang

Originally posted by: mugs
It is not a requirement that you speak English to BE a US citizen. There are in fact 4 million natural born US citizens who speak Spanish as their native language.

You are confused. English is a requirement to BECOME a citizen if you are not a legally born one. Choosing not to learn and speak the language of SUCCESS in this country is the problem of the Hispanics who want to live in their 'little Mexico' within the US and one of the problems with the illegal community. Uneducated low skilled parents spitting out kids who are citizens and then expecting the State to re-educate them to speak English after they have been brought up to only speak Spanish. This shouldn't even be a problem but our government is too weak to even enforce the immigration laws because there are too many potential voters to pander to by promising amnesty.

How am I confused? Nothing I said was inaccurate. Apparently you are the one who is confused. I'm not talking about anchor babies.

Actually, if you are filing for citizenship you're required to know some degree of English. There is one official exception, thats when you hit 65 years old you can then petition to have the exam and process administered in whatever language you prefer (but you have to cover the cost of your own translator),

 

[Parasitic]

Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo

Originally posted by: Ronstang

Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo
If he's finding that many people who speak other languages, how about menus in their own language? Maybe there's a reason he didn't do that, but with a few creative changes, you can at least offer more people an option to eat there.

Screw that bullshit. This country has been a melting pot of all nationalities and all languages for well over a century and that has never been needed because until now immigrants came to this country to become part of it. Thanks to weak government and run amok social programs the poor of the third world countries all think we owe them something so now we are flooded by low class, low skilled, poorly educated people who want us to bend our ways to cater to them. Most of these people are illegal and shouldn't even be here in the first place. They are the ones who need a reality check.

Please back up the fact that they are of low class, low skillset, and poorly educated. I don't really care what your opinion is, but would rather like to see you link to something defending what you have to say about these people.

South Philly is pretty much all that though.

 

[redgtxdi]

Hmmmm..........well, my sig has represented the problem w/ illegal immigration for...a long time. (sad, really)

Illegal immigrants get rewarded. (everything free, instant access, turn your neighborhood into little mexico)

LEGAL immigrants get punished. (fees, fees, wait, wait, learn language & ASSIMILATE!!!!)

I don't think assimilation is a punishment, but it's obviously more work than simply converting your own neighborhood into little mexico.

I'm not a racist bastard for wanting things to get done right............but I sure am glad to finally see that this country's starting to fight back for what's right.

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION..............IT ***IS*** A PROBLEM!!! :thumbsup:

 

[Tiamat]

Originally posted by: smack Down
I think he and his lawyer should have picked any random language for the trail. How long until some one on the panel asks them to use English.

That was going to be my point exactly.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: Parasitic

Originally posted by: mugs

Originally posted by: Ronstang

Originally posted by: mugs
It is not a requirement that you speak English to BE a US citizen. There are in fact 4 million natural born US citizens who speak Spanish as their native language.

You are confused. English is a requirement to BECOME a citizen if you are not a legally born one. Choosing not to learn and speak the language of SUCCESS in this country is the problem of the Hispanics who want to live in their 'little Mexico' within the US and one of the problems with the illegal community. Uneducated low skilled parents spitting out kids who are citizens and then expecting the State to re-educate them to speak English after they have been brought up to only speak Spanish. This shouldn't even be a problem but our government is too weak to even enforce the immigration laws because there are too many potential voters to pander to by promising amnesty.

How am I confused? Nothing I said was inaccurate. Apparently you are the one who is confused. I'm not talking about anchor babies.

Actually, if you are filing for citizenship you're required to know some degree of English. There is one official exception, thats when you hit 65 years old you can then petition to have the exam and process administered in whatever language you prefer (but you have to cover the cost of your own translator),

How can you not understand I'm not talking about immigrants? I said natural born US citizens.

 

[SoulAssassin]

This is why I don't go to Geno's anymore. The place is too friggin political with all the stuff about Mumia Abu-Jamal and the ordering in english signs. When I want a friggin cheesesteak I want a friggin cheesesteak...I don't want a lesson in politics. I'm not going to say Geno's doesn't have the right to do what they do but it's a world-famous destination for people coming into Philly and they should welcome the people from all over the world no matter what language they speak. To me, as a native from the area, I find it embarrassing we would treat visitors to our city like this.

If anyone needs me I'll be across the street at Pat's eating my provolone without.

 

[Deeko]

How many of you are from the Philly area?

I'll start by saying I'm a Pat's fans, I detest Geno's and everyone that chooses it over Pat's.

That said, GOOD FOR HIM! If you've been there, then you understand how obnoxiously busy Pat's and Geno's are, at all hours of the day. The ordering process is quick and efficient (its actually much like the Soup Nazi in Seinfeld, at least it is at Pat's...if you take too long, they take the next person's order). Say what you want about them not being "customer friendly", but they still make millions and are still packed all the time. Even WITH this "poor customer service", the line is constantly wrapped around the building. If someone can't speak English to order, they hold up the line.

They shouldn't make picture menus. They aren't discriminating against anyone, nor are they showing that they don't want the business of particular races. They are keeping their process efficient, and it is their right to do so. Good for them, I hope they win, it would be a win not only for Geno's but for the thousands of customers that wait in line outside in the freezing cold (and don't want to wait longer cuz someone in line can't speak english)

 

[dbk]

Someone should get a group together and just order in foreign languages one by one.

 

[Throckmorton]

Originally posted by: ironwing

Originally posted by: se7en
I wonder what crowd would find it racist if the sign had read "Please order in PROPER english".

We'd all be starvin'.

Exactly. No one speaks the Queen's English in everyday life

 

[Throckmorton]

Originally posted by: ric1287

Originally posted by: Throckmorton

Originally posted by: BUTCH1

Originally posted by: Throckmorton

Originally posted by: TheVrolok

Camille Charles, a sociology professor at the University of Pennsylvania, testified that Vento's signs harken back to the "Whites only" postings of the Jim Crow era.

Seriously? People are out of their minds. The guy wants his servers to be able to understand the customer which will hasten service and reduce problems. English is the primary - and only - official language in this country, isn't it? I'm a pretty liberal guy and even I think it's pretty extreme to call this sign racist. If I walked into Best Buy speaking Finnish, would it be ok for me to get angry because I wasn't assisted in my preferred tongue?

***** please. Did you look at his sign? "This is America, speak English". This is America, go back to Italy and take your mafia with you, Mr. Vento. This is my god damn country and I would appreciate it if that knee-breaking Vinny would stop misusing my national symbols for his jingoistic BS.

That "knee-breaking Vinny" happens to be more of a patriot than you are, everyone who emigrated here in the past
regardless of their background learned to speak english...

Yet according to this idiot, someone who is still learning to speak English does not yet deserve the right to order in a restaurant? Tourists don't either?! Why doesn't Geno go to Europe or Mexico and stop Americans from ordering in English?

who says they are "still learning to speak English"? The majority of illegals i have come across could care less about speaking English and will never bother learning since we cater to them.

Illegals? Where does his sign say anything about illegals??

 

[Vonkhan]

I speak better English than Mr. Vento & I'd rather give my money to his competition.

Picture menu ftw

 

[Deeko]

oh and breifly on the subject of "official language" - The US does not have an official language, but many states do (in PA a bill passed in the house to make english official - I believe it was defeated in the senate EDIT: I checked, the senate just never acted on the bill, the house reintroduced it this october). In reality, it means very little. Just what the government has to provide - spanish tax forms, for example. The citizens can still speak whatever they want, and that's fine....but Geno's doesn't have to accept orders in those languages.

 

[Dessert Tears]

Originally posted by: spacejamz
Deja vu???

I knew this story sounded really familiar...this story was dated June 2006....

edit: I guess it just finally got court??? the article mentioned a hearing that happened yesterday???

Threads from June 2006: P&N OT

Originally posted by: herm0016
what the article does not say, is that the people there will help others that cannot order in english to do so. they help them sound it out and get what they want. hes not just saying you cant eat here, but he is saying i want to help you learn english to make it easier to get you what you want.

From June 2006 article included in both old threads
Vento said his staff is glad to help non-native speakers order in English and has never turned someone away because of a language barrier.

...

Customers placing orders on a recent morning seemed unfazed.

Angelica Marquez, 22 and originally from Puerto Rico, ordered in well-spoken English, but said some of her relatives struggle with the language. "They always come and just say 'cheesesteak,"' Marquez said, adding that the policy "bothers her some" but not enough to keep her away.

When a non-English speaking customer showed up at the window a short time later, a clerk patiently coached him through the process. Eventually, both said "cheesesteak."

 

[mordantmonkey]

wow, i agreed with the shop owner until i saw his sign. *barf* he deserves whatever he gets for displaying that clusterfuck of patriotic schlock.

I wonder if there would have been such a fuss if it was just a simple text sign that said, "please order in english, thank you"?

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: mordantmonkey
wow, i agreed with the shop owner until i saw his sign. *barf* he deserves whatever he gets for displaying that clusterfuck of patriotic schlock.

I wonder if there would have been such a fuss if it was just a simple text sign that said, "please order in english, thank you"?

I don't think there would be.

 

[waggy]

his business his choice. i also hope he wins the case. If you have a problem with his decision don't eat at his shop. seems easy enough for me.

 

[Anubis]

My great grandfather and grandmother came to the US at the turn of the last century legally and they did NOT teach their kids Italian because "This is America and we speak English here"

I support that statement, I don?t care what you think about it, and EVERYONE in the US should learn English, official language BS or not

 

[gophins72]

Originally posted by: mordantmonkey
wow, i agreed with the shop owner until i saw his sign. *barf* he deserves whatever he gets for displaying that clusterfuck of patriotic schlock.

I wonder if there would have been such a fuss if it was just a simple text sign that said, "please order in english, thank you"?

 

[Jeff7]

Originally posted by: TheVrolok

Camille Charles, a sociology professor at the University of Pennsylvania, testified that Vento's signs harken back to the "Whites only" postings of the Jim Crow era.

Seriously? People are out of their minds. The guy wants his servers to be able to understand the customer which will hasten service and reduce problems. English is the primary - and only - official language in this country, isn't it? I'm a pretty liberal guy and even I think it's pretty extreme to call this sign racist. If I walked into Best Buy speaking Finnish, would it be ok for me to get angry because I wasn't assisted in my preferred tongue?

And last I knew, people can change the language they speak. Ancestry and race cannot be changed.

English is not the official language because politicians are wusses, and people are stupid.
"Oh, you want English to be the official language? You're going to start shooting foreigners next! I won't vote for you again!" :roll:

Engish is just a form of communicating, and effective communication is crucial to a smoothly functioning society.

On a side note, one thing amused me about Star Trek. It was always, "Do you speak Klingon/Romulan/Ferengi/whatever?" There was always just one language for each species. You never heard, "Do you speak Terran?" Sure, we got a few hundred languages to choose from, which one do you want?

Originally posted by: Rubycon
Text

I think it's time for someone to take a nap. And maybe a few Valium tablets.:Q

Originally posted by: DrPizza
Actually, although he'd lose some customers, he might also gain customers - the people who have a 30 minute lunch break and are sick of getting stuck in line behind a customer who can't communicate to the people waiting on him.

Agreed. Being able to communicate is always essential, even in the simplest aspects of life.

 

[thirtythree]

I don't think it would be a big deal to just have a "Please order in English" sign, but the sign says "This is America: Please when ordering speak English." Seems kinda of arrogant and poorly worded to me. Also, how does he expect people who can't read English to be able to read the sign? A numbered menu with pictures would probably work out well enough.

 

[TheVrolok]

Originally posted by: Deeko
How many of you are from the Philly area?

I'll start by saying I'm a Pat's fans, I detest Geno's and everyone that chooses it over Pat's.

Agreed.

 

[Throckmorton]

Originally posted by: Anubis
My great grandfather and grandmother came to the US at the turn of the last century legally and they did NOT teach their kids Italian because "This is America and we speak English here"

I support that statement, I don?t care what you think about it, and EVERYONE in the US should learn English, official language BS or not

They should have taught their kids Italian, but that's not how people thought back then. Remember, there was also segregation and union busting in those days...

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: mugs
Just give them a cheesesteak. They'll pay for it and eat it. Doesn't matter what language they speak.

Because the fuckers don't just want a cheesesteak. They want it customized in their native tongue. We have the reverse of this down here, none of the fast food people speak english.

Still they need just a limited vocabulary, but try to order a burger here with no 'mayo/ketchup/mustard/etc' and they usually have to go in the back and find an english speaker.

I believe speaking english should be a requirement of being in the US. Not that you can't speak your own tongue, just that when you are speaking those that are not of your background there needs to be a common ground or the system breaks down quickly.