Metro Atlanta Publix to have signs in Spanish. Debate... (Washington: home, neighborhood)

[JPD]

So, mexicans are lazy? I guess that's why we give them our most labor intensive jobs. Makes perfect sense.

[Merin]

This thread has turned out alot better then I thought it would. I have no issue with this. We go to Europe at least once a year, everyone other there speaks at least 2 languages.

[MisterNY]

Good points everyone. I dont have a big problem with Publix doing it, but from experience in South Florida, it does no good in the long term.

There is nothing wrong with tolerance, acceptance and inclusion. But the line has to be drawn somewhere. While it's not a big issue for a private company like Publix to put spanish as an option, I dont see it right for them not to include Mandarin or French. This is where the problem begins.
I dont think they will put it either, because these cultures make it their duty to learn the language. No handouts for bilingualism for them, so they learn. There should be no preferential treatment for latinos, because they are the second largest group in the USA. Makes no sense since the hundreds of other groups that dont speak English as their native language learn the language.

I speak a few languages (my mother is South African born, of Belgian origin, so I had to learn and speak French at home). I learned Spanish on my own. (I speak, read and write it. Not the best, but good enough to live in any Latin country ). I lived in the Dominican Republic for a short while too. I learned the language, and did not expect the locals to speak English to me.

What I dont like is when people who have been here for more than 20 years (I'm speaking of many Latinos down in Miami), and never learn the language, I have an issue with that. How can you be in a country for 20+ years, and not speak a word of English, and look at me as if I'm crazy when I say "Hablas Ingles?" (To those who dont understand, it means, "Do you speak English"?).
South Florida has a large population of Latinos and Caribbeans. You also have Haitians and French Canadians that learn and speak the language. What's so hard for the latinos to learn? It's the tolerance. Nothing more.

If you are going to make this country your home, have some decency to learn the language. Accent or no accent, learn it, practice it, speak it. There are plenty of Adult Education classes available to learn and practice. It becomes a burden when taxpayers have to put out more money for programs (ESL/ESOL) that some dont even take advantage of.

In South Florida, the whole language barrier is a nightmare. There are plenty of Latinos that speak English, but there are some that make no effort to learn it, simply because they dont have to. Everything is in Spanish down here, from Billboard signs to the Radio DJs on English speaking radio stations throwing something in Spanish the avg citizen may not understand. I understand, but it's not fair for the person who moved from Nebraska and needs instructions, direction or just plain help.

There's a level of tolerance one can only take. Should we also include ebonics, since there are some that may not make the effort to speak proper English? It may be an extreme example, but what's everyone's opinion on that?

I'm by no means racist. This is not a racist post. I'm very accepting of everyone. Im of mixed heritage and culture, my wife is Black (caribbean).
I literrally embrace every race, culture, religion, form of music, art etc.. but somethings need to be said about some things.

I think Publix can do whatever they want, but is it a step in the right direction? NO!! Plus it's lazy. You go shopping for MILK, why should I put "LECHE"under 'MILK'? Isnt the avg person smart enough to know that it's milk to begin with? It's right there, isn't it? . The sign in Spanish is redundant to begin with. Just something to think about.

[MisterNY]

Originally Posted by Merin

This thread has turned out alot better then I thought it would. I have no issue with this. We go to Europe at least once a year, everyone other there speaks at least 2 languages.

Same here. We visit my relatives and friends in Europe when we can. I was in France and Switzerland last summer. You are right. I get around with no problems, and no language barrier issues. English and French are two languages I speak fluently, and do well in Spanish. The mentality over there is totally different, but so is the language issue.

[anadyr21]

Originally Posted by atlantagreg30127

Ok, first before I post the story link, let me just say that it's a good topic for debate, BUT, if people get out of hand, it'll be shut down. The terms of service for the site are still in effect here. Voice your opinion, but keep it civil.

The topic: A Publix grocery store in Norcross is now adding 1500 Spanish items to their shelves, and the store signage will now all be in English and Spanish.

Their argument: 50% of their local customers are Hispanic. Other arguments: It's an insult to Americans and causes Spanish immigrants here to not have to learn the language when you cater via signs, etc. Debate it and once again, keep it civil and on topic.

Story: Switch To Spanish Sparks Debate At Norcross Publix - News Story - WSB Atlanta

I lived in Texas for a few years, so it's not a big deal for me. I got used to everything, including phone calls and letters from school, spoken and written in English and Spanish. While I don't think we should HAVE to learn Spanish, the reality is we may need to. We are not all of a sudden going to have all of the Spanish speakers learn English. I'm more frustrated by the Korean signage with no English.

[billl]

Originally Posted by anadyr21

I'm more frustrated by the Korean signage with no English.

At least with Spanish I have some hope of pronouncing it (especially since I've studied some Spanish). But its pretty hopeless when all I see is: 식료품점

[Mattie]

When we left So. FL three years ago, the local CVS had signs in both Spanish and English, but the Spanish was what showed as you walked into the store. Most of the South Americans where I lived were bilingual, but chose to speak Spanish. Good luck finding a job down there if you can't speak it, blue collar or white collar. Meanwhile, they did away with foreign language in elementary schools, when it is easiest to learn. I don't think it can be both ways. If they want our society to be Spanish inclusive, start it in kindergarten.

BTW, I've noticed Pantene shampoo labels have been in predominately Spanish for months now.

[RainyRainyDay]

Originally Posted by MisterNY

Good points everyone. I dont have a big problem with Publix doing it, but from experience in South Florida, it does no good in the long term.

There is nothing wrong with tolerance, acceptance and inclusion. But the line has to be drawn somewhere. While it's not a big issue for a private company like Publix to put spanish as an option, I dont see it right for them not to include Mandarin or French. This is where the problem begins.
I dont think they will put it either, because these cultures make it their duty to learn the language. No handouts for bilingualism for them, so they learn.

By French in Florida, I presume you're meaning the numerous French Canadian snowbirds? If those are the folks you mean, the comment about "no handouts for bilingualism" is beyond funny. Not in the US, because it's not their country, but at home....!

Lest anyone think I'm a member of the English-only party here, I should say that like most English Canadians, I roll my eyes at times over some of the costs of Canada's official bilingualism, but support it by and large. Here in the US, I think the Spanish speakers will assimilate in a generation or two, just like the immigrant Italians, Jews, Poles, Germans, etc. did in generations past. Meanwhile, Publix should serve its customers however it sees fit.

[compelled to reply]

Uh oh, where are all the Floridians gonna go now...

[David Alleyne]

I really don't see a problem with it. Spanish is already on some of the products at the store (like popcorn) and we'll have to start getting used to this anyway (I can adapt to Spanish better than Mandarin).