Should English be the official language of the United States?

[chicagonut]

Originally Posted by Mach50

I like the openness of not restricting the language, it sets the US apart.

How would making English our official national language restrict language? Many states have adopted English as their official language already and everyone is still allowed to speak any language they want.

[Harrier]

Originally Posted by malamute

No it isn't. You obviously have not been to the areas of the USA where it is not. And yes employers can discriminate against English speaking black Americans as well as against whites. They can require native Spanish fluency and get by with having 100% hispanic employees.

Where I live Spanish is the de facto language, more jobs require Spanish fluency than English fluency, Walmart announcements are in Spanish. And in California, they're now forcing American kids to learn in Spanish -- not just forced to take Spanish language classes but to have their other classes taught to them in Spanish.

I think that English should be the official language of the United States - for government uses(voting, government services, highway signs,, etc...) There is nothing wrong with a private company having language skills requirements as part of their minimum qualifications for employment, nor should the federal or state government be prohibited from requiring language skills for their open positions(for example - CIA, military, State Department, translators, trade commisions)..

I posted the following in responses to a post in the Reno forum several months ago:

Originally Posted by JobSeekerReno

As you may notice by my name I am looking for work.
Here is the question that I have I found this on a job posting today. I feel I am being discriminated against because I only speak english. I was born here! I have all qualifications EXCEPT this.

"Candidates who are literate in Spanish will be given preference."
Should be the most qualified REGARDLESS!!!!!

I don't believe in discrimination, fair to all.
I am not going to apply to something I'm not qualified for. For example Director of ___________. I am being realistic!

Originally Posted by Harrier

Languages are a skill. Complaining about a job that requires mastery of Spanish when you aren't fluent is like complaining about a job flying 737's when you don't have a pilot's license. The "preference" statement is there simply to weed out non-Spanish speakers so the employers time is not wasted.

Originally Posted by Harrier

They may be "discriminating" against you, but not unfairly. The meaning of discrimination has changed in the recent past. Everyone discriiminates in their everyday lives - it is a way of making decisions that either benefit us or do not cause harm. It has been twisted into a word that has negative connotations and today if you discriminate - your are EVIIILL!!!

I like blue better than red - I have just discriminated. OK - colors are inanimate attributes. It is wrong to discriminate against people. Do not most people universally think that child molesters and murderers are evil persons. Oh no, you have just discriminated against those people. Oh,that is different, it is politically corect to do so, and morally defensible. Why are some other things not right to discriminate against?

Returning to the topic at hand - these persons seeking Spanish-speaking personnel likely are operating a business that mostly is patronized by Spanish-speakers. If you cannot speak the language - you will not be able to serve the customers effectively. Use your skills to find employment at a place where your langauge skills will be useful. Don't waste time complaining about want ads that want only Spanish speakers.

The CIA is now hiring people who speak Arabic, Pashtu, and Korean. Should I complain because they are discriminating against people who don't speak those languages? NO! Those languages are neccesary to fulfil the job requirements - probally translation. If you cannot converse wfluently with the businesses customers in Spanish, how can you perform the job effectively.

Language is a skill. Learn a second one - and many more doors will open up to you.

[chicagonut]

Originally Posted by Harrier

I think that English should be the official language of the United States - for government uses(voting, government services, highway signs,, etc...) There is nothing wrong with a private company having language skills requirements as part of their minimum qualifications for employment, nor should the federal or state government be prohibited from requiring language skills for their open positions(for example - CIA, military, State Department, translators, trade commisions)..

I posted the following in responses to a post in the Reno forum several months ago:

I disagree because it is only Spanish being pushed in this country and that is only because there are so many Spanish speaking illegals in this country and non-assimilating other Hispanics who just want to feel all warm and fuzzy being dealt with in Spanish even though they know English. Native English speakers should not be discriminated against in hiring practices just to accomodate them.

[Yac]

I'd move this thread to Legal Immigration, as it clearly should be there not here, but since you already started fighting, I'm closing it instead so this fight love doesn't spread there.
Closed.
Yac.