Speak English sign at famous Philly steak shop legal
Certain parts of the country are famous for different foods, in Boston you have clam chowder, in Maryland it’s Crab, Coney Island has hot dogs, Chicago touts deep dish pizza and in Philadelphia you love cheese steaks. One of the most famous is Geno’s Steaks and is a staple of many Philadelphia residents and a must-stop destination for tourists.
Three years ago Geno’s put up a very controversial sign in their window; This is America, When Ordering Please Speak English.
In a 2-1 vote, a Commission on Human Relations panel found that two signs do not violate the city’s Fair Practices Ordinance.
Joe Vento, the grandchild of Italian immigrants
has said he posted the signs in October 2005 because of concerns over immigration reform and an increasing number of people in the area who could not order in English.
Geno’s rival right across the street, Pat’s King of Steaks has no such sign up.
Source: Associated Press
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Comments
Pistola Records
Mike,
Judging on the content of your e-mail, It appears to me you do not approve the sign discussed on your blog. I am sorry to say, should that be the case, i cannot agree with you.
In my humble opinion, the sign speaks only the truth. Enforcing a culture of respect to the language most americans speak is an adequate way to motivate immigrants to learn it and embrace it, otherwise America as we know it will dilute like ink in water.
Note that I am not American: I am Colombian (South American) and a native speaker of Spanish. However, I refuse to condone a climate of national adaptation to individuals who decide not to try hard enough to learn.
Case in point: My aunt (born in colombia too and 65 years of age) has lived in the US for 35 years…she speaks english and respects it, for this country and her culture helped her and her children survive and suceed over the years. I know of many people with as much time living in here, who just decide not to learn and dare to demand everyone else to learn Spanish or Italian or anything else, for their sake.
I believe the sign is loyal to the truth and people getting offended about it is just proof to the level american culture is reaching: insipid personalities with no free will, because they all get their feelings hurt over either minutia or ‘perceived injustice’.
I am sorry if i bother or offend you with my words, i just felt like sharing my opinion.
Best and keep up your fantastic photographic work.
Carlos.