Friday, November 9, 2007
I believe and always will that English should be the official language in the US. It has been the language in use for over 200 years. It is the language of power and let's not use this term or interpret it as a forceful or dictating act. Some may See it that way but than we will have to argue the same towards other nations that are diverse in culture and language. We can't go in people's home and start barking at them and demanding changes because you feel out of place or don't feel included. We are a nation of immigrants no argument there however and don't recall any arguments from the German descendants or British or Irish or Dutch or French that they wanted their languages to be used in the drawing of official papers or special accommodations. All these great cultures integrated and became this great nation. We have accepted the fact that we are all descendants from either Europeans, Asians, Africans etc..........., that's why we celebrate our heritage with the Irish festival or the Oktoberfest and many more. I never heard any type of indignation on the part of descendants from any of these groups, and trust me i have been to them all, on how frustrated and mad they were because Greek or Swedish or German was not being used. NEVER on the contrary they are proud Americans and proud of their language.
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3 comments:
I like to read your view on the subject because I understand your reasoning and it makes a lot of sense to me. I think the problem that many people worry about is the fear that thier language wont be accepted or be able to be used if America is English only. But as you have stated, they don't need to lost thier language or culture, and they can still celebrate it with festivals and such. these events even get others who are not of the race to join in and learn more about that culture.
In response to Nadia’s BLOG and all those who support it: I find it to be a very radical and somewhat punitive standing with no empathy, compassion or support for minorities--let alone UNNECESSARY!
I cannot deny that a small percentage of immigrants refuse to learn the language, but the great majority are trying as they feel very proud of being Americans. It is not a question of pride--it is a question of alienation vs. inclusion.
I'll keep my comments short, Nadia, because I know at this point I'm probably just rehashing everything I've said before.
First, I will reiterate that English is only the dominant language out of convention - not because of some transcendental, idealist notion that the language is the best language, the most fitting language, or became so prolific because "the people" wanted it. It became the dominant language as the result of war and conquest, and from there - again - convention. This absolutely does not mean that it should be enshrined through the rule of law. As Jairo said, at best this is unnecessary.
Moreover, while your attempts at argument do not fall on deaf ears, I simply cannot agree; I'm not sure that you understand the critical implications involved with what your saying, or with making English-only laws. It is an exercise in hegemony, and when you reduce it down to its most fundamental basis, it is cultural imperialism. Perhaps you do not have to bear the force of this because of your assimilation into the culture and middle socio-economic class of the dominant bloc, but this oppression is a reality, and we ought to do everything in our power to fight oppression becoming embodied and enforced in law.
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