Home > Lawrenceville.Talk > Archives > 2006 > June > 16
Friday, June 16, 2006
‘English only’ a right or racism?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s the first day of summer.
Time to drag the kids to historical U.S. destinations.
See the White House. New York. Boston. Philadelphia.
Yes, visit Philadelphia. Then maybe Philadelphia Mayor John Street won’t worry about his city’s national image.
The debate began when the owner of Philly’s famous cheesesteak spot, Geno’s Steaks decided to hang a sign in his front window. It read:
“This is America … WHEN ORDERING SPEAK ENGLISH.”
In other words, forget “No shirt. No shoes. No service.”
It’s more like, “No speak English. No sub. No fries. No Coke.”
Thanks to widespread media coverage, now there’s national discussion on whether Geno’s is simply demanding respect for America or just bashing non-English speaking immigrants.
No newcomer to celebrity, Geno’s is recommended in most of the major travel guides about Philadelphia. But last week negativity about Geno’s seeped through the country and abroad like a thick layer of oil dripping from the sandwiches made in this well-known landmark in the City of Brotherly Love.
Geno’s owner Joseph Vento defended himself by hanging onto what seemed to be his motto: You live in America, you learn the language. It’s in keeping with the “Speak English” sign seen on his Hummer whenever he rides the streets of Philadelphia.
Can’t say this would have worked for Vento here in Atlanta, particularly on Buford Highway or Jimmy Carter Boulevard. But Geno’s on South Ninth Street in Philly is now seeing more customers than ever. Patrons continue lovin’ that overpowering scent of peppers and onions and meat just a sizzlin’.
Still, Philly’s Commission on Human Relations has decided this smells like Geno’s is denying service because of national origin.
The heat is on.
Would you buy a sandwich from an establishment withholding food from people who can’t speak the English language?
Permalink | Comments (89) | Categories: Jacqueline Bullard
