Business owners puts out sign that says "Speak English"

[Mrs Behavin]

A small sign that asked customers to order in English at a famous cheesesteak shop was never meant to be offensive, the shop's owner testified Friday at a hearing to decide whether the policy was discriminatory.

Joe Vento, the owner of Geno's Steaks, defended his policy before the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, which filed the discrimination complaint.

"This country is a melting pot, but what makes it work is the English language," Vento told the commission. "I'm not stupid. I would never put a sign out to hurt my business."

Vento posted two small signs in October 2005 at his shop in a diverse South Philadelphia neighborhood, telling customers, "This is AMERICA: WHEN ORDERING PLEASE 'SPEAK ENGLISH.'"

He said Friday that he posted the sign because of concerns over the debate on immigration reform and the increasing number of people from the area who could not order in English.

But he said he also wanted to keep the line moving at his busy store.

"The case should, without question, be dismissed," Vento attorney Shannon L. Goessling said. "There is a legitimate business purpose for this sign."

Paul M. Hummer, an attorney for the commission, testified earlier that the sign is not about political speech, but about "intimidation," and that it suggested business from certain individuals was not wanted.

No ruling is expected for at least two months, the three-member panel said.

After extensive publicity in 2006, the commission began investigating whether Vento violated a city ordinance that prohibits discrimination in employment, public accommodation and housing on the basis of race, ethnicity or sexual orientation.

rest of story here Comcast.net News - Pa. Shop Owner Backs English-Only Policy

 

[Peter Parka]

I wonder how many Americans when in a foreign land order their meal in the language of the country? Most American tourists I've seen over here even have a problem ordering a meal in proper English, it's lucky for them that most countries are more tolerant of their language problems than they are of any one elses.:humm:

 

[dt3]

I wonder how many Americans when in a foreign land order their meal in the language of the country? Most American tourists I've seen over here even have a problem ordering a meal in proper English, it's lucky for them that most countries are more tolerant of their language problems than they are of any one elses.:humm:

We're not talking about visiting a foreign country for a short amount of time Peter. We're talking about moving to a foreign country permanently.

I don't see how this sign is anything but his First Amendment right. It's not offensive. It's no different than putting up a sign that says "Se Habla Espanol".

 

[BadBoy@TheWheel]

Yeah and if you have gone abroad, you might notice the severe intolerance for folks unable to speak the language.

Go to France and try to order something in english...There are a lot of countries less tolerant than us, trust me.

 

[Peter Parka]

Yeah and if you have gone abroad, you might notice the severe intolerance for folks unable to speak the language.

Go to France and try to order something in english...There are a lot of countries less tolerant than us, trust me.

When were you last in France then? I've been there many times and never once had anyone have a problem with me speaking English.:confused

 

[BadBoy@TheWheel]

When were you last in France then? I've been there many times and never once had anyone have a problem with me speaking English.:confused

I was there years ago. I went to a nice place to eat and tried to muddle my way through the menu, and they got rather pissed off.

Most of them acted like they didn't care if I was there or not.

Just my impression of them, snotty, pretentious and should be speaking German....Had it not been for a little something we helped them with

 

[Sparkler]

I've always found that if you make an effort to at least greet people in their language when abroad and then ask if they speak english as you dont speak their language it helps a lot,besides its only manners to greet people in their language when youre a guest in their country.

 

[Maulds]

He reminds me of the soup nazi from Seinfeld. He just didnt want anyone slowing down the line.

 

[UncleBacon]

geno's been there a couple times....good cheesesteaks....suppose to be the best...I've had better in Jersey of course....this is a bullshit case....and when ever I'm in a forieng country I do my best tro try to say everything in the native language....I know some of it will have to be in english but atleast I try

 

[Haus]

if they want to live in this country where this is a English speaking country. then learn to speak it the god damn language.

numerous times when i worked in Retail or had to deal with the direct public at a job it was ridiculous trying to talk to people who can barely speak the language. i was constantly like WHAT? Huh? i have not a damn clue what your saying. and there just smiling thinking what to say that i can understand them.

i remember when i tried to have a convo with a mexican who could only say Coffee. :wtf:

 

[GraceAbounds]

Find a social program in your area that offers free English speaking classes for transitioning immigrants. They will have pamphlets. Go pick some up. When people start speaking to you in a language you don't understand, hand them the pamphlet. They need to assimilate if they are going to live here permanently.

Many times, I'll try to find someone around that can translate or help.

It is very frustrating for both parties when neither understand each other.

 

[Dana]

They should learn english if they are living in this country and travel. I don't care if you speak your language with your family but if your out and about speak the language. The city of Portland which is an hour and 30 minutes away is surprisingly diverse for a city in Maine and i used to go to the mall there and you always saw middle easterners and asian ppl chatting with each other in their native tongue. It kinda makes one self conscious like "Are they talking about me?" LOL

 

[All Else Failed]

I think its only beneficial if everyone knows a few languages.

 

[IntruderLS1]

I wonder how many Americans when in a foreign land order their meal in the language of the country? Most American tourists I've seen over here even have a problem ordering a meal in proper English, it's lucky for them that most countries are more tolerant of their language problems than they are of any one elses.:humm:

The problem is Pete, that we've been too tolerant for too long, and are now dealing with a more serious problem. I realize it is difficult to understand the reality of what is going on here without living in an affected area, but society does have the right to define itself.

I caught an interview with this Cheese steak shop owner ... I want to say almost a year ago. He seemed like a very nice guy. The sign was like 8" across, and used the world "Please."

He was complaining how none of the media coverage mentioned that part of it. LOL

 

[Haus]

Press 1 for English
Press 2 to get the fuck out of our country till you learn to speak the damn language

 

[Murdoc]

Press 1 for English
Press 2 to get the fuck out of our country till you learn to speak the damn language

brilliant.
this is the united states. if youre going to live here you should be required to speak our fucking language.