Loud and clear, the language of intolerance

“The languages spoken other than English, usually heard in the homes of my Latino and Asian friends, sounded rich and inviting. I may not have understood them, but I didn’t feel alienated at all. Interestingly, I identified with them. The tones and feelings they conveyed weren’t that different from my own boisterous household.

That’s why it’s mystifying, this latest polarizing fuss over language. The yahoos in the Geno’s Hall of Shame have now taken issue with the “Press 1 for English, press 2 for Spanish” option offered by businesses to their callers. Since the immigrant debate became framed as a Latino “illegal alien” issue, this simple service has been turned into a symbol of impropriety by people who consider themselves “real” Americans because they speak only English.”

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