June 13, 2006
Geno's Imbroglio III
The politically correct police have begun their thought-crime prosceution.
- Philadelphia's Commission on Human Relations has filed a pair of discrimination complaints against Geno's Steaks over its policy asking customers to order using English.
The complaints were filed late Monday. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the city claims the restaurant is guilty of "denying service to someone because of his or her national origin, and having printed material making certain groups of people feel their patronage is unwelcome."
The Inquirer spoke with the Rev. James S. Allen Sr., the commission chairman, who said it was the commission's job to get the sign removed.
"We think it is discriminatory, and we are concerned about the image of Philadelphia," he said.
In somewhat related news, Philadelphia's crime rates have gone up. Shootings are up 15.2% to 809 this year, and a hundred and sixty-six homicides so far this year. Up two from the same period last year, which was the biggest year for murder in eight years.
But back to Geno's.
Sanely another steak shop (though not Pat's "King of Steaks" across the street) has taken my advice.
- Steaks On South is responding to the controversy with its own sign.
It has posted a sign on the front door that says "feel free to order in any language. We will gladly serve you with brotherly love." The new eatery just opened on South Street.
South Street used to be the bohemian part of town. Now it's got the Gap, McDonalds and a Starbucks.
Regarding the earlier blog post and it's comments, here's a picture of Senator John Kerry eating his cheesesteak with swiss provolone and tomatoes.
I'll give Joe Vento the last word.
- "Anybody who is here who is a proud American has to learn the English language. That's what that sign says. You don't want to speak English, you don't want to be a proud American. Get out of the country then."
Vento now says he's received national and local support since his sign gained national attention.
"No way is it coming down."
Update: Philly police officer "Wyatt Earp" says...
- How fun is it to see the libtards screaming about the sign Joe Vento posted at Geno's Steaks: "This is America. When ordering SPEAK ENGLISH! "? Yeah, how dare he make a policy decision for his own business?
Funny thing is, at my local Chipotle it would be much easier for me to order in Spanish, if my Spanish were that good, based on the language of the employees doing the serving. My sign would say "Order in any language, but expect blank stares for those other than English" If your goal is to communicate, and the purpose of language usually is, then you must use the language that is understood. In this country that means English. Order in Swahili if you like, but don't expect to get what you ordered. The sign is not discriminatory, it is quality control. Any nationality will be served but an order in English will ensure your satisfaction.
Posted by: silence dogood at June 13, 2006 2:45 PMWhen I was in Spain I really appreciated the good humor and patience of the waiters who helped me order food there. I am glad there weren't any "Spanish Only" signs up in the resteraunts there.
Posted by: sugarchuck at June 13, 2006 4:41 PMI hear there's a major problem with young English speaking people flooding the food service sector in Spain and refusing to learn the local language. Lifelong Spanish speakers are finding themselves unable to communicate with businesses in their very own home town. And yet, no backlash. Those Spaniards... so compassionate!
Posted by: johngalt at June 14, 2006 1:35 AMIt's an amazing thing that English has become the recognized international language of commerce everywhere but here.
Posted by: AlexC at June 14, 2006 10:02 AMActually, the Spanish culture is in far greater peril from English and American culture than is ours from Spanish language and Mexican culture.
Posted by: jk at June 14, 2006 10:22 AMAll of these observations are true, but the most important one is this: Only in America do we ENCOURAGE the diminution of our own language and culture.
Posted by: johngalt at June 14, 2006 1:36 PM | What do you think? [6]