Press 1
for English
~ Before reading this article it should be known
that I am open to criticism, but will not accept racism as a critique. My best
friend is Hispanic and he is like a brother to me. Race... has got nothing to do
with it.
We’ve all experienced the pleasure of waiting on
hold and coursing our way through automated answering systems. To an extent,
these systems are necessary, and to a shorter extent can easily be the most
frustrating part of your day. I don’t need to give you an onslaught of
statistics for you to know that just about every hole in the wall company out
there would rather have you press a series of buttons for 10 minutes to reach
one of the three people in their office than take your call directly…perhaps
they believe it makes them seem larger and more competent than they truly are.
These things are annoying…sure, but is there any
real harm being done? Look at the grey area for a moment. What does every
single automated system have in common regardless of the business you’re
calling?
-
“If you would like to continue in English, press 1. Para
espanol marke el numero dos.”
That is, if
you’re fortunate enough to be given the option anymore. Half the time it seems
something will be said in English, then a convenient Spanish translation will
follow.
What kind
of message does this send? Even for a layman of international & domestic
affairs it would seem that America is catering to the needs of one specific
non-English speaking ethnic group. Or perhaps better put, ‘it looks like America
is making it easier for the lazy Mexicans.’
Yea that’s right I said it…if you are in this country, legally or
otherwise, and you expect your surrounds to conform to you then that
makes you lazy…and absolutely correct. The United States has conformed to
Hispanic speaking people. Think about this, if you were to move to another
country, let’s Russia for example…would you expect the entire country to
make everything English-friendly for you? And if so, what kind of person would
that make you?
It’s very simple…there’s a lot of Mexicans in this
country. The United States is a melting pot, and there are thousands of
citizens who prefer to keep their cultural background and speak their native
language. These people have that right, and it should be respected. But, do you
ever hear “Press 3 for Chinese?” It amazes me how much attention illegal
immigration gets, border patrol, etc. Meanwhile on our side we’re producing
Spanish billboards, radio stations, television channels, shopping centers, and
translating every warning sign, notice, and instruction pamphlet printed.
There are entire sections of cities in Texas and
California that you can drive through and never see a word of English. Now, if
people of Hispanic origin set up their own area…such as China Town, I don’t
think anyone would have a problem with whatever Mexican/Spanish activities took
place there…even if the crime rate was ridiculous. But since the culture is so
integrated and pampered to, shouldn’t I see English translations under every Spanish
billboard when I drive through little-Mexico on my way to buy a used car?
It’s time for The United States of America to make
a decision. Either stop conforming our way of life to fit the needs of those
who only speak Spanish, or stop bitching about illegal immigration and any
problems caused by the Hispanic community. When the U.S. makes a haven for
those too lazy & disrespectful to adapt to its most basic of principles,
she has no one to blame but herself.