Philly English Only Not Discriminatory But Maybe Offensive

Mon17Dec2007

Philly English Only Not Discriminatory But Maybe Offensive

10:35 H | Topics: Controversia - Language - Philly

Geno's Famous Philly Cheesesteaks caused a stir when owner Joey Vento put a sign up saying "This is America. When ordering, please speak English.", implying that those that didn't speak English would be refused service. Yesterday there was a six-hour public hearing held by Philadelphia Human Relations Commission trying to determine if that sign violates the city's Fair Practices Ordinance by discriminating against immigrants and non-English speakers. Vento refuses to take the sign down saying it's a political statement and it's meant to keep the line moving.

This morning on TV's Fox and Friends Vento clarified and said that non-English speakers hold up the line and that he just wants to make sure that everyone gets what they ordered. At yesterday's hearing, however, his statements were clearly political:

"To be an American, you have to be American and nothing else. For if you say you're something else, then you're not a true American," Vento said, drawing on the words of the 26th president.
"I'm an American of Italian descent," he said. "I'm not an Italian-American."

And just in case you care, that American of Italian descent is backing another American of Italian decent in the presidential race, Republican Rudy Giuliani.

Why am I not surprised?

Via / Philly.com