 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Dr. David J. Demko, Editor-in-Chief |
|
Should America have more than one language? That's a rhetorical question.
Americans already speak a rich diversity of many languages.
Should America have more than one "official" language, two or more lanuages used by government to communicate voter registration, ballots, driver's license tests, classroom instruction, public buildings, street signs, and so on? Absolutely not. That would be bigotry, a practice square set against our Constitution which ensures equality of treatment for all Americans. As soon as you pick what will be the nation's second language, then you've excluded all the other languages spoken in America. Greek, German, Nigerian, Spanish, French, Slavic, Creole, Chinese, Italian, Swedish, Thai, Japanese, Portuguese, Apache and the list goes on and on. I am a first-generation American. My second language is Czech, and I'm proud of my heritage. I also respect the value of our nation's cultural diversity. For example, I also respect the cultural heritage that can be experienced in China Town in San Francisco, Greek Town in Detroit, The French Quarter in New Orleans, Little Italy in New York, Cleveland's multi-ethnic West-Side Market, San Antonio's Hispanic Culture, the mid-west's Amish Communities, and so forth. I am drawn to the joy of experiencing cultures different from my own. I have no right to advocate a bi-lingual system for America (English-Czech). That would be disrespectful of the equal value of all cultures. Advocating bi-lingualism would mean that I am intolerant. It would make me a bigot. Where is the spirit of "United We Stand" in a divisive system that selects one ethnic group over all others? Disrespect and bigotry are not the only negatives associated with bi-lingualism. Bi-lingualism is a waste of society's resources. How is it wasteful? Well, you've got to print every public document in two languages, teach school in two languages, paint road-signs in two languages, print an official explanation of the bi-lingual social policy in ... you guessed it ... two languages. Waste. Waste. And, more waste. Social resources that are needed elsewhere in society. If Americans believe in diversity or multi-culturalism, as I most surely do, then let's spend tax dollars on programs that benefit every ethnic group in America, not just one. Where do we begin? Well, for starters, how about spending tax dollars on health research that can explain why life-expectancy is so varied among ethnic groups in America. For example, there are ethnic differences in the risks to disease, illness, and death. Some ethnic groups will never fully benefit, as a group, from the programs and services provided by the nation's Older American's Act ... because they will not live long enough to get those benefits. Good health and longevity are not equal opportunity events for every American. If the nation truly cares about ALL it's people, then let's commit to that belief, and commit our social policies to equalizing, not separating, the diverse cultures in America. The next time you hear some bilingual proponent try to defend his position by stating that the Constitution doesn't mention language, call his attention to the fact that the Constitution is written in English. That's the language we all speak, reserving our second languages for our private lives. A small concession to make for the many freedoms all Americans are entitled to share, equally. |
| GO TO TOP |