Foreign languages in this Country

I need some help in this matter.  Every time I go to the store I see signs in Spanish and English, and I do list Spanish first for a reason.  When I call ......it is 1 for Spanish, if you want English, stay on the line.  It is driving me absolutely crazy.  I have now started a campaign in which I write to each and every one of those places that come to my attention, asking them why English isn't the only language, and why they discriminate against people from non-spanish speaking Countries.  I don't have much impact on my own, so I wonder if any of you are willing to do the same?

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elaina,  I've already done the same.  I raise Holy Hell with every one of them.  I've called and written.  It does no good to say anything in the stores because those poor people aren't the ones making the rules.  They just catch everyones flak.  I go to the headquarters.  But like you it doesn't seem to do any good.  I will, however say,  that recently I was in a new WalMart with a friend.  I don't and haven't shopped there for a long time but merely accompanied my friend.  I did not see one, not one sign in anything but English.  Can you believe that?  And I looked around real real good.

Well, today Meijer Grocery  tried to reach me in regard to my "complaint" in regard to the bilingual store signs.  Sadly I was not home, but it seems they are interested to speak with me.  I am so glad someone finally hears me.  It's not much, but it's a start.

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elaina said: Well, today Meijer Grocery  tried to reach me in regard to my "complaint" in regard to the bilingual store signs.  Sadly I was not home, but it seems they are interested to speak with me.  I am so glad someone finally hears me.  It's not much, but it's a start.

 

elaina, I've also been calling headquarters and complaining but haven't done so for several months, just had too many other political projects going on. I will get back on it and what I tell them is that extra language labeling and signage costs everyone money. They may think this is a good will gesture for their spanish speaking customers but it is a big disservice to 85% of the population that doesn't speak spanish. Other non spanish speaking customers resent listening to spanish language messages and paying extra so some foreigners don't have to learn our national (but not our official) language. Home Depot and Lowes are the ones I most resent and hit on as often as I can. I also make a point of speaking to the managers about it and some of them have agreed with me. So I think you are correct that if enough complaints come in they may change their policies. This is especially true in areas of the country where latinos are leaving enmass.

I believe it is not only disrespectful to us, but also discriminatory toward folks from non-spanish speaking Countries who are at least trying to fit in and learn the language. 

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