If I were going to speak Spanish, I would announce WHY. It looks less stupid that way. I would just say, I am proud to be able to also speak to those American citizens who speak Latino and then go from there. Instead of just acting like you are going to get an A plus now because you did extra credit. That is so silly. I would be proud I could speak Spanish because I would encourage Americans to embrace other cultures and show them how this enriches their lives. Exploring other cultures serves to enrich people's experiences and lives; not make them sheltered morons who don't know anything but what is on their block or in front of their noses. That is the chief reason people travel abroad. To LEARN things they have not seen up close and personal.
Most racists are racists because they haven't even left their backyard much less their state.
I guess once again it depends on the eyes of the beholder. Because of our proximity to Mexico Spanish is the "foreign" language most often taught in California. I think French is next. Many folks are bi-lingual and serve the public in jobs like bank clerks or cashiers. In some places signs are posted IN SPANISH that inform the public they speak Spanish. It's very helpful when one's English comprehension may be limited to be able to converse in your ow language. So I never saw a downside. But perhaps there is. Thank you for your reply Sharon and Happy Monday! :)
I would expect most Latinos who grew up in America to speak English. An exception might be in the ghettos on the border where there are few resources, including poor access to education. Learning another language is never pandering to the people who speak it. It's improving one's own education, developing bi-lingual intelligence, and learning to be more receptive to and interested in other cultures. Spanish is the fourth most widely spoken language on the planet.
Thank you for your thoughtful reply bw. As I told Sharon because of our proximity to Mexico lots of us took Spanish in high school. Being bi-lingual is often a requirement for some jobs like bank clerks or cashiers. I always thought it was a good thing to know how to speak languages other than your own. But if you just learn a language to get folks to vote for you? I dunno. I have to think about because it seems kinda phony to me. Happy Monday to thee! :)
WM BARR . =ABSOLUTE TRASH 