..and I will add that my wife works at a hostipital registery and there are always people coming in that have lived in this country for years, living off the welfare system (and free health care), but still don't bother to learn the language. She has to call a special number and wait on hold until a translator is available for her to register the person. ...making everybody else wait.

So if the people that the sign is intended for don't speak English, how do they know what it means?

At least in Japan they bother to translate the message so that it can be understood by those it is addressing:



From here.

Racism doesn't enter into this, but I have to say, Geno is being a pr*ck about it.

Well, I thought maybe this was a new development to an old story, but when I clinked on the link I realized I was wrong. The date of the article is from June, 2006.

I'm just scared of what a 'cheesesteak' is. Sounds.... gross and heart-attack-y

At least we know the intelligence of the guy!

I couldn't agree more.

But wouldn't that, in and of itself, violate the "only english" policy of Geno's? If I move to another country I would put an effort into having a working knowledge of that nations language. Are we expected to become a multi-languaged country just because people won't even try to learn english? Where it would be nice to learn another language it shouldn't be mandatory, just as it shouldn't be a requirement that Geno's be bilingual (or multilingual) to run their business.

You've never had a cheese-steak?!!!

They take steak, cut it up real thin... mix it with onions, peppers, and spices and stuff... heep it onto a long roll, and smother with cheese.



I think SeaLab 2021 said it best... "If you've never had a Phili Cheese-steak melt in your mouth, you shouldn't even be allowed to use it!"

But yes… too many, and they’re a heart attack waiting to happen. But living is over-rated, so eat up!

Holy crap! You've never even heard of a cheesesteak sub? How old are you and where do you live?

This is a cheesesteak


Not gross, but very heart-attack-y

It would be a violation of Geno's self imposed policy, yes.

One sign does not a multilingual nation make. Nor does a multitude of signs.

And which is better, unbending principles or getting the point across?

I just got Google to translate please order in English into:

• Por favor, orden en Ingls
  
• Παρακαλω ωστε στα αγγλικα
  
• الرجاء من اجل باللغه الانكليزي
  
• Si prega di ordine in inglese
  
• 请秩序英语
  
• Bitte bestellen Sie in englischer Sprache
  

Took me less than 5 minutes, and now I have a restaurant where Spanish, Greek, Arabic, Italian, Chinese and German speakers know the situation, without having to learn any new languages.

If I want to be petulant, I even have something to tap when people try to order in languages other than English.

I've no problem with what he's trying to do - I'm very much of the opinion that learning the language of the country you're in courtesy, plain and simple. It's the way he's doing it that strikes me as ill-conceived.

It's one of those honey vs. vinegar fly trapping scenarios.

Despite what Randall Munroe says:

I like that. My Mom lied to me too. Hmm, I wonder what else she lied to me about?

Back on topic. If a sign was put up that says it in all those languages and the person still doesn't speak english how would they get a Geno's cheesesteak? Would they pay in dollars?

If they've been asked and they still persist then that's plain rude and don't deserve their cheese steaks.

UGHHHHHH!

I live in San Antonio, which is mostly Hispanic.

Insisting on English isn't about racism, it's about preserving cultural unity.

I have people here already telling me, "When there were more of you here, we spoke English. So now that's there are more of us, you need to learn Spanish."

Like it or not, there is an active movement, by way of a consensus, to change our culture and ensure that we are no longer UNITED.

Gino's stand is in reaction to this, not a result of being a jerk.

I lived in Germany for most of my life and was expected to learn at least some of the language. It is not expected that I be fluent but at least be able to order food or ask for directions, it is considered disrespectful to not try at all. I think it all comes down to motive; is he trying to get attention or is this something he thinks will make a difference. Signs like this are not uncommon in other countries so maybe we should not make such a big deal about it.

The report says they should speak the 'Kings English' - well for a start it is the 'Queens English' at the moment and Americans don't speak it anyway - they speak a b*****dised mispelt form!

I still don't think I'll be putting one of those in my mouth anytime soon. They look sort of familiar, but I've definitely never had one.


Back to the real discussion; I have to agree with pocksucket here - a polite sign requesting patrons speak in English would suffice. Patrons refusing to comply are just plain rude, in my opinion [I'm thinking of anglophones in francophone restaurants and vice-versa; common situations on the other side of my country].

If there are any tourists, I am sure they will appreciate the politeness as well.

Except the argument being made isn't the rudeness or politeness of the sign. It is the mere fact that the sign is there.

They are trying to make the claim that such a sign is discriminatory in nature. Which is a crock, but what can you do.

What is crazy is the sign explaining the policy is labeled discriminatory because it makes people who can't speak english feel as if they aren't wanted. This is something he can't do in a business opened to the public, HOWEVER it would be legal and non-discriminatory to not place a sign politely explaining things and simply telling the person, "sorry I don't understand you, next!"
The only way they could do it without breaking laws is

What is crazy is that the sign explaining the policy is labeled in such a manner that the people at which it is directed will more likely than not be unable to understand it.

The sign is rude and is a bit discrimatory, in my opinion. How are non-English speakers supposed to understand the sign if they cannot read it? Learning a new language can be difficult, and English is one of the hardest. This guy doesn't need to be a prick and refuse to help those who are learning.

I'm not saying this is a racism issue, but I do feel Geno could handle the issue more tactfully by spending the extra time/money to display his notice in a manner that the people at which it is targeted will understand it. If I went Russia tomorrow and say a sign that said "Only Speak Russian Here" or whatever, I'd have no clue what it means and proceed to try and enter the restaurant.

If his sign said "Only English Spoken Here" in several different languages, I highly doubt it would be an issue at all.

Condition #1:
Geno refuses to serve people for not speaking English. Profits: -

Condition #2:
Geno takes orders from peeples espeekeng spanglish. Profits: +

Condition #3:
Geno makes a ruckus by being a douche, equally douche organization, Juntos, pursues a nefarious plan. Profits: Everybody Loses!

I'm from Philly. Have had countless cheesesteaks..I prefer them from Jim's down on South Street with the Wiz.....I've had Geno's and Pat's, and they are truly "greesemonger" Philly Cheesesteaks, but yes... death will come quicker feasting on these.... As far as ordering in English? Well hell..they aren't hurting for business obviously, you dont' like it, order somewhere else..... Does anyone know how many cheesesteak places there are in Philly??? ....on to the next place where you can order in Espanol. Once Geno's starts hurting for customers.... they'll take the sign down.

I would learn English for one of Geno's cheesesteaks.

Wow - a controversy about a place I've actually been! Don't live in Philly, but worked near there and went to Genos a few times.