this thread has been ended, I dont want people to argue. I was having a bad day, when I wrote this, no need to respond anymore

Hmichick, I totally understand where you are coming from. I know that they may be comfortable speaking spanish as it is their first language.

In my case, I am referring to the way you run a business. I am a black woman who loves getting her hair done by Dominican women and there are alot more of us out there. I have seen so many people come in to the salons and walk out because they are frustrated that they cannot communicate with the hairdresser. They are losing so much $$$$$ along with the chance to increase their customer base. They do great hair at reasonable prices, but the only ones that benefit from it is those that speak spanish or patient people like myself.

I totally get what you mean, I get frustrated w. my own family sometimes For example, my FH is not Spanish, and does not speak the language (unless you count Corona) Yet my aunts forget, and sometimes talk to him in spanish. I have to tell them, 'Hello, he does not understand you!' I swear half the time they dont even realize it. My cousin talks in spanish all day long in her buisness- I tell her it may turn people off, but she has this 'its my store I will run it how I want to' type attitude. I guess some people are very stubborn, or set in their ways.

Of course, I dont think it reflects on them as people, or makes them ignorant or lazy its just the way they choose to do things.

Nvrb, do you go to the same place that my aunt goes to?? the woman speaks no English, and my aunt is ready to leave. She said she never listens and she does what she wants anyway. She gets so frustrated when she leaves, she is looking for a new hair dresser. I said why don't you tell her, she said she does not speak any English and all she does is smile and nod. Now she is losing a good customer.

Hate crimes are not only burning crosses and smashing synagogues. I just wanted to let you know that sometimes what we say can be construed as something you might not mean it to be....

The US at present does not have an 'official' language in the sense of a language declared by law to have special status; English is merely the de facto standard. If this was not the case there would be no China Town, no Little Italy.....etc.

Wacky, i know that you had no intention of offending anyone but we should be mindful that sometimes what we think is not offensive is, just like I was not inferring that you had commited a hate crime. I was just pointing out how close it could be.

I understand where all you are coming from with the language thing. I used to work with one of the largest union in NY, and it used to annoy me when I answered a call that some of the callers would start speaking spanish without ascertaining whether I speak english.

I got so used to it, and I stop getting annoyed. I begin to have compassion instead. I realized that it was easier for them to communicate in their native language, and the union had bilingual employees to deal with that.

I personally believe in the saying that when you are in rome, you do as the romans do. However, I also realize when you come to this country as an older person and is set in your ways, it is much more difficult to change and adapt, and if you do, you just do it enough to get by.

I totally see the many sides to this topic. Just want to make a few points. There were many times that I have been very frustrated with people not speaking English, DH and I just ordered Chinese food and boy does that teach me patience, especially when it's a long order!

I was in the Bronx recently for a meeting. I got off the subway and was looking for a street. I had to ask 5 people before I found someone who spoke English. I couldn't believe it.

What this teaches me is that we have to learn to accept this living in NY and the US. I don't think it does any good to get upset about it or think it should change, because honestly I don't think it will. In the case of the Bronx, I realized 'I better learn Spanish', not 'they better learn English'.

About welfare, if you look at the statistics, you will find that the majority of people who are on welfare are white Americans born citizens--many who live in both rural areas and cities, not foreigners, immigrants, people of color, etc.

I've also seen studies that show that the reason Spanish will become a 2nd language in the US, is mainly since we are attached to a huge continent with a huge poplution. It's inevitable that much of the population of South and Central American will push it's way up.

I totally understand what Wacky ment, I too feel her frustration alot

D - I know you don't wanna hear anymore about this... but here's a funny. (Now mind you - I'm half Greek & half Colombian, so I'm allowed to make fun!)

I love when I'm sitting at my office, get a phone call from someone, and they don't even say hello, but say... You speekee Spanich? (In that ever recognizable Spanish accent!!!)

I love when I tell them no - my own way of forcing them to speak English, and then they say.... Ok I try.... and get thru it better than the norm, American born person!

Himchick- Ah, a voice of reasoning, I knew there was a reasaon I liked you

We need a little smiley face that represents 'biting your tongue' because that is exactly what I am doing right now and it's very hard. No additional stress needed in my life