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econdarystory

Language restrictions invoke intolerance

Clarice Doyle

CNHI News Service

- A preacher friend, commenting on a recent turn of events, noted that we
are not a nation ruled by the majority but we are ruled by the passionate.

His observation is clearly evident in the English-only debate.

Readers have made it clear in phone calls, street interviews, letters and
office visits that if put to a vote tomorrow, our county would pass an
"English-only" resolution. Hands down. The few who spoke out, spoke out
passionately.

Up front, one cannot argue against the benefits of having a common language
for conducting government and business. It only makes sense that English is
and should continue to be that language. However, adopting an
ill-conceived, restrictive language resolution or law at this time will do
more harm than good.

The Rogers County resolution was stricken from last week's County
Commissioners' agenda. Commissioner and County Board Chair Kirt Thacker
decided not to pursue the issue "out of respect" for the many Cherokees who
live, work and play not only in his district, but the county at large. One
wonders whether the decision to strike was possibly also motivated out of a
fear that the increasingly powerful Cherokee Nation might withdraw road and
school funding and set the stage for even less cooperative funding in the
future, from its growing casino income.

Although English-only may be off the table now, like the topics of illegal
immigration, it will be back on the political agenda in the months to come
and certainly during the 2008 elections. Immigration proved to be a
vote-getting issue in last fall's elections as politicians rode into office
on waves of the religious right and ultra-patriotism.

Politicians know self-preservationist attitudes certainly play well against
the ever present backdrop of distrust and fear brought on by the 9/11
attacks and ongoing threats, the personal costs of war in Iraq and
problematic illegal immigration. Anti-illegal immigration ordinances in the
communities of Inola, Oologah and now the English-only resolution brought
before the Rogers County Commission are micro illustrations of an even
greater dysfunctional mindset that is causing national gridlock in the
areas of government reform and economic success.

English-only proponents are not bad people. In many instances they are some
of the most passionately patriotic, most loyal Americans in America. That's
why it's important to take a close look at the roots of the language
movement, its empowering role in the evolution of the United States as the
world's Super Power and future implications to the local, as well as global
socio-economic environment.

More than half the states out of the 50-state union have chosen to
legislate the use of English as an official language on some level - 31 to
be exact. Four states have "English-plus" requirements. Most current
legislation was passed in the 1980s and 1990s. Nebraska's law was passed in
1920 and Illinois in 1969. Four states have passed laws since 2001.

So if the majority seem to be in support of an official language
designation, why question it?

First, because it is a human rights issue. Secondly, because today's
worldwide economy calls for a broader, more informed viewpoint.

Honest, well-meaning people cannot let knee-jerk reactions and gut-level
instincts rule the day. Human rights will always transcend national
borders, ethnic groupings, religious sects and cultural differences. Any
effort to restrict the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness must be
undertaken with full knowledge and understanding of motive and long-term
impact.

Historically, language restrictions have been used as a tool to abrogate
and forcibly assimilate people such as those who spoke French in Louisiana
and the many indigenous-speaking people throughout the nation. Imposition
of the English language came out of a drive to conquer people, acquire
property, promote trade and national growth by establishing a singular
voice for a young nation. However, most know the price of such progress was
paid in the loss of cultural integrity for America's native people and
lingering hostilities.

Hopefully as a nation we are willing to own up to the dark side of our past
and approach today and tomorrow with a greater sense of enlightenment. No
longer is it necessary to stamp out the sense of individualism that
language embodies. Technology and education, coupled with simple acts of
human compassion, have and will address the challenges of communication, if
embraced.

We can no longer insist that others always conform to us. The U.S. competes
in the global marketplace for jobs, technology and mind power. While we
balk at expanding our language capabilities and cultural experiences,
American jobs are going overseas. Countries like India and now China, with
little more than plentiful, willing workforces, have embraced a language
other than their own, making themselves an irresistible attraction for U.S.
corporations seeking higher profits.

Closer to home, the proximity of one of the world's largest
Spanish-speaking populations as in Mexico and South America, requires that
we invest and promote the mutual opportunities of economic development,
cultural exchange and peaceful co-existence. If we insist on alienating our
neighbors to the south, through domestic policies that exclude diversity
and encourage segregation and isolationism, what extreme patriots fear most
will become a self-fulfilling prophecy. We will, for starters, encourage
the growth of anti-American sentiment among the ranks of the
disenfranchised such as Mexico's poor and Venezuela's revolutionary
leadership. Neither can the call for greater sovereignty among tribal
groups within the U.S. be ignored, nor the 12 million illegal immigrants
within our borders.

Invoking intolerance and imposing inhumane restrictions on language and
human rights are not in the best interests of this county nor any other,
regardless of ethnic or cultural heritage, whether living in New York, Los
Angeles or Claremore, Okla.

While singular language initiatives played a part in bringing rapid
industrialization and expansion in the early development stages of our
nation, ill-conceived laws that encourage aggressive domination are no
longer necessary. English IS the dominant language for government, business
and education, here and abroad. It can remain so if we avoid a backlash
from political action driven by misplaced passions.

Clarice Doyle writes for Claremore Progress.

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