Welcome to America, Now Speak English!

America is arguably the most diverse country in the world. We are possibly also the biggest bullies!

Driving to work, I saw this message on a truck’s bumper sticker:

I was disheartened. Many people of all different ethnicities emigrate here each year. Why do we get to tell them which language to use?

When I visited a foreign country several years ago, I knew what it meant to be a stranger in a strange land. I spoke a different language than the natives. Although I also spoke Spanish, I felt more comfortable speaking English. While many of them spoke English, they probably also preferred Spanish as the first choice.

While the sticker may have been meant in “good” fun, I find it to be unnecessary. If I put myself in the shoes of an immigrant or foreign visitor, it’s pretty easy to see that the message could be hurtful to those who are different. A lack of tolerance often turns to hate. Remember the Golden Rule? Do to others what you’d have them do to you. (Matt. 7:12) If you don’t have anything good to say, say nothing at all.