A few days ago I overheard a conversation between two people criticizing and making fun of someone because the person couldn’t pronounce a name. It turns out the name is actually Spanish, it is always pronounced with an English accent, and that’s what they think is the correct pronunciation. I had to roll my eyes. Anyway, as I overheard the conversation, I started to wonder why some people in the United States are so intolerant when it comes to foreign languages and accents sometimes. This is, after all, a country made by immigrants; people who come to this country from abroad and actually learn a new language. That is more than I can say about a considerable percentage of Americans who can only speak their own language in a place where they could embrace other cultures easily.
When I lived in Quebec, I felt like most people were interested in talking to me when they learned I came from another country. My accent or the way I talked was never criticized or made fun of. In fact, they actually appreciate the fact that most of us immigrants moved there not speaking a single word of French, and finally managed to make ourselves understood. To talk another language requires a lot of brain work, and to adapt to other cultures without losing your own requires braveness. So when people lose their patience because of an accent, I find it rude.
And it isn’t only because we move to another country. I started using English as my second language when I was rather young, and I wasn’t even obliged to use it. I never attended a bi-lingual school, and English was never required, except to get good notes in English classes. It was a given for me to learn a new language; first because I liked it, and then because I knew one day it would be necessary. And then I learned French. And now I get a lot of “Ohhh Ahhh’s,” but I also get to hear stupid comments like the ones that were made next to me.
I think that some things just sound funny, I know it when I say it, I know it when someone else says it. I don’t mind people making fun of my English, I do it myself. I don’t think people in Canada don’t see humor in that, they may be too PC or “cultured” or embarassed to react. Because I don’t care about people giving me business about my accent, I reserve the right to say what I think about anyone else’s.
What’s up with pop-ups on your site?
What pop ups? It must be the BlogHer ads.
As for your not caring about it, I simply don’t like intolerant comments sometimes.
Not to sound like I am defending my wife, we actually have… wait for it… different opinions… oohh ahhh, but Meesha, I think you missed the point.
While Canada might be more “cultured” because of laws truly protecting diversity, not just of country of origin and language but also, sexual preference and religion, it does not make it a bad thing. I believe that the U.S. is really shooting itself on the foot when we began to erode on the sense of being too “Politically Correct.”
There is a lot to be gained by being respectful of each other and our differences, but this country seems to be so obsessed with individualism but in reality everyone wants to be just “normal.” It puzzles me when people do not embrace differences yet they think they are not the same as everyone else.
It is wrong to ridicule (not make fun) of someone else’s name. It is even worse to ridicule someone attempting to learn something new like a language, but I guess some people see that as a way to movitave.
I, on the other hand, am all about making fun of names, accents, fat people etc. The problem is that everyone draws the line between “make fun” and “ridicule” in a different spot. Sometimes you get someone who is too thin-skinned to handle it. At work I know who these people are and avoid talking to them altogether in order not to accidentally cross any lines. Diversity is legislated here, maybe not a comprehensively as in Canada but it’s just a matter of time. You can pass all the laws you want but you can’t pass a law to make a white person, for example, to move to the middle of a ghetto, or for a straight person to start going to gay bars. These things happen over time but can’t be legislated. My personal opinion is that for real diversity to flourish you need to be able to call and understand things for what they are, suppressing it only slows down the progress.
You make fun of fat people Meesha? You bastard! For those that don’t know, I am fat and OK with friends (even ones like Messha) kidding me bout it. But there is a difference between kidding and being mean or spiteful.
I wish I knew enough to explain just what causes us Americans to pick out the way people speak to make fun of them. I think in the end it may just be shallow people trying to feel better about themselves. I know in my industry (IT) clients bitch all day about their foreign help desk rep’s accents. And while I admit there is sometimes a communications gap, I try to coax them into paying more attention to the quality of service, rather than the accent.
As for myself, sure I get frustrated trying to understand or be understood some times. But for the most part, to me personally, an accent is a sign that somebody has lived a different life than me and may be really cool to talk with. In fact I have a hard time not mimicking accents, and have to try not to (so not to offend). I took 4 years of Spanish in High School *but only speak “un poco” this days). I would like to brush up on it, but am also interested in learning Japanese, Italian, and Danish (where my Moms ancestors are from).
Just remember there are folks out there jealous of your multilingual ability… and try not to laugh when Whitey McSoccermom tries to order “whak a mole” on her Chimpotle salad.
Chipotle, I meant Chipotle…
I always read Chimpos blog after yours, I got sooo confused.