Obama says we should learn Spanish.

[Python]

Obama said that we shouldn't worry about immigrants learning English, but we SHOULD be concerned about Americans learning Spanish...guess I should have paid more attention in Senora Martinez's class in High School.

http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/sh...008/07/10/obama_video_on_speaking_spanis.html

 

[nittany03]

Was ist das denn für Quatsch?

 

[CWJones411]

Does Obama speak Spanish?

 

[JSF_Dreamer]

Didn't you hear his pastor? Spanish was invented by White Government as a way for white people to talk so African Americans couldn't understand

 

[Picaroon]

Wow... McCain should just run that as an ad.

 

[HercDriver]

Obama said that we shouldn't worry about immigrants learning English, but we SHOULD be concerned about Americans learning Spanish...guess I should have paid more attention in Senora Martinez's class in High School.

Sort of. He said that we shouldn't worry, because they will learn it eventually.

"I don't understand when people are going around saying, 'We need to have English only.' They want to pass a law 'We want English only.' Now I agree that immigrants should learn English. I agree with that. But understand this. Instead of worrying about whether immigrants can learn English. They'll learn English. You need to make sure your child can speak Spanish. You should be thinking about how can your child become bilingual. We should have every child speaking more than one language. It's embarrassing when Europeans come over here, they all speak English, they speak French, they speak German. And then we go over to Europe and all we can say is merci beaucoup, right?"

It would be terrible if we were bilingual... my children are going to learn to slaughter just one language, like their parents and grandparents. No expanded horizons here.

 

[gtg941f]

Sort of. He said that we shouldn't worry, because they will learn it eventually.


It would be terrible if we were bilingual... my children are going to learn to slaughter just one language, like their parents and grandparents. No expanded horizons here.

I appreciate the little bit of research as to how the statement was pulled out of context and what he truly intended.

 

[Picaroon]

The problem to me is that he is running for the highest office in this country and decides to make demeaning, inaccurate stereotypes about its citizens. I myself am more than willing to make fun of my fellow American But I don't see how it fits into a speech by someone who wants to be President of the United States.

I also don't agree that immigrants "will learn English" under a status quo where they have no reason to.

Also, if this is too political, I apologize. I haven't sworn in yet so I think I'm still allowed to offer a minor criticism At the end of the day, it's just one soundbyte from one speech by a politician--every politician makes a gaffe at some point, and I realize that.

 

[AJB37]

The problem I have with the statements is that he emphasizes learning Spanish over other languages. Why Spanish, why not, German, French, Swahili? We have immigrants from all over the globe in the United States, there is no reason that Spanish should become the other language taught in schools.

Also, there is a problem with costs for foreign language programs. Schools are struggling to pay for the basics of our education. English is already the primary language used in business there is no really reason to force schools the extra expenditure, nor does it provide a huge benefit for the average American who may not travel outside the United States.

Yes, learning a foreign is a good thing, but its is not prudent to expect schools to spend money on something that will not provide that great of a benefit, when that money can be spent on other programs, such as arts or athletics.

 

[FLY_USMC]

Surprised he hasn't told us that it's okay to dress like an fn'ing retard as well.

 

[Python]

I also don't agree that immigrants "will learn English" under a status quo where they have no reason to.

I agree. Didn't the Irish, Jewish, Italian immigrants at the turn of the 20th century learn English within one generation, maybe two. I still have to press one for english and prensa dos para el español.

 

[PropAddict]

Yes, learning a foreign is a good thing, but its is not prudent to expect schools to spend money on something that will not provide that great of a benefit, when that money can be spent on other programs, such as arts or athletics.

ARTS or ATHLETICS?!?! I may be way off here, but it seems to me school ought to teach a person those classroom based subjects and expand the intellect and reasoning abilities of its students. To say that we should funnel funds from academic classes to support sports teams seems rather misguided. Most students will not play professional sports, but pretty much all of them will need algebraic reasoning, reading skills, and yes, foreign language skills.

Now, if this "every kid needs a second language" thing is headed to more "unfunded mandates" for our public schools (ala No Child Left Untested), I say we drop it like a hot rock. But there is a reason language education was a part of the classical curriculum: the lessons in logic, cultural awareness, bias, and the pure utility of the 2nd langauge are all highly beneficial in this "Flat World" of multiculturalism and multinational corporations.

"Any fool can know. The point is to understand." -Albert Einstein

That said, there is no reason why I should have to "Press 1 for english" when calling somewhere. . .

 

[jt71582]

I agree that it would be a good thing if Americans as a whole became more multi-lingual, but as stated above, why just Spanish? Obama and his use of stereotypes really gets to me, implying that all immigrants are Hispanic, and apparently those who exercise their 2nd amendment rights are suddenly bitter, and clinging to their guns.

It all just reeks of someone not ready to lead this country.

Just my 3 pennies.

 

[jt71582]

ARTS or ATHLETICS?!?! I may be way off here, but it seems to me school ought to teach a person those classroom based subjects and expand the intellect and reasoning abilities of its students. To say that we should funnel funds from academic classes to support sports teams seems rather misguided. Most students will not play professional sports, but pretty much all of them will need algebraic reasoning, reading skills, and yes, foreign language skills.

Now, if this "every kid needs a second language" thing is headed to more "unfunded mandates" for our public schools (ala No Child Left Untested), I say we drop it like a hot rock. But there is a reason language education was a part of the classical curriculum: the lessons in logic, cultural awareness, bias, and the pure utility of the 2nd langauge are all highly beneficial in this "Flat World" of multiculturalism and multinational corporations.

I fully agree. How about a little more focus on FINANCE so the kids can learn the pitfalls associated with subprime loans!

 

[MIDNJAC]

Maybe we should start by having the schools actually teach english first.