US Language Issues: Press one for English

First the video goodness

Lyrics and discussion after the jump.





Here are the lyrics:

PRESS ONE FOR ENGLISH

Hey, I can't read that sign out there,

Please tell me what's it say.

We have to have subtitles

In five languages these days.

Now we don't ask too much

To share this land of liberties,

But if it's not too much to ask

Could you please speak English?

(Chorus)

English is my language,

It's the language of this land.

And every sign that's posted here

I should understand.

I do not live in China, Mexico

No foreign place.

And English is the language

Of the United States.

Now I'll speak very clear for you,

So there'll be no mistake,

My family fought and died

Protecting freedoms in these states.

Now we all welcome those who come,

But when you reach our shores

Folks you should speak our language

Not the one you spoke before.

(Repeat chorus)

Now I'm proud of this country

And this great Democracy.

And I believe an open door

Should be our policy.

But for these opportunities

We'd simply ask you this

Hey you're the one who chose to come

Now choose to speak English.

Now here's one thing I question

And try to understand

Hey why must I press one for English

When it's the language of this land?

The first thing that comes to mind is ... what exactly are they complaining about? Multi-lingual signs and services are the world standard.

The second is ... the zero-sum model of language usage. They're not complaining as much about people not being able to speak English but about people choosing to speak any other language for any reason.