WOW!
So, after reading the post about the immigration laws in Arizona, I came across an article talking about an Alabama candidate for governor Tim James’ new ad. In the ad, James talks about how the state of Alabama gives the driver’s license exam in 12 languages. James promises that as governor he will ensure that the exam will only be given in English. In the ad he is quoted as saying, “This is Alabama, we speak English. If you want to live here, learn it.” I was completely shocked by the ad and the extremely controversial statements that James makes in his ad.
To me, the ad has serious undertones of being anti-immigration. I view the ad as Alabama (particularly Tim James) discouraging the influx of immigrants in to its state. In such a progressive nation, it is extremely sad and discouraging to see such a radical push for a seemingly-backwards change.
What do you all think about this ad?
Visit Youtube to view the ad.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9ohsvJHkbY&feature=player_embedded
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I think it's a shame. I remember discussing in class the fact that there are immigrants who may get by in this country without learning English their entire lives. Whether or not they should do that is another question.
ReplyDeleteBut in terms of driver's licenses, I would think that government officials would strive to ensure that every driver on the road is a safe driver. This starts with comprehension of the driver license test and passing it. If we're placing restrictions on the logistics of the test, there may be bigger ramifications. What if an immigrant is unable to pass the driver license test simply because of the language barrier? But they need their license in order to get around and go to work? Could this lead to driving around illegally?
Actually, that is a really great point. Apparently, Tim James is defending his point by claiming exactly the opposite. He claims that all drivers should know and understand English in order to promote safe driving. He argues that English speakers and readers will be better able to drive safely, obey traffic laws and signs, and communicate with traffic police.
ReplyDeleteIn response to your last two questions, some of the articles addressed these issues. The acknowledged that despite the passing of the driver's license exam, immigrants do need to possess the ability to drive in order to work. Some of the articles actually gave specific examples of how the English-only driver's license test (I think in Georgia) has prevented immigrants from obtaining a driver’s license and a legal means to drive. Therefore, these immigrants actually have resorted to driving illegally.
I think if is absurd to think that English should be the only option for driving tests. If this were the case, more people would drive illegally and that to me is more dangerous. If there were available tests for everyone we would have to worry less about illegal driving behavior because people would have the option to learn the laws and be safe. Also most driving signs are universal signs. If you learn it in your own language and recognize it for the sign attached to your languages with our meaning it still means the same. Meanings aren't changing because the language it.
ReplyDeleteI think the sad thing about this is the underlying message. No one should be able to succeed if they don't know English. This is basically telling immigrants you are not welcome in our country. That is absurd, especially because we claim to be a country made up by the "melting pot" effect.
I think that this entire ad was quite unreal. Although I hear people joking about how they hate having to press a certain number on the phone to hear a menu in English, or the fact that so many people speak different languages in our country, part of me feels that it is completely inappropriate for an individual running for governor to use this as one of the things that he would like to change.
ReplyDeleteOur country would not have survived without immigration. Everyone in this country has ancestry and roots from another country. I think this diversity is something that is very important to the culture and values that are held in American society. For Tim James to "attack" those individuals that do not know English, is not fair. Somewhere along the line, someone from his family immigrated here, which is why he was provided with the opportunity to even run for governor and it is quite simply insensitive of him to make it appear as though immigrants are a burden to this country.