Coca-Cola touched Controversy over airing a new Super Bowl Ad?

[Lisnpuppy]

Not sure I want to make this Coke ad all about immigration reform in the US. :yucky:

[kvnchrist]

what gets me is that so much interest is placed on such a small section of the populous when those who are speaking represent the other side. it's almost if one would think they speak for more than themselves.

[Xplode441]

Aye, the United States is a nation of immigrants. But what you're forgetting is that assimilation is also a part of the immigration process. If you come over to the US and can't speak English, then you can't interact with a large portion of the populace. Can you call yourself a fellow citizen when you can't speak to your fellow citizens? Hell, I'm pretty sure you have to learn English to even pass the citizenship tests, unless they changed it in the last few years.

 

I live in an area that got a lot of refugees from Vietnam after the war, and went to school with a lot of their children. Every single one of them spoke fluent English, and their parents spoke well enough to converse. Same thing with Mexican immigrants, a lot of them in this area. While their parents don't speak much English, their kids are usually well versed. People seem to confuse a melting pot as something that keeps cultures and languages separate but together, but it blends them. A lot of the Vietnamese parents I know are raising their kids to be bilingual, speaking Vietnamese and English.

 

Frankly, the controversy is in that they weren't speaking English. I could care less that they're different nationalities or a gay couple. If the 70's coke ad were remade and played, this wouldn't even be news.

[colourwheel]

@Xplode441

 

You do have a point there is an assimilation process in immigration, but I don't really think the commercial was about immigration. One has to admit that the world is much different today than it was last century. The world is becoming more globalized. For America to keep up with the rest of the world our nation should encourage the use of multi-languages and probably throw aside this paradigm of English being the Universal language of the world.

Edited February 7, 2014 by colourwheel

[Lisnpuppy]

Actually since it was brought up...there are exceptions to English on the US Citizenship test. It is however very narrow and specific. The issue I think comes in States that have had laws that require things like all documentation and testing to be in other languages for things like, getting a drivers license and even some schools have had to hire in teachers in growing languages (usually Spanish.)

 

From the website:

 

English Language Exemptions

You Are Exempt From The English Language Requirement, But Are Still Required To Take The Civics Test If You Are:

• Age 50 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident (green card holder) in the United States for 20 years (commonly referred to as the “50/20” exception).
  OR
• Age 55 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident in the United States for 15 years (commonly referred to as the “55/15” exception).

Note:

• Even if you qualify for the “50/20” or “55/15” English language exceptions listed above, you must still take the civics test.
• You may be permitted to take the civics test in your native language, but only if your understanding of spoken English is insufficient to conduct a valid examination in English.
• If you take the test in your native language, you must bring an interpreter with you to your interview.
• Your interpreter must be fluent in both English and your native language.
• If you are age 65 or older and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years at the time of filing for naturalization, you will be given special consideration regarding the civics requirement.

[HeyYou]

Quite frankly, english has been the national language since this country was founded, and attempting to cater to all the different languages that are spoken here is both expensive, and rather silly. I will grant, that currently, we don't HAVE a 'National Language', nothing was ever officially declared, ever. However, if we actually DID have one, the government could STOP printing standard forms in 37 different languages, and save a boatload of money. English IS pretty much the global language of business. I don't expect any other country to change their behaviors because of immigration, in fact, some countries are even now taking steps to REDUCE immigration, so that THEIR national identity doesn't get wiped out. The US should adopt the same policies. If you want to live here, learn the friggin language. Just as another example of the sillyness of our government.... A local school was FORCED to pick up a teacher for Russian language, for ONE student. (an adoptee from Russia.) That is his only job at the school.... and they pay him north of 50K per year, for ONE student. Now, if we weren't such pushovers, we would simply tell the PARENTS to get their child an english tutor, until such time as he could be main-streamed. Let THEM bear the cost of the child THEY brought to this country, not every taxpayer in that school district. Let the school spend the money where it will do more good. And NOT just for ONE student.

[zetenrisiel]

I don't take issue with Coca Cola marketing to foreigners, but the underlying issue of our National Identity and the contempt for America. I don't think anyone except for the far right wing has a problem with an immigrant, crossing legally, comes here to make a better life for his family.

 

Where I have the problem is when I go to McDonalds and can't understand the cashier, and then getting attitude because I ordered a cheeseburger not a chicken sandwich. I have a problem when I walk into Bank of *America* and can't read any of the signs because they are all in Spanish. We lost custody of my stepson to my wifes abusive ex boyfriend who used a fake social security number to file the case because of a liberal leaning judge. I've had to try and explain the terms and conditions of a cell phone contract to a 7 year old because his mother couldn't be bothered to learn the language.

 

I live in California so my interactions are much more frequent then some, but I will tell you that companies and the media try to shame Americans for their cultural identity, and while Coke itself is not a big deal, it speaks of a much larger issue.

[JimboUK]

An English test has just been introduced here for anyone wanting citizenship, it makes sense to encourage people to speak the native language, it leads to less exclusion and better cohesion. Also I think if a country is going to offer you a home then you should at least have the decency to the learn the language.

[Xplode441]

@Xplode441

 

You do have a point there is an assimilation process in immigration, but I don't really think the commercial was about immigration. One has to admit that the world is much different today than it was last century. The world is becoming more globalized. For America to keep up with the rest of the world our nation should encourage the use of multi-languages and probably throw aside this paradigm of English being the Universal language of the world.

If it's not about immigration and about the world becoming globalized, then why use an American song?

And I disagree that the US should embrace multiple languages as a requisite. It's not realistic to expect a child to learn three or four different languages in school while still keeping up with his other education. And English is the language of business and trade, so it kind of is the most important language to learn.

[Keanumoreira]

 

@Xplode441

 

You do have a point there is an assimilation process in immigration, but I don't really think the commercial was about immigration. One has to admit that the world is much different today than it was last century. The world is becoming more globalized. For America to keep up with the rest of the world our nation should encourage the use of multi-languages and probably throw aside this paradigm of English being the Universal language of the world.

If it's not about immigration and about the world becoming globalized, then why use an American song?

And I disagree that the US should embrace multiple languages as a requisite. It's not realistic to expect a child to learn three or four different languages in school while still keeping up with his other education. And English is the language of business and trade, so it kind of is the most important language to learn.

 

 

Actually, in the time of the High Renaissance, students in the universities had to learn Latin on top of whatever language they already spoke and while learning the liberal arts all at the same time. If it's not realistic to juggle multiple subjects it's probably because the educational fabric of American society has been damaged by social media and technology that continues to isolate us.

 

And by the way, English is slowly losing it's importance in the world market. As the far east continues to eclipse western society, I believe it won't take long for the Chinese language to gain in importance. I can think of a few European countries, such as Germany, who are beginning to dominate the business scene as well.

Edited February 9, 2014 by Keanumoreira