Word: englishness
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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Monterey Park has become a vivid example of a statewide and even nationwide debate. Three other California towns have already adopted English as their official language, and in November, Californians will vote on Proposition 63, a resolution that would make English the state's official language. It directs the legislature and state officials to "take all steps necessary to insure that the role of English as the common language of the state of California is preserved and enhanced" and requires that no law be made that "diminishes or ignores the role of English." Nationally, a Washington-based group called U.S.English...
...English-only advocates argue that bilingualism is a barrier to a unified nation. It allows immigrants to avoid learning English and to form self- perpetuating linguistic ghettos. "English, which has been our common bond, our unifying force, is being eroded," said Stanley Diamond, chairman of the California English Campaign. Governor Richard Lamm of Colorado, an outspoken leader on the issue, echoed the idea of English as this country's social glue before a congressional committee. "We should be color-blind but not linguistically deaf," he said. "We should be a rainbow but not a cacophony. We should welcome different people...
...says Jessica Fiske of the American Civil Liberties Union. Opponents fear that because of its loose wording, the measure could open the way for legislation that would endanger bilingual ballots, educational programs, emergency services and television programming, all of which aid immigrants, especially the elderly, to adjust to an English-speaking soci- ety. It could also, warns Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley, "stir hatred and animosity. It could tear us apart as a people...
...they say they will counter any blitz from the opposition. The initiative, which got on the ballot with more than 1 million signatures, is a good bet to pass. If so, California would join six other states (Nebraska, Illinois, Virginia, Indiana, Kentucky and Georgia) that have English as an official language. Similar English-only efforts are already under way in 15 other states, including Florida, New York and Texas...
...good, they will love you. But make one mistake and they will kill you." Agrees Surmain: "Americans squeeze you like a lemon, and when there is no more juice left, they just drop you." He advises also that it is important to have a good command of English, to appear well on TV talk shows...