No English, No Service

 By: Paul Lim
College Press Staff Writer

 

Joe Vento, owner of historic Geno’s Steaks in South Philadelphia, landed in hot water last year with the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations when he posted two signs in the store saying, “This Is America: When Ordering Please 'Speak English'.”  This week, Vento defended his policy before the Commission.

Vento stated, "This country is a melting pot, but what makes it work is the English language.”  Opponents say it discriminates against certain ethnic groups.  The AP interviewed Camille Charles, a sociology professor at the University of Pennsylvania, who says the signs are much like the Jim Crow era “Whites Only” signs.

Shannon Goessling, Vento’s attorney says there’s no basis for discrimination.  “He would never deny anyone service.  He has never done so,” said Goessling.  “He doesn't want people to be disadvantaged by their lack of ability to speak English.”
    
Detractors drew conclusions about the 4-by-9 inch sign saying Vento was targeting certain races to ensure they would not be served.  Paul M. Hummer, an attorney for the commission called it “intimidation.”

Vento has repeatedly said he will be sticking to his philosophy and, as he said in a very revealing interview with FOX News’ Neil Cavuto, “I stick by my guns. You want to be prosperous, you better learn English. You can have your culture. Nobody is taking that away. The common denominator with everybody is the English language. You have got 1.1 billion Indians and Asians. They are smart enough to know, in the business world, English is it,” he continued, “If you don't speak English, the sign means nothing to you. And, if you do speak English, what is it saying? Speak English. Be proud. You're an American.”

The store owner commonly uses an analogy with the controversy and current customer service practices, “When one is on the telephone, it may say press 1 for English, press 2 for Spanish; but where is the number for, say, Italian or Korean?”  He explains, “Well, people are fed up with that. They don't want to have to press a button, two for Spanish. No buttons. Pick it up, it's English. You are in America. Speak English.”

A ruling from the panel is not expected for another two months.

Geno’s Steaks has been a fixture in Philadelphia since 1966 and is located across the street from rival Pat’s King of Steaks, both claim to have invented the cheesesteak, Geno’s says they were the first to add the cheese.  In 2000, Philadelphia Magazine named Geno’s “Best Takeout” in Philadelphia.