The United States, especially in the southern states, are starting to experience the joys of multiculturism. Recently, a Spanish recording of the national anthem produced a bit of an uproar:
"Would the French accept people singing the La Marseillaise in English as a sign of French patriotism? Of course not," said Mark Krikorian, head of the Washington-based Center for Immigration Studies, a think tank that supports tighter immigration controls.
Having grown up in a country where you learn the national anthem in two languages right from the start, it seems odd when another country protests the translation for the benefit of a significant number of americans. For example, the estimated population of Hispanic people in United States in July 2004 was 41.3 million. That's about 10 million people more than live in all of Canada, and more populous than most European countries.
Dear American cousins: news flash, this anthem is only the beginning. Eventually you will have to face the fact that government services will need to operate in a bilingual manner, and products will require double labeling. And hundreds of other little things Canadians have been living with for years and for the most part, are happy with.
Supporting more than one language in your country is not a sign of weakness, its a sign of openness and tolerance. Don't let fear of the unknown future guide your actions but embrace this new facet of american culture, because like it or not, its here to stay: its estimated that by July 2050 the projected Hispanic population in USA will be 102.6 million, or 24% of the total population.
(Hat Tip Pesky Apostrophe)
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