Today, being the 40th anniversary of the 1967 uprising in Detroit, I was going to blog about it. I reserve the right to blog about that later but my brother Ken insists that I blog about bi-lingualism.
We all hear these stories people tell about how their ancestors came to America and learned English. These same people argue that public schools should be taught in English only, voting ballots should be in English only, etc.
While researching family history I came across an interesting tidbit. Click on the 1900 census photo and look down at line 26. You'll see Frederick Mues, my great-grandmother's brother, living with my great-grandparents on Antietam Street. Look further to the right you'll see that he is 34 years old, a grave-digger by occupation, has lived in the US for 8 years, and does not speak English. The moral of this story: immigrants are people, too! Even if they don't speak English!
Further, I believe St. Joe's school used to teach classes in German, right up until the time my grandfather went there, circa 1900-1910.
Isn't it great to have data?
I believe that people have selective memory about what they "remember" about the way things used to be. Very interesting research and in the globally connected world that we live in today, very appropriate.
ReplyDeleteFor starters... none of us remember the year 1900 so there is no memory to be selective about.
ReplyDeleteRequiring citizens to speak English does not mean they are being mistreated as people. I don't know how/why that connection is being made.
Frederick was a grave-digger so I don't think it mattered what language he spoke to his customers in!
Andy
Frank-
ReplyDeleteYou noted that Fritz Mues was a gravedigger at age 34, after 8 years in this country. It seems to me that, for his own good, he would have learned English if only in order to get a better job.
As to St. Joe's school teaching the kids in German, they could do whatever in the hell they wanted, because it wasn't a public school! At any rate, again as you noted, they were teaching in English around the turn of the century. So, even 100 years ago, they had wised up in that regard.
You also conveniently (or purposely?) overlook the difference between legal immigrants and illegal aliens, whose latter advocates like to use the word 'immigrants', when they should be called lawbreakers and trespassers! Unfortunately, they are the most vocal contingent when it comes to demanding bi-lingual education, government documents, and delivery of public services.
You fail to see that your 'data' indicates that immigrants not assimilating to America's language and culture will find themselves on a downhill road to failure, and the rest of us should not cotton to them. And, who cares WHAT happens to the illegals!?!
-Dad
If Jesus were here today, would we make him speak in English?
ReplyDeleteI'll need some clarification...
ReplyDeleteIf Jesus were here today are we assuming he's here legally or illegally?
Andy
I'm quite sure that German was taught at Miller public school at the beginning of the 20th century (It still stands today near Vernor & Chene). I believe it was well recognized that the predominantly German neighborhood population would be better educated into American society by teaching the children in both German and English.
ReplyDeleteAs an adult immigrant, Fritz Mues did not have the easy opportunity to learn English in school, so he most likely picked up English gradually while getting around well in Detroit's German ghetto around St. Joseph's church.
As to an immigrant's rights and responsibilities today, They should be registered as aliens and be allowed to work and required to pay taxes while recieving the full benefits of our society. Their children born in the US will be citizens like those of us born here.
Undocumented aliens who have been discovered should have to prove that they have employment (or a sponsor, such as a university or union) and can be productive members of society while receiving the full benefits therof. This includes farm workers who are often have to move from state to state following the harvest.
This nation achieved great prosperity by opening its borders and establishing public schools for all citizens (even non-English speaking ones pursuing naturalization). It is wrong to think that we can sustain prosperity by building walls and deporting so many who would be, and are, decent and hard-working citizens.
Dave G