the happy conservative

In which I respond to a post on singing the National Anthem in Spanish. You can find it here.

The author argues that language is unimportant. Check it out:

Why, in a country deemed free, do people care what language you speak? We are a melting pot. It is futile to attempt silencing the language of everyone around you. I speak Spanish. My friends speak Indian. Some of our friends speak English and Indian. We all live in this free country.

I have some problems with this analysis. A “melting pot” cannot be what she meant. After all, a “melting pot” brings together elements of many different pieces and makes them indistinguishable from each other. The sum is greater, but moreover it is absolutely different, from any of the parts.

A common language is essential to a “melting pot.” Speaking in different languages creates pockets of different cultures. It doesn’t create diversity; it ruins it.

Let’s say I walk into a neighborhood of Methodists. They’re free to be Methodists, even if I’m Catholic. Nobody stops them. But if I want to become Methodist, they’ll certainly let me. Welcome aboard. Become a Methodist.

Now I walk into a Russian neighborhood, and everybody’s speaking Russian. I can never join their neighborhood. I can never enjoy their culture. I can’t even order obed. I cannot be part of that culture. I am alienated.

Let’s say diversity is a good thing, something that has some intrinsic value. We are a diverse culture, we gain from each other’s strengths and compensate for each other’s weaknesses. But then God says we’re all going to speak in different tongues. Our diversity tower is going to crumble all over us. I cannot possibly gain from diversity, because those Russians (Koreans, Chinese, Hispanics, Yemeni..etc) are segregated, embracing their own culture and speaking their own language.

A common language is key to diversity. It’s key to freedom.

The author does not ask for a melting pot, but rather a tossed salad.