The fact that the sign is itself in English, along with its somewhat sarcastic/indignant tone, tells me that the sign is not really for people who don't speak English. It is for people who do speak English and also don't like people who don't speak English. The point of these signs seems not to be to stop non-English speakers from coming in, but rather to muster the support of like-minded folks who will patronize his business to support his stand.
It strikes me as not being very different from putting up a sign that says "If you can't read this, don't come in." The logic behind putting up such a sign doesn't sink in with me.
If the intent of the sign is really to assist people who do not speak a certain language or two in the area, put up a sign in those languages that says something to the effect of "Please note: The staff members of this diner speak English only".
While I agree that he has every right to put up the sign, I'll disagree a bit with Illiad on this one point. If the "neighbourhood fallout" is only in the form of "social ostracism" (to use a WFB term), then yes, he shouldn't be protected. If the "neighbourhood fallout" involves burning down his shop, then he should get the same protection anyone else with a shop in that place would receive. |
