How to Treat Your Tourists

Philadelphia, known forever as the City of Brotherly Love isn't feeling so brotherly lately. Geno's Steaks, an icon for locals and tourists alike has been all over the news for their "English Only" policy. Owner Joseph Vento put up a sign sveral months ago telling customers they are in America and must place their order in English only. I hope Joe never goes to Europe on vacation...

Philadelphia, of course, is a major city for tourism, both domestic and foreign. If you've ever been to Paris or Rome and needed help with the language barrier you'll relate to all the tourists who will be descending on places like the Constitution Center, Independence Hall, the Franklin Institute, and that other Philly landmark, Geno's Steaks. Oops, better pass on the cheese steak as Joe Vento won't serve you unless you order in English. What's the Italian word for "wid?" Nothing like another black eye for Ugly American syndrome.

Of course this isn't really about discriminating against tourists from France, Spain, Italy or wherever. It's a racist policy designed to discriminate against latinos, Chinese, Koreans, and others, mostly those pesky Mexicans. It's another card played in the high stakes game of immigration anger. Never mind if it's giving the city a black eye as it heads into the height of tourist season. Joe may as well erect a sign that says "whites only." Maybe he needs two lines, one in front for English only speakers and another around back for other languages. May as well go with separate restrooms too, one for Americans and one for foreigners.

I see two possible solutions for those with conscience problems dealing with this situation. First I'd love to see about 200 latino customers lined up at the same time trying to order in Spanish. How much business will Joe lose by the time he gets through telling all those people he won't serve them? Second solution: Pat's Steaks.