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Se Habla 'Free Pizza'

Ruben Navarrett Jr. on

Seriously, folks? Americans need to get a grip and keep their sense of perspective. It also wouldn't hurt to have a dose of consistency so that we don't succumb to situational ethics.

In 2006, Joseph Vento, owner of Geno's Steaks -- a cheesesteak shop in a South Philadelphia neighborhood that is now home to many Asian and Latino immigrants -- refused service to anyone who wouldn't order in English. Vento went so far as to hang signs in his restaurant telling customers: "This is America. When ordering, speak English."

Many people applauded, and business went up. I bet some of those same people are coming unhinged at the thought of a pizza chain appearing to reward customers who speak Spanish.

On the flipside, there were also many people who bristled when Geno's went English-only. And now, I bet many of those same folks have no trouble with what Pizza Patrón is baking up.

Other than the fact that, in one case, someone is denying service and, in the other, they're giving something away for free, what's the difference? There isn't much of one.

Both of these stories are about personal freedom and the right of those individuals who own businesses to run them as they see fit as long as people are treated fairly. You can't call yourself "pro-business" -- as in a "pro-business conservative" -- and refuse to recognize this prerogative.

 

The stories are also about a concept that we need to do a better job of practicing in this country: tolerance. Change frightens some people, and cultural change terrifies them.

But change is also a part of this country and an American tradition. We should accept it. We should celebrate it. And if that's too much to ask of some folks, then at least let's stop fighting it in ways that divide people, create problems and fuel ethnic tensions.

Now that's an appetizing thought.

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Ruben Navarrette's email address is ruben@rubennavarrette.com.


Copyright 2012 Washington Post Writers Group

 

 

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