Thoughts on diversity
Michael Lane, President, Emporia State University
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
IF I COULD, in one word, sum up the all-encompassing characteristics of an effective community, the word I would choose is “diversity.” No other feature positively impacts both a community’s quality of life and its economic stability.
In the fall semester, Emporia State University invited campus and community dialogue about cultural differences in our community by hosting a town meeting featuring Dr. Barbara J. Love, a consultant and writer on multicultural organizational development. During that conversation, it became apparent that while it is easy to stand in a checkout line and scan the faces of people next to you and conclude that Emporia is a community of people from a variety of backgrounds, that fact doesn’t necessarily mean that we are embracing diversity and enjoying the benefits of different cultures and viewpoints.
I have frequently been asked why ESU is working to increase our population of international students. There are some very good reasons. First, these are students who study on our campus thereby increasing campus-based enrollment. In a time with flat and declining high-school graduation numbers in Kansas, it simply makes sense to look at other markets to increase enrollment. More importantly, however, is the fact that our world is very small. In the lifetime of our current students it is highly likely that the United States will be surpassed by China as the world’s greatest consuming nation. How many people in Emporia, in Kansas for that matter, have an opportunity to interact with people from China, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Finland, France, Mexico and many other countries? Without our international students, that number would be significantly smaller! Once our Kansas students have an opportunity to interact with our international students, they become more interested in traveling or studying abroad. These experiences in other countries give them first-hand knowledge about other cultures and life-long memories to treasure.
The significance of diversity on the campus of Emporia State University cannot be underestimated. This fall, 477 international students are attending classes at ESU. While the majority of students come from countries such as China, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Japan and Finland, Emporia State is educating students from a total of 39 foreign countries. Many of these students take advantage of the opportunities provided them in the community such as internships and social amenities. They make Emporia their home-away-from-home. Many travel the U.S. and learn our history and culture. And what an experience these students have had to watch, close up, our democratic process during our recent national election. What does freedom mean anyway?
Diversity means more than token representation on civic organizations or policy-making boards. It also means more than enjoying a wide variety of foods in local restaurants. In a diverse community, perspectives of all of our area’s citizens are equally represented and valued. People with varied human characteristics, ideas and world-views both benefit and challenge each other to grow while making the community better.
Diversity does not mean everyone agrees on every decision affecting the community. It does mean recognizing that your answers — and mine — aren’t the only solutions to an issue and that the rights and privileges afforded to us are also afforded to others.
We should never view diversity as just one more thing to be checked off a list of “nice” things to work toward. If we as a community fail to respect and embrace the differences in ourselves, we miss out on attracting a wide range of ideas and originality, and creative participation in our community will suffer.
Diversity is a vehicle for a productive, sustainable journey into the future. Communities that embrace diversity are better able to protect themselves from the currents of a changing economy. They are able to chart a course knowing that progress is the result of being open to the experiences, innovation, imagination and enthusiasm of all members of our community.
To become a truly diverse community, we need to listen to our neighbors. We need to ask them about themselves, their experiences and backgrounds, and find out what’s important to them. As that conversation develops, we must not overlook the opportunity to invite and involve our neighbors in helping create solutions to the issues we face.
ESU contributes to the campus and community knowledge of wide-ranging viewpoints through its Bonner and Bonner Diversity Lecture Series. In October, an audience of over 700, including members of the community and students listened to the most recent presenter in the series, James Loewen, who spoke about the phenomenon of “sundown towns.” The series, the premier diversity series in Kansas, has included several notable speakers on diversity issues, including former NAACP chairman Julian Bond and 1964 Olympic gold medalist Billy Mills.
It is my hope that, as a community, we can continue to build an inclusive community and appreciate the quality of life that results from understanding and having respect for all cultures. The future of our community and our world depends upon how well we are able to work and live together. My philosophy of encouraging ESU students to travel abroad and bringing more international student here is based on a simple belief. Understanding each other and knowing each other as individuals, not as nationalities, races, or religions, will be the only long-term solution to bringing peace to this world.
Bjnemp (anonymous) says...
"IF I COULD, in one word, sum up the all-encompassing characteristics of an effective community, the word I would choose is “diversity.” No other feature positively impacts both a community’s quality of life and its economic stability"
...unless it would be the ability of that community to abide by and enforce the law. Without the presence of law and order to ensure the peace and safety of a community's inhabitants and the sanctity of it's national heritage, tradition and sovereignty, diversity becomes the catalyst of a chaotic society.
Diversity of a legal nature is a very good thing. Allowing our nation to be invaded and occupied by an army of illegal intruders who decimate our economy, increase criminal activity, tax our welfare system, show disdain for our heritage and culture, refuse to learn our language, and do so with an arrogance of perceived entitlement, is a fatal cancer attacking our nation's very existence.
Legal diversity is a positive influence on our community. Illegal diversity is a forced occupation; a plague that is rapidly and steadily growing and will eventually destroy all we have fought and died for or hope to become.
December 24, 2008 at 12:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Those of us that work at Tyson,Hopkins, and other factories and businesses around town are way ahead of the college. We interact with or coworkers and friends from all over the world. Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Mexico, Cuba, Somalia, Kenya, Puerto Rico, and others. Diversity is not something new to us, it's been a part of our lives for a long time. If you spend 40 plus hours a week with people, You tend to get to know them even if you aren't speaking the same language.
December 24, 2008 at 1:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Being a deadbeat knows no color, there are people of every ethnicity doing exactly what you said above minus the language comment, to which I say we need a "national" language but until then there is no true universal language to speak. If you are speaking of illegal immigration then yes I agree with you, that is not the diversity we need. But else a lot of the problems you speak of are problems that have evolved over time with our system of government not evolving along with them to keep a handle on the problems.
December 24, 2008 at 1:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
goodoleboy
I assume your addressing Bjnemp. Correct?
December 24, 2008 at 2:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Yes, sorry for not sticking his name at the top of the post.
December 24, 2008 at 3:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
djdiablo (anonymous) says...
“to which I say we need a "national" language but until then there is no true universal language to speak.”
Uh, actually there is, by default. English.
English is the international language of business. All over Europe and most of Asia and Africa, business deals are conducted in English.
Air traffic controllers the world-wide, with one notable exception (France) speak English.
Over 80 % of internet content the world over is in English.
Put political correctness aside and wake up and smell the coffee.
Living in the U.S. without bothering to learn English is either very arrogant and/or very stupid. To say that there is "no national language" is little more than an excuse.
December 24, 2008 at 3:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
I am not against "diversity" so to speak. I am against forced and illegal diversity, which are the main causes of the drain on the infrastructure and economy of America.
Especially since a number of these forced and illegal diverse peoples and cultures don't pay any taxes.
I know, I know a lot of people are going to maintain that a lot of the diverse individuals get a paying job and pay taxes like anyone else. I will a gree that is partially true, but what about those so called diverse individuals that come to America illegally, work and are paid on the sly or under the table so to speak in cash and never have to pay income taxes and these same individuals take advantage of loop holes in our public health care and other government funded programs. I also believe the people who bring these individuals here and pay them under the table on the sly are just as guilty, maybe more so of undermining the Nations infrastructure and economy.
Yes diversity can be a good thing, however of in recent years it has not been a good thing.
December 24, 2008 at 3:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
"Diversity means more than token representation on civic organizations or policy-making boards."..........."Diversity does not mean everyone agrees on every decision affecting the community. It does mean recognizing that your answers — and mine — aren’t the only solutions to an issue and that the rights and privileges afforded to us are also afforded to others."
Does this sound familiar to anyone? WOW!! It's like deja vu! Not to pat myself on the back too hard, but did anyone catch when I said this same thing on the Change Commission forum? It wasn't quite as simply stated, but it's exactly my point. See "on December 22, 2008 at 4:25 p.m."
December 24, 2008 at 4:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Djdiablo,
I agree with that not learning the language is ignorant, but some of your figures I am having a hard time stomaching, especially in reguards to business and internet content since I work in field I do not see those numbers near as high as you do, especially with the Asian markets and the sheer number of people represented there. Could you link me where you found this information?
December 25, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LifeGoesOn (anonymous) says...
djdiablo, I agree with you 100%, "Living in the U.S. without bothering to learn English is either very arrogant and/or very stupid. To say that there is "no national language" is little more than an excuse."
Goodolboy since you "work in the field of business and internet content" where do you see the numbers? Could you link us where your information shows DJ's figures are incorrect?
December 25, 2008 at 10:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Personal experience tells me that it is not that high, and I would say that it is in fact shrinking up until the recent recession and was shrinking due to a surging Asian market. This and the fact I DID search a bit and could not find anything corroborating those figures, not at the level he is stating. Before I start posting links I would like to know where he found this data and give him a chance to explain before I throw around what I found and have experienced.
And I am NOT saying that anyone who comes into a country and does not learn the prevalent dialogue is not ignorant or unwise, but they are not breaking any laws or doing anything wrong either. It might inconvenience or annoy us who speak English but again it’s a matter of choice right? Choice seems to be a big issue around here with the smoking issue, who are we to tell people what language they should speak? Those who do would be no better than the CAE folks.
December 25, 2008 at 10:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
momus (anonymous) says...
I agree with some of your posts, goodoleboy, but I will have to take exception in regards to the language debate. Our national language is English. Ancestors coming from various nations, whether located in Europe, Asia, Africa or any other continent have learned our prevalent language in order to communicate and achieve success in this great land of ours. Failure to learn the prevalent language (thus creating the inability to communicate with the majority of the populace) prevents new immigrants from achieving several aspects of the American dream.
Many jobs are not available to individuals that cannot communicate effectively. Furthermore, if individuals maintain their language of origin at home, and that home includes children, they are putting their children at an educational disadvantage which generally manifests itself in a socioeconomic fashion for generations.
Yes, we as Americans need to learn other languages (and we should start the process in elementary school when learning languages is easier), but we can't pretend that not understanding English is "A OK" in today's modern economy.
December 25, 2008 at 11:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Nowhere in my post did I say that I thought it was ok not to learn English. I think it extremely unwise not to but again it is one's choice. The hispanic population is growing quickly, so quickly that I think in our lifetimes we will see some sort of resolution on just what is expected of our citizens. You could not be more right about communication and the barriers it breaks down, but again I want reiterate that even though you and I think it foolish not to learn and speak english it is one's choice to speak whatever he/she wants to in this country. That was my point in this, they make the choice, hence they suffer the consequences by excluding themselves from opportunites afforded to them if they had learned to effectively communicate.
December 25, 2008 at 12:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LifeGoesOn (anonymous) says...
goodolboy. you said "but they are not breaking any laws or doing anything wrong either. It might inconvenience or annoy us who speak English but again it’s a matter of choice right?"
I agree with you, but your stance on this seems to contradict some of your posts on others forums, I'm sure you know which I am speaking of, If no laws are being broken it's a matter of choice right? As for doing anything wrong, it's all a matter of perspective.
you also say "Personal experience tells me that it is not that high" talking about dj's figures, Are you saying you have had more personal experience than DJdiablo? what do you base that on, do you know djdiablo? you go on to say, you DID do some research, you Assuming dj did not.
December 25, 2008 at 1:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
you also say "Personal experience tells me that it is not that high" talking about dj's figures, Are you saying you have had more personal experience than DJdiablo? what do you base that on, do you know djdiablo? you go on to say, you DID do some research, you Assuming dj did not.
------------------------------------------------------------
Hence why I asked him to expound more, until he does there is really nothing further to talk about.
As for the rest, your comparing rights and privileges, there are no comparisons. A person has a right to their heritage. What you’re referring to is not a right, it’s a privilege given to you that can be taken away at any time. Not going to go any further about it since it will derail the thread.
December 25, 2008 at 2:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
"it’s a privilege given to you that can be taken away at any time."
Scary stuff right there. If some one deems something a privilege then they can just take it away. I am very uncomfortable with that.
December 25, 2008 at 9:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
alfalfa (anonymous) says...
There is no way to say this without sounding prejudiced, I know it but I am going to say it anyway. I never remember voting on whether or not we wanted to diversify this nation into a 5 or 6 language country where Christianity is discouraged. I am not against legal immigration, I am not a racist. But, if I were to move to Saudi Arabia(for instance), I would expect to live by their rules, I would not expect them to change their culture to accomodate mine, I would hope they would allow me to practice my traditions and language, but I would not expect them to change their lives. 20 or so years ago our language was English,there wasn't any doubt about that. At Christmas time there wasn't a debate about whether or not we were celebrating Christmas or something else, schools had Christmas programs because the majority was Christian. I believe had we actually had a vote with a question that said something like, "are you in favor of diversity knowing it may mean your own culture and religion will be discouraged and perhaps even become the minority" that very few Americans would have voted yes. I am not against working with immigrants and others and I am not against allowing them to observe, appreciate and hold on to their cultures and language,what I am against is seeing my own culture and language be purged so we can be "politically correct". I think Michael Lane's editorial is a "feel good view" from the left.
Can't wait to see how many people call me a redneck.
December 25, 2008 at 9:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
admireed (anonymous) says...
alfalfa...you expressed my feeling. Is Dr Lane's presentation a "feel good pat me on the back" thing? Diversity, respect for others, move my beliefs over, change the countries founding structure? What is the really correct position?
December 25, 2008 at 9:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
apsuz (anonymous) says...
"if individuals maintain their language of origin at home, and that home includes children, they are putting their children at an educational disadvantage which generally manifests itself in a socioeconomic fashion for generations."
I have to disagree with this. I know many families in which the parents speak one language (not English) and the children learn that language first, then learn English (properly, I hope) in school. Studies have shown that bilingual children have higher learning and grade levels. Not to mention the opportunities they will have as adults entering the workforce in a global economy! I do have to say that I don't like seeing the children being used as interpreters, there are many times where they end up involved in conversations completely inappropriate for young persons. But as far as them using their native language at home, I see no way that they are putting their children's future at a disadvantage. In fact, I have a 2 1/2 year old that is currently learning two languages. I am a native English speaker, born and raised in Emporia (no longer live in Emporia, but it's still my hometown). My spouse is from another country and the main language at home is not English. Currently our daughter chooses to speak the non-English language (which language is completely irrelevant), however she can speak, and understands both very well. I have also tried to expose her to other languages, even though I'm not in a position to actually teach her something I don't know myself. We also try to expose her to culture and traditions from both sides of the family. However, diversity goes beyond language, culture and traditions. Even though she is young, I try to use every opportunity I can to teach her to respect others for whatever reason they may be different from her, be it race, language, disability, economic status, etc. People are people and no two people are alike. Everyone should be treated with the respect and dignity that they deserve.
December 25, 2008 at 10:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LifeGoesOn (anonymous) says...
goodoleboy,lol, still not answwering simple questions, You assume about others and expect them to Prove to you what they say to be true, Yet when the same is ask of you, You chalk it all up to "personal experience" and talk around the questions without answering them, so let me ask in a different way
here is your quote
"Personal experience tells me that it is not that high, and I would say that it is in ((fact)) shrinking up until the recent recession and was shrinking due to a surging Asian market. This and the (((fact))) I DID search a bit and could not find anything corroborating those figures, not at the level he is stating"
So I am asking YOU where are your facts?
Show me a some links where you got your (facts)?
where did you search? to find no corroborating figures?
where did you find it was shrinking due to the Asain market?
Just asking!,
Have a Wonderful holiday weekend
December 26, 2008 at 6:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
My personal experience comes from a few years back when I lived in England working for a medical software firm. I am fluent in German and I can tell you that nowhere near %80 of the business dealings were in English. Talking to other people in the field while I was there I found that unless dealing with Americans business was often left to other dialects, no where the %80 mark being tossed around.
As for links, google it up, not hard to find, but the majority of my information comes from trade journals and books, which I cannot readily link here, and I seriously doubt giving you the ISBN is gonna entice you to run to the local library and check out the publications. So there it is, if the poster that made these claims wants to defend them then yes I will make an effort to quote and cite my sources, else I know what I know what and I am not gonna waste my time with this anymore. Simple as that.
December 26, 2008 at 7:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
seriouslyfolks,
"it’s a privilege given to you that can be taken away at any time."
Scary stuff right there. If some one deems something a privilege then they can just take it away. I am very uncomfortable with that.
--------------------------------------------------------------
He was referrring to another thread that involves hunting, which is a priviledge and can be taken away as defined by our state.
December 26, 2008 at 7:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
goodoleboy,
I guess I just assumed you were talking about the smoking ban. I haven't been reading too much of the hunting one as I am not a hunter. I do however support peoples rights/privileges to bear arms and hunt even though I don't personally hunt myself. There are those that would like to call the "right to bear arms" the "privilege to bear arms" and take it away. I'm not going to post any links proving the anti-gun lobby exists because I am pretty sure you know about it already. From reading some of your posts in the hunting forum I imagine that a gun ban would hit you a little closer to home than the smoking ban. This is what I'm talking about being "scary stuff", people calling something you care about a privilege and taking it away.
Oh yeah this is supposed to be about diversity. I agree with you that it's a persons choice whether someone learns English when they come here. It is a poor choice not to, nonverbal communication can only go so far. My job would be sooooooooooooooooooooooo much less complicated if I could talk to all the people I work with and I think it would be easier for them as well.
I still think it's funny that The ESU Pres thinks if you don't learn about other peoples cultures in college you won't learn about it at all. Again I say "Way ahead of you bub."
December 26, 2008 at 9:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LifeGoesOn (anonymous) says...
goodolboy Thanks for answering my questions
December 26, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Local_Hispanic (Vic Rodriguez) says...
Well here's my 2 cents worth.
Besides apsuz and Dr Lane, anytime someone brings up any kind of words dealing with Diversity, Immigration, job loss, culture and so on, someone here seems to be the first to start targeting Mexicans right off the bat. I've seen their post on other types of forums and the result was the same. So apparently this person has something really personal against us Hispanics or they just like to bitch just to start more dialogue here.
Fortunately that's their problem, but I do not truly believe that they think for the whole majority of the Emporia community. Maybe we should take a vote when we vote for the "smoking ban" to see if EVERY Emporian, regardless of race, thinks that every immigrant should go back where they came from.
This way the USA will have No more crime, No more drug problems, No more money going out to other countries, Everyone WILL pay their taxes, there will be plenty of jobs, health care will be taken care of, we will have an official language, schools will not have to teach those types of kids, we won't have to communicate with any other people other than white or black and we can then go back to saying MERRY CHRISTMAS without offending anyone...
This sure seems like the perfect place, and if this person was to have their way he would think this is what would happen, since immigrants are the ones who cause or do ALL of the above mentioned things. Because once all the immigrants leave, who can they blame? Hmmm...
I believe Dr. Lane was just saying that we are lucky to have these opportunities to learn, appreciate and understand in order to IMPROVE OUR community here as a whole.
Even in this time of year with all the economical downfall, jobless rate rising, housing situations unclear and a new government coming into play. I think we are just down to a few things in life that should be very important to us, and that is Family and friends.
"The more friends we have, the bigger our family can be" was something my Grandfather told me many many years ago. He was from Mexico, but worked here on the railroad for many years and was always appreciative of all the new "White" friends he made while he worked here. Even to this day we all keep in touch, even though Grandpa is long gone. But I will always thank him for that. Not bad for an Immigrant.
Peace and Happy Holi...oh hell,
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
December 26, 2008 at 11:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Seriously,
It really depends on what they do to the gun laws(if anything) as to how it will affect me. I really doubt that my bolt action riles or shotguns are in much danger, my handguns or my AR15 perhaps. There is a huge difference into the right to bear arms and hunting. The right to bear arms is right outlined specifically in the constitution wheras there is no "right" to hunt as it is a priviledge bestowed upon us by our state. Are they interwined? Yes but I think any gun laws or amendments are aimed more at handguns and assault rifles, and then there is always the reasoning that people wanting guns will indeed get them and all that gun laws do is disarm innocent people and make them easy targets.
From diversity to gun laws lol, who would have thought......
December 26, 2008 at 12:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Local_Hispanic
Did I miss something?
Who targeted Mexicans?
Could you please point this out for me because you are seeing something I apparently missed.
Thanks for the help.
December 26, 2008 at 12:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
I have a question for anyone who may have a truely understandable and make sense answer, it has to do with the accepted national language of a Country.
If you happen to immigrate to a country, any country from a country where you speak the accepted national language, whether you do it legally or illegally and you do not speak that countrys accepted language and you therefore cannot read or speak the accepted language of that country, how in the world do you expect to obtain a drivers license, job or anything, when you can only do so through an interpreter and is that interpreter expected to be with you all the time you are driving, applying for and working at a job, etc., so you may know what the road signs, etc., say?
It seems to me that this would be a very arrogant and dangerous situation to the people of that country as well as disrespecting their accepted national language and laws.
I only ask this question, because I have witnessed this very same thing at our local drivers license examination station and I asked the examiner about it and the answer I got was a shoulder shrug and a rsponse of "interpreter" and "pictures".
December 26, 2008 at 1:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Local_Hispanic (Vic Rodriguez) says...
Hey seriouslyfolks,
This time they didn't come out and say it directly, but from previous posts this is what they meant.
..."Diversity of a legal nature is a very good thing. Allowing our nation to be invaded and occupied by an army of illegal intruders who decimate our economy, increase criminal activity, tax our welfare system, show disdain for our heritage and culture, refuse to learn our language, and do so with an arrogance of perceived entitlement, is a fatal cancer attacking our nation's very existence"...
I just didn't want to come out and say who it exactly was that's all. No problem.
December 26, 2008 at 1:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Local_Hispanic
Thank for clearing that up for me. I thought maybe you were being a little too sensitive, which is perfectly understandable when discussing this topic. I didn't realize their was a history of posts on this subject that specified people from Mexico.
Thanks again for the clarification and a belated merry Christmas to you and a happy new year.
December 26, 2008 at 1:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Weltha (anonymous) says...
..."Diversity of a legal nature is a very good thing. Allowing our nation to be invaded and occupied by an army of illegal intruders who decimate our economy, increase criminal activity, tax our welfare system, show disdain for our heritage and culture, refuse to learn our language, and do so with an arrogance of perceived entitlement, is a fatal cancer attacking our nation's very existence"...
I don't see this as being racist. It is a very true statement. Legal is legal. Illegal is illegal. No, where does it say anything about hispanics either. Granted in the past this person may have said things but this time not and I don't see the insinuation either. Someone is just being to sensitive and reading more into the post than is there. Just goes to show that both sides of an issue are guilty of fueling the fire. JMO of course.
December 26, 2008 at 1:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
2nd sentence of this comment really tells the tale. I will quote it.
"Allowing our nation to be invaded and occupied by an army of illegal intruders "
Illegal intruders or immigrants are in fact illegal, hence I have 0 empathy for them regardless of what ethnicity they are. People get so worked up about this issue that they forget to realize that this is a criminal act and one that costs every taxpayer a great deal of money. I see no reason to assume this statement as racist or a show of hatred or persecution; it is a denunciation of a criminal act. That is all
.
December 26, 2008 at 2:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
USNretired (anonymous) says...
I have driven with an "international driver's license" which is really just a translation document, as well as an Italian and a Japanese driver's license bestowed via the local Military establishment. Driving just isn't that different from place to place, just the symbols are different and some manners and customs.
Diversity is a fine thing in many ways, but it can also cause dissension. The acceptance of some diversity and the process of absorbing immigrants (that are not too different) is healthy. When incompatible customs clash, something has got to give or you get a situation not unlike that in the Balkans.
December 26, 2008 at 6:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LifeGoesOn (anonymous) says...
this really pains me to say it (because goodolboy and I are hardly what you would call friends) BUT his last post says it perfectly.
"Illegal intruders or immigrants are in fact illegal, hence I have 0 empathy for them regardless of what ethnicity they are."
Local_Hispanic, Are you an "Illegal" immigrant? If not, you are being to sensitive.
December 26, 2008 at 7:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Bjnemp (anonymous) says...
Local_Hispanic: It appears it was my comment that plunked your twanger. Let me assure you that I am not a racist nor do I harbor any disdain for or prejudice against Mexicans or any other Hispanics. Heck, my dearest and most-loved Aunt is Costa Rican! But she is a legal U.S. citizen and has been since 1961. My problem isn't with Hispanics or Africans or Asians or any other nationality or race. My problem is with people who ILLEGALLY enter our country and suck our economy's life blood like hungry leeches.
Immigrants who come to America legally to live, grow, assimilate, and contribute are always welcome. That is what America is all about and what made us great. My own ancestors immigrated here from Ireland in the 1830s---legally.
If you immigrated to America from another country in a legal manner, learned and use our language, work for a living, pay taxes, and obey our laws, you are not an immigrant: you are an American, and welcome here. If you are here illegally, from anywhere, you are a criminal and need to be jailed or deported.
Immigrants aren't the problem with America. Illegal immigrants are the problem.
Don't confuse patriotic concern with racism.
December 26, 2008 at 10:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Many people don't understand that "the ends don't justify the means". In some peoples eyes breaking immigration laws is just something to do to better a situation . The scary thing is what other laws are disposable if they get in the way of one's happiness?
December 27, 2008 at 9:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
I will not and cannot say to much on this particular subject "diversity", because you see my ancestors were native american indian, some of whom took part in the forced resettlement from the Carolinas to Oklahoma on what has become known as " The Trail Of Tears", so I am very proud of my Native American heritage, and I even have a Native American tribal name which is "Standing Buffalo", my mother is of French Canadian ancestory.
So you see I cannot not and will not comment to much on so called "diversity", however it does make the Native American part of my blood boil somewhat when I here someone complain about how the poor immigrant , especially those who are illegal are misunderstood and maligned, when most all Native Americans have had their lands, rights and dignity stolen from them for years and the poverty among the Native American people is the among the worst in the world.
December 27, 2008 at 2:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
djdiablo (anonymous) says...
Sorry, I've been away...here's an answer:
Do a simple GOOGLE search with this heading:
"world business conducted in English"
I too have traveled...Wherever I have been it is hard NOT finding people who speak serviceable English...particularly people in "personal" businesses such as hotels, cafes, bars, shops, airports, taxis, and on and on.
A relative worked for Chrysler when they were taken over by Daimler, moved to Germany for 2 years and quickly learned that all executives there had been instructed that if they did not speak English already, and the vast majority did, that they needed to learn it poste-haste or have their position re-evaluated...odd that Chrysler employees were not instructed to learn German since Germans OWNED the company at that point and international headquarters were in Germany as well.
She was disappointed that she did not often have an opportunity
to keep her German language skills honed and often ASKED people to speak German to her so that she could practice.
English IS the language of International business and the internet and I stand by my original comments completely.
December 28, 2008 at 12:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
I used the phrase along with a few others and came up with contridicting sources. I will concede to you that English is the most common language used is business currently but I cannot find enough evidence anywhere to vindicate the %80 number you are advocating. I have several trade publications that are very reputable and accurate that show those numbers to be 20-30% less of what you claim business wise and internet wise %80 is hysterical. China and Japan have a larger population than we do and the internet content over there is all in Asian dialect, nowhere near %80 of the internet content is in English, not even close.
December 30, 2008 at 8:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Local_Hispanic (Vic Rodriguez) says...
I am sorry for the misunderstanding and no I am not an illegal alien. But I will say that my mom and grandfather were from Mexico. If they wouldn't have come to the states then I wouldn't have had the opportunity to learn or appreciate the hard things that they had to go thru in order to provide a better life for me or our family.
Recently in the news it was mentioned that the rate of illegals crossing over the border has gone down due to the arrest of thousands of illegals in factories throughout the bordering states. This is good, they are finally getting some of the real bad guys which are the big businesses that hire these illegals just for cheap labor.
But I will also say that if in the future when an article is written about diversity or immigrants that we shouldn't bring up the Illegal issue all the time! Let's give it a rest. I think we need to focus on more local things such as the No Smoking Law or maybe we should build a parking garage where the old Bruff's used to be. This would be perfect for the Auditorium and or special events downtown.
Sorry to keep draggin things along!
December 31, 2008 at 12:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
A parking garage! What a great idea for that area, Local_Hispanic. May I suggest a restaurant or good bread/sandwich shop on the ground floor, Panera style?Maybe Amanda's would move to a larger shop and bake bread too.
Hmmm, I wonder what kind of tax help might be possible with the city??????? Wouldn't it be a good idea to give Amanda's a tax break?
Just thinking.
December 31, 2008 at 7:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
I heard construction for the parking garage will begin and be completed on Jan. 21st.
December 31, 2008 at 10:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
This is good to know. I hope they will include shop space on the ground floor.
December 31, 2008 at 12:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Shop space will actually be underground from what I've told myself anyway. It should be grand.
December 31, 2008 at 12:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Underground? Really? I'm just glad they plan to put something useful into that space. Now I'm hungry for Amanda's. Think I'll go downtown.
December 31, 2008 at 12:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
about Local_Hispanics 12:31 am post:
Diversity paired with the smoking ban? Nah, too logical. You can't have a smoking ban in a town with diversity of thinking and lifestyles, so we aren't going to put those two together. Diversity is a race only subject around here. Although, don't the very people who want us all molded into their ways of thinking also want us to accept other cultures? Why can't they accept other cultures too--like smoking ones? Well, I guess that's too deep for me to understand--I live on the wrong side of the tracks (or town) so I am too dumb to understand all this stuff. I wish there was a "commission" or something to make my decisions for me...............
December 31, 2008 at 2:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
The parking garage will not have smoking in the underground shopping plaza, however you will be able to smoke in the parking areas as long as you are at least ten feet away from any car door.
You will not be discriminated against for any reason other than if you drive a Yugo so it will be quite diverse. The Yugo clause is nothing against their country of origin it is a safety issue. Yugos lack the power to make it up the ramps.
December 31, 2008 at 6:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Local_Hispanic (Vic Rodriguez) says...
Well I guess I can't use the garage, I don't believe my Yugo would make it over the garage ramp. LOL!
HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVERYONE!
Will there be a underground subway as well, with gift shops and restaurants?
Maybe this same "crew" should help with the bridge over the turnpike since they'll start next week and be done at the end of the month. Just trying to offer other solutions to get things done faster.
January 1, 2009 at 1:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
The bridge will also be done on Jan. 21st.
If you mean Subway the restaurant, yes there will be one because Emporia needs more Subways. If you mean a subway like public transportation then the answer is no. Subway trains look too much like cigarettes.
Happy and diverse New Year to all.
January 1, 2009 at 9:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
romano1784 (anonymous) says...
Been reading for a while and thought I'd add my two cents. Diversity is good, it helps people learn more of other cultures, languages, people in general. The problem is "Forced Diversity". Bear with me.
I wasn't a big fan of the Samolians here and I didnt hide it. I had no problem with them when they got here my problems grew afterwards. They didn't speak the language, rules were changed specifically for them, and others had to accomodate them. I cant say this for all of them but having worked with them at Tyson I say this for quite a bit of them.
I have been called racist several times for speaking out against them, but the truth is you can just not like someone. Not because of who they are but based on the actions they perform. I know several folks who aren't from this country, mostly Italian and hispanic and I have no problem with immigration. But if I moved back to Italy or to Mexico, or Costa Rica I would be expected to AT LEAST learn enough to get around.
So I say if you move here from another country tell me about your culture, don't expect me to live it.
January 2, 2009 at 11:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
glarson (anonymous) says...
time to close it out, folks, and move to a forum:
http://www.emporiagazette.com/forums/...
January 3, 2009 at 10:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )