Close Reading

For those wondering: the USA does not have any official language, but of people who speak only one language here, most speak English. Many people speak a second language natively, taught by their families, and many high schools (grades 9 through 12) teach a second language, but many of us aren't very fluent from those classes (I took three years of German and I'm still terrible at it.) The second most spoken and written language is Latin Spanish, but Americans are very diverse, so there are many more languages spoken.

A compelling documentary, thank you. Why is it that black people continue to be so demonised and de-humanised? It is such a shame that follow Asians and even American Natives play such a role in perpetuating racism against African descent people, but I guess they have their issues of identity. Real shame nonetheless, but one thing at the time, we still have a bigger hurdle to overcome.\n \nOf course, it is still not easy to be a black woman, man or child today. Sadly our mothers are still crying for their children being killed or overly punished by the police institution, our kids are still targeted if not simply despised for being beautiful, bright, talented, lively and brilliant beings with deeper skin tonalities, and hair that speaks for us otherwise. It is still dangerous because there is so much hatred across the world against us as we are coming to understand. And hatred is unpredictable. It comes in different ugly shapes. \n\nAfrican descent people are institutionally exposed to a lack of opportunities based on race, leading to the disproportionate poverty levels in our communities, and poverty brings your far closer to crime. That should not be so difficult to calculate. We're faced with higher mortality and disease rates, covid 19 has rubbed that to our eyes, care systems medical world is in less favour and neglect black communities. On a day-to-day, I am so insulted about the security guard that follows me in the shop, it is so disrespectful and embarrassing, that makes me move suspiciously indeed, yet so low and ignorant I don't even want to have to confront the issue. \n\nI agree with the writer who writes about his experience (and shame?) of being a black man in Canada- the same is institutionally reflected in Europe and across the world let's not be naive, we're not welcome but they should know they have no choice. I believe what he really is trying to express is based on the fear of being a black man in a hostile environment, but we should certainly have nothing to be ashamed of. \n\nOn contrary, we should be very proud because we are still here, like any other citizens paying our taxes and playing positive roles in society by major. We have positive role models are everywhere, from the single mother raising her children with force and determination to the black father who teaches at a local school, from the black girl who's achieved top grades to university to the black young man who's been headhunted from the medical school. And all of us who are just trying. \n\nLook closely. While the media will continue to do its good job demonising and stereotyping us negatively, let's not forget that we are real people with real accomplishments who have always made impactful contributions to society. \n\nHere's the thing, we are admired, loved and celebrated because of the brilliance, talent, charisma, swag and wealth we bring to contemporary culture. Everyone consumes black culture, from the filler lip service to the quick fix tan, from rock and roll to hip hop and RnB music, to sports athletes to the amazing creators out there, no need to mention names. But, we also are doctors, politicians, judges nurses, waiters, carers, scientists, builders, bankers, entrepreneurs, employees or unemployed. \n\nSadly on a day-to-day, we are not viewed as equal people, with equal rights and needs, who, by large, just want the good for our children, our families, neighbours and indeed countries. STOP INSTITUTIONAL RACISM. We are real mothers, real fathers, real children who have a birthright to equal treatment, respect and human dignity, whether or not you choose to disagree.

You’ve been in an English speaking country for awhile. So why do you need to communicate via Spanish? You should’ve learned the language by now. That’s the biggest thing, if you want to be a American or Canadian then learn the language. \n\nI’m Latin and my father n uncles hated going places in the US and another Latin would speak Spanish to them. Even though they could speak Spanish they said this is America speak English. \n\nNot all minorities like seeing people coming into the country illegally or by trying to use asylum when they have no claim. If it’s hard in your country don’t have kids, try to immigrate legally to a country!

Very well done! In Canada we are not really patriotic, we love being canadian but we ca speak more freely against it then in the US. We are more free in general because of the global safety. The culture is not only related to money. And lastly we are more aware or interested in the rest of the world. That being sais the last 4 years had destroyed the american brand, so I hope that Canadian way of living will rub off on the US so it would create a more stable and better world.

Yes Canada is a peaceful nation. You did not mention tent cities in Victoria and Vancouver, B.C. In Canada we only speak English. Quebec should be their own country. I was in the military in Quebec for one week and dropped out. I got sick in the winter and I did not like how they treated people. Remember when your there you have to learn both languages. This is because of the marching drills and it is hard if you don't know French. If I was American I be happy and they only speak English. America rules!

I am white European, but look like an American white woman. In certain areas feel watched, followed and one of the store in Miami I wasn't served because I didn't speak Spanish.

I have no problem with skin color or race. I do have a problem when I go to the doctor's office and cannot understand half of what the doctor is saying to me. I do have a problem when I call for technical service and cannot understand half of what the technician is saying. This is frustrating. If people with another first language want to work for American companies where communication is a big part of the job, I only wish they would speak more fluently. I had this very situation this morning. Called for service, could not understand through heavy accent. He was getting very frustrated with me. If I went to another country it would be up to me to learn to speak that language. I dealt with this in the hospital...and in this setting it can be critical. I spoke to the Chief of Residency because of a potentially harmful situation and was told the residents all meet their requirements for English. well, whoopdido...that did not help either of us when a patient was going south.

Canadians are bilingual. Americans barely speak one language

Canada? We speak like Americans but look, we say ''EH'' at the end of our phrases. That makes us sound Canadian. If you think that adding a stupid word at the end of a phrase is creating an accent, its an insult for all the countries that have spend centuries to develop an actual accent that makes them sound different from the others. You guys are in denial.

There’s a common saying which states that the difference between Canadians and Americans is that “while Americans side with their fellow citizens against the government, Canadians side with their government against their fellow citizens.” This is stereotype is the best explanation as to why Canada can’t see to develop a viable market economy or compete with other nations on innovations in STEM or the arts. The problem with Canada is that it never developed a culture outside of “not being American” and the result is that their government has been allowed to grow to an enormous size and basically strangle all of the talent out of the country. Canada, despite the fact that it’s an English speaking country on the North American continent, is virtually nothing like America is any sense of the term, and actually has more in common with Scandinavia than it does with the country that borders it’s south.

Something funny I noticed while in the US was when I talk to people the 2nd thing they ask me is my name. ALWAYS THE 2nd THING THEY ASK. WHY?? I can speak with everybody in Canada without knowing the name ever but Americans feel the need to know that.

As a Canadian who has traveled to 12/13 provinces/territories (sorry NFLD) and all regions of the mainland USA I have couple comments. First, both Canada and the USA the accents and culture are very different depending on the area (another similarity!). People from Vermont have more in common with people from New Brunswick than they do with their fellow Americans in Texas. People from British Columbia have more in common with people from Washington than they do with Quebeckers. Second, I actually find that Americans are super friendly in some states, more outgoing than Canadians (like say Tennessee). Also, Drew, if you ever want to go to the Far North in Canada it's a whole other world of Inuit people speaking Inuktitut on Baffin Island - for me that area seems like another country!

Now when i hear someone speak Chinese I simply join their conversation. It is an opportunity for me to practice speaking Mandarin. Turbans are actually quite useful during snowstorms. I learned how to wear one Tuareg style while I was living in the Atacama Desert. I actually prefer to hang around foreigners than Americans as Americans all sound like robots who simply repeat what they have heard off fox news.

I actually think Janelle Monae included those characters to make a point. I don't think it gives them a pass. the lyrics of the song even speak about the issue. This is my perspective as an African American. I appreciate the perspective, but I think a message was actually being sent. This does make me want to learn more about how racial scenarios play out in Canada - we share a continent, but the cultures are difference.

President Trump had to say:For Muslim Immigrants\n\n“IMMIGRANTS, NOT AMERICANS, MUST ADAPT.. Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Americans.\n\n“This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories, by millions of men and women who have sought freedom.\n\n“We speak ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, learn the language!\n\n“Most Americans believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools.\n\n“If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.\n\nWe will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.

And Americans speak English whenever they are in other, non-English, countries. Strange how that seems to be ok.

The canadians are as cold as their weather...poor guy got rejected after such a DUMB MOVE .Generally speaking living in the US is way easier than in Canada ,where you have to be a genius (overqualified) to get almost any decent job.Not to mention the brutal winters (except vancouver) Only 2 good things about canada : it's healthcare and safety . Much easier to have a comfortable life in the US despite being undocumented .You just have to keep a low profile and be a law abiding citizen.The american economy is simply the BIGGEST in the planet .So many businesses : someone will give you a chance ...as simply as that !

So you’ve lived in the US for years and lived in Canada for a year and you still can’t speak English... you break the law everywhere you’ve been... you don’t actually seem to want to integrate yourself into either American or Canadian culture. This guy sounds like a class act

Speak French it’s Canada ohh wait your American Canadian

I'm Asian American and I speak like a white men , it shocks everyone that I speak really good English

Speak English. Even if we ask please or suggest instead of hammering it or shouting it. Us Americans will be seen as racist or unsympathetic.. no matter if we're black or white. This is outrageous. He's just border hopping at this point. Thought he was ahead of the game and first in line to this unique idea of rushing further north to Canada. Refugees, he should be fined for faking a class of persons. Refugees are real. He is not one. Smh

As a Mexican American I have faced all types of racism from people of different races, including my own. I lived in Mexico for a while when I was young and would get bullied by kids who knew I was born in the U.S. Teachers also treated me different; some treated me worse than they treated the other kids, and others favored me because I was American. When I moved to Philadelphia I attended a school that was predominantly black and asian. I was the only hispanic in my class. At the time Spanish was my main language and my English was “rusty,” which led to constant bullying from classmates. They would call me “dookie face,” tell me to “go back to my country,” and even had some girls put gum on my hair. I would cry every day. I later on moved to Chicago to an area that was mostly hispanic, and that didn’t stop the bullying, either. After I finally refined my English, I no longer wanted to speak Spanish unless it was to my parents. Yes, I guess the constant bullying pushed me to feel like I had to separate myself from my hispanic heritage. When my hispanic classmates spoke to me in Spanish I only responded in English, which would make them mad and they would think that I thought I was “better than them.” Anyway, that was long ago and now as an adult I can reflect on these things so that I don’t make the same mistakes. I get along with everyone and the only thing that changes how I feel about someone is their character, not their appearance.

If the Islamic followers want to be more accepted it would benefit for them to denounce the radical Islamic parts more openly and more often, also even the Christians have tone down or even speak against how some things in the Bible are written and or interpreted and have even fought against groups or individuals who would radicalize things from the Bible.\n\nBut it appears that even the moderate follower of Islamic faith may say something to a non believer just to appear helpful, but while later it seems those moderates talk different when around others of their faith, no longer ready to speak against their teachings or leadership. The groups or individuals I hear talk from the Islamic side of things, like Council on American-Islamic Relations is only the victimhood against Muslims, it seems that the Council avoids asking it's others how to fit into Western or American type culture/ life. Why does it seem that it's the community's etc that needs to change? If I went to Saudi Arabia could I expect the country to change to my standards? If even I went to the Vatican City and Said hey Pope I'm here now so you all need to change to my way of thinking? I truly think that there are some of the Muslim faith who exploit the western society kindness, generosity and laws to further their own goals, and it's a sad situation to be so deceitful.

Sorry. . BUT I don’t feel sorry at all for them. I’m Mexican. And the fact that they had all this money and I’m guessing the wife has free time to self care and watch the kids she could’ve atleast learned to speak English. They don’t seem to be in desperate need!! These are the typical CENTRAL AMERICAN. They seek asylum but yet have money to wear and buy things ‘poor people’ can’t afford. The lady is plumped with her dyed and make up done while the kids are fashionable and look at the car. It’s not new but that vehicle kills gas like crazy. So no!!! I don’t feel bad!

By these comments, Canadians hate immigrants even more than American white supremacists. This man is scared for himself and his family. His case is just ignorance. He doesn’t know the proper ways to go about it. Him getting a lawyer and what not has showed he’s a bit smarter than many immigrants seeking asylum but most cases people don’t know the proper way to migrate out of their countries. They just know that there are better and safer opportunities elsewhere. As for everyone whining about why he doesn’t speak English, not EVERYONE CAN LEARN AT THE SAME PACE. There’s people that live in other countries for years and only know enough to get around and then theres people that just pick up on languages In less than a year. The language doesn’t matter. I’m sure he knows enough to communicate with people. I’m more surprised at the amount of people that law this and law that. Yes there are laws that should be followed but do people even consider morality? I hope none of you alls countries go to war or are over taken and you have to try to seek asylum in another country because I highly doubt you all would escape the ‘proper’ way. Most of you in the comments are sick and sad and will never truly understand the despair these people feel until you’re put in their position. Don’t bother replying to this comment because I won’t answer. I said what I said.

15 years and still cannot speak English! He deserves to go back to South America! He obviously does not want to inter grate with the Americans or Canadians. I migrated from another country and have mixed in very well with Americans and I love the food! Pizza is so yummy!

Wait you mean to tell me after 15 years living in the US he still can't speak a spit of english? I'm not American, I'm Asian, and I learned English from watching movies. But for me ain't you suppose to put at-least some effort into speaking the language you plan on living on? I mean if you've lived in the US for 15 years, even with little effort there will be a huge progress.

They go to L.A. to speak with Central American community leaders. That speaks volumes.

Vancouver only excepts Millionaire Chinese and Asians people fact they had so many they had to make new rules for them buying in Vancouver. Funny isn't what the South American ( Canadian) diplomat speaking to people in Cali saying the same thing Trump is and the right. Only he is using a accent and not having to be so forceful because the leaders before him dint bend over backward to help break the laws. But Trumps the bad guy for pounding his fist and doing what the American people elected him to do.

It's sad to hear thousands of stories like this one. Only if illigal immigrants who come to America for better life come to embrace American culture and respect America than may ne American ppl will be more embracing towards ppl like this family. \nBut that's not what millions of illigals who come here don't want to learn English where American schools has to accommodate them in there native language. You came here to America for BETTER life than speak N LEARN English n learn to adapt to American cultures. Don't come to America n expect we the American citizens to speak Spanish n learn your culture n implement your culture on America. Don't get me WRONG, i believe you should keep your heritage n value it but you live in America so learn to respect American culture. MOSTLY, STOP WAVING N FLYING MEXICAN FLAGS IN AMERICAN SOIL.

*STOP PUTTING THIS GUY ON TO SPEAK FOR US, HE IS AN ABSOLUTE JOKE AND LIBERAL SHILL!!!* \n\nHE HAS TO STOP STOP SAYING WE HAVE A LOT OF ROOM UP HERE, HAS THIS IDIOT EVER LOOKED AT A MAP?!! LOOK WHERE WE LIVE - *A THIN LINE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE COUNTRY* WHERE 35 MILLION CANADIANS ARE HAVING TROUBLE KEEPING UP WITH HOUSING LET ALONE *AFFORDABLE HOUSING*\n\nIF THESE PPL WANT TO LIVE IN TENTS IN THE NORTH, FLY AT IT, BUT THE REASON TRUDEAUS FIRST LIE QHEN HE TOOK OFFICE, KNOWN AS THE *REFUGEE RUSH* WHERE HE USED LIES AND PROPAGANDA TO CONVINCE US TO RESCUE 35.000 SYRIANS FROM HORRIFIC REFUGEE CAMPS.... THAT LATER TURNED OUT TO BE AN *ABSOLUTE LIE* . THESE PEOPLE HAD ALREADY BEEN RESETTLED IN SAFE COUNTRIES FOR YEARS AND HAD JOBS, KIDS IN SCHOOL, AMONG THEIR OWN LANGUAGE AND RELIGION. \nThat was the 1st lie of 3 YEARS OF LIES, EMBARRASSMENT AND DESTRUCTION OF THIS COUNTRY BY A RADICAL ELITIST LEFTIST ISLAMIST APOLOGIST COMMUNISM PUSHING DICTATOR. IMAGINE FORCING ISIS INTO COMMUNITIES WHILE QITH THE OTHER HAND THROWING TAX DOLLARS TO PAY YHR MILITARY TO RISK THEIR LIVES AND FIGHT THEM IN OTHER COUNTRIES - WHO EXACTLY IS THE ENEMY? CANADIANS? AMERICA? \n\nNOW WE LEARN FROM LEAKED BORDER SERVICES DOCUMENTS THAT HES BARELY VETTED ANY!!! AFTER TELLING US THE STRICT VETTING IS WHY WE DONT HAVE TO WORRY??!!!\n\nWHY IS HE STACKING THEM UP AND SUPPORTING THEM IN MY COUNTRY?? \n\nTHIA IS JUST THE BEGINNING OF THE DAMAGE THIS DICTATORSHIP IS DOING . \n*AMERICANS , DONT BELIEVE FOR ONE SECOND BELIEVE CANADIANS ARE BEHIND HIM, LIKE YOUR DEMOCRAT PARTY, MAINSTEAM MEDIA AND CLINTON SYCOPHANTS ... ITS ALL LIES*

Not only does this man break American law by coming here illegally,he does the very same thing by entering Canada illegally,in all the time he was in America he did not learn English,this man and his family must be deported \nImmediately, he and his family have been bilking the U.S.A.by using programs that they have no business aplying\nto.Now I can say for certain that he has tried to get freebies from Canada too!.\nWhen are our governments going to learn not to be pushed around,by people who are nothing but takers,takers ,takers with no appreciation for the country who is keeping them alive,if you want to speak\nyour foreign language,full time,while living in America full time,do it somewhere in private,I am tired of having people here that could be talking about me,or worse yet my country and our politics,while standing right next to me!.\nI am so glad that he wasted that money,earned in the U.S.A.and while milking our entitlement programs dry,\npayback is a bi_ch, now he knows how I feel about non-citizens getting away with cheating our government,\nThis man was brazen enough to go on camera and complain about living in the U.S.A.and feeling unwelcome,\nwell now I wonder why that is?he speaks on Spanish,in a English speaking nation,he's hiding from authorities \nhoping not to draw attention to himself,who might want to check his legality of being in this country.\nI'm sick of the internal takeover of this country,without any shots being fired like those of a real invading foreign \narmy, instead, over the past 50 or 60 years, a never,never,never ending,stream of people breaking into our country\nuninvited,undocumented,and very,very UNAMERICAN and UNCANADIAN.\nPUSH BACK AMERICANS,PUSH BACK CANADIANS,do not let our governments allow our countries to be turned into the shitholes from which the invaders are coming from.\nVote yes vote at your election times,and remove the people who are not stopping the illegal invaders,vote them\nout of their political positions,in favor of people who will stand for our countries founding identities,if not\nwe can kiss our histories goodbye FOREVER!.

My fiancé has two employees of the same non American nationality and they have begun speaking to each other in their native tongue in the workplace while their other team members don’t .. thoughts?

So this piece of shit lives in America illegally and still not learn how to speak English and then wants to turn over the border into Canada f*** him and his family ship those bastards back where they came from! Stop wasting American tax payers money on these illegal immigrants!!

I'm tired of the words illegal immigrants, all I migrants from other countries illegal or not speak or try to speak English to fit in. Mexicans don't do either. Learn english or try to fit in. That is why they are on the American people's radar. It's not racism to be proud to be a American or expect these people to conform. That is were we are losing the battle.

Still doesn't speak english. HOW can you properly become a American citisan when you don't speak the language.We need people who care enough to learn our language and add something to our culture and society.

Why don't all these Latin American asylum seekers go to places like Belize, Costa Rica, Panama? The economies and lower crime rates in these countries are good enough to attract many expats from Europe and the United States. Surely for someone seeking asylum they should be okay - and not too far to travel to get there. Plus, they already speak the language! Oh wait - the welfare systems of the US and Canada are so much easier to milk. Yeah, scratch that.

The problem is not speaking English, there are citizens who don’t know how to make money or who are in prison, \nspeaking English is not having a university degree.\nthe issue here is having a good education and they have no trade and fewer academic degrees these Central Americans don’t contribute anything to the country to ask for asylum.

Speak American you are in America

here's only one thing I see. For here why do you not consider the Native American people in your study if you want to speak of hatred or disrespect and discrimination as a Native American where do we fit in on that we've been discriminated against for over 500 years not only because the color of our skin but because of our beliefs

Have I got this right? He has been an illegal in US for 10 years then because he felt unsafe with Trumps changes he uprooted his family and tried to stay in Canada. Yet he speaks to his family in Spanish?? Why?? If his kids were born in the US their first language should be English and he should have learned it by now too. No attempt whatsoever to integrate and become American. I can't feel any sympathy for him

Adios. You can’t even speak English. That demonstrates you have no desire for North American culture and customs. My grandpa had to learn French when he emigrated to Canada from Holland more than a hundred years ago. When him and my grandma emigrated to the United States, they learned English and gained citizenship. They only had two kids and my grandpa employed people who he refused to let go during the depression in the 1930’s. What have you done for our country?

15 years in America and he can't speak a word of english. This is a big part of why most Americans don't support immigration of ANY kind.

This guy spent all this time in America and he can’t speak English? America is the worlds melting pot we welcome immigrants that want to be AMERICANS! Not people that want to turn my country into something other then it is.

I'm American and my only exposure to Canada was spending about 10 minutes walking around a Wal-Mart in Windsor. \n\n...so I can't really speak on the subject.

PRESIDENT OBAMA's VISIT TO MOSQUE.\nHE WROTE ON HIS TIMELINE.\nToday, I had the privilege of visiting the Islamic Society of Baltimore, a mosque that serves thousands of Muslim\nAmerican families. Like houses of worship across our country, it's a place where neighbors come together to pray, a school\nwhere students learn, and a health clinic where volunteers serve their community. My visit was a chance to celebrate the\ncontributions that Muslim Americans make to our country every day and to reaffirm the founding ideals that keep our nation strong, including the freedom of religion.\nGenerations of Muslim Americans have helped build our country as farmers, merchants and workers on Henry Ford's assembly line. They're the teachers who inspire our kids, and the nurses and doctors whom we trust with our health. They're scientists who win Nobel Prizes and young entrepreneurs creating new technologies. They're the champions we cheer for – from Muhammad Ali to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. They're the police and firefighters who keep us safe, and the men and women in uniform who have fought and bled and died for our freedom.\nRight now, though, many Muslim Americans are worried because threats and harassment against their community, their families and their children are on the rise. But we are one American family, and an attack on one faith is an attack on all our faiths. When any religious group is targeted, we all have a responsibility to speak up. We need to reject any politics that targets people because of race or religion. At a time when others are trying to divide us along religious lines, we have to\nreaffirm that most fundamental truth – that we are all God's children, all born equal with inherent dignity.\nI want every Muslim American who may be wondering where they fit in to know that you're right where you belong - right\nhere, because you're part of America, too. You are not Muslim or American. You are Muslim AND American. I want every American to know that Muslim communities are standing up for peace and justice as well. That's the spirit I felt on my visit today. And I'm absolutely confident that if we stay true to the values and ideals that bind us as one people, we're going to\nremain strong and united.

Speaking as a white man I have to admit I don't quite understand the need for anyone to organize as a race in Canada. First generation clubs from whatever country, sure, but as a race? Is it the elephant in the room... American slavery?  I can't help but think that most perceived problems blacks have in Canada are due to American issues we see in movies and media.\nWe in Canada bend over backwards to offer opportunity to succeed. Even touching on racism is widely and loudly crushed. I personally, as do most, give any individual the opportunities they deserve but it's up to them to screw it up or not. To me, if any minority can't make it in this society they aren't trying.\nIt's actually worse in my mind to be white male in public forums because our views and opinions are marginalized and shouted down. Youtube and the internet are the few forums where honest feelings and opinions can be spoken. No one with anything to lose would say this in public for fear of attacks from the thought police. Pretty sad we live in a free country that actually doesn't allow free speech from all. I guess some are more free than others.\nKeep telling me I'm unfair and bad, when I'm not and I might actually grow resentment and the very prejudice you're complaining about.