During a recent stay at a hotel in Los Angeles, California, USA, I held the elevator door for a flight attendant from an international airline as she approached with two large pieces of luggage. As she entered the elevator, she thanked me by saying "Gracias." I asked which floor, to which she responded, "Tres." It took me a moment, but I eventually translated it to three and pressed the button. She then matter-of-factly stated, "You need to learn Spanish." I shook my head and said, "No, I don't -- why?" She replied, "Because it's easy. Everybody should know Spanish." I then asked if she was from Spain, to which she somewhat indignantly replied as she was stepping-out of the car, "No, Chile."
I'm dumbfounded by her attitude -- so much so that I don't really know what to say. The fact is, I'm unapologetic about not knowing how to speak in her native tongue, or any other tongue for that matter. I'm not opposed to being multilingual, but I am opposed to and take offense to a visitor to this country to expect me (or any other American) to speak their language. I don't think I need to mention the hypocrisy of the stewardess' attitude if I were to demand the same of her if the situation were reversed. Now, go back to Chile, young lady, and don't come back until you learn some manners!
I'm dumbfounded by her attitude -- so much so that I don't really know what to say. The fact is, I'm unapologetic about not knowing how to speak in her native tongue, or any other tongue for that matter. I'm not opposed to being multilingual, but I am opposed to and take offense to a visitor to this country to expect me (or any other American) to speak their language. I don't think I need to mention the hypocrisy of the stewardess' attitude if I were to demand the same of her if the situation were reversed. Now, go back to Chile, young lady, and don't come back until you learn some manners!
