Message on Navigating the Intersection of Racism and Linguistic Imperialism in the U.S. (05/01/'24) -Message

Message on Navigating the Intersection of Racism and Linguistic Imperialism in the U.S. In the U.S., the profound intersection of racism and linguistic imperialism creates barriers to equality and justice. Our history shows how English became dominant, often sidelining languages like Native American dialects, Spanish, and African American Vernacular English (AAVE). This has marginalized non-English speakers, creating discriminatory hierarchies in education, employment, and social integration. Our schools often fail non-native English speakers by not supporting bilingual education or recognizing the cultural significance of minority languages. In the workplace, biases against certain accents and dialects unfairly limit career opportunities. Politically, debates over making English the official language ignore our linguistic diversity and undermine inclusivity efforts. To challenge these issues, we need to advocate for policies promoting linguistic diversity and respect, including supporting bilingual education, enforcing anti-discrimination laws in workplaces, and ensuring government services are accessible in multiple languages. We must also value all linguistic expressions as legitimate parts of our social fabric. Together, we can dismantle enduring structures of discrimination and build a more equitable society. Let's embrace this challenge and advocate for a future where every voice is heard and respected. Join us in promoting linguistic justice for a better tomorrow. Harmony of Voices: A Poem for Linguistic Justice In America's vast mosaic, History's whispers linger on the wind. English looms—towering, dominant. But beneath its mighty echo, Silenced voices murmur: Indigenous tongues, Vibrant African American cadences, Lyrical Spanish flows— Each softly spinning tales of neglect. School corridors echo with children’s laughter, Yet barriers invisible stand firm— Non-native whispers face a curricula unreflective, Tests deaf to diverse voices, A system teaching some to value foreign words over their own. Workplaces mask bias in politeness, Preferring familiar accents, Mainstream fluency, Leaving others in opportunity’s shadow, Their worth weighed on a dialect’s scale. Laws and debates storm around, Discussing which language holds the key To a unified gate— Pushing English as the sole identity, Erasing the rich tapestry of linguistic diversity. At the crossroads we stand, Where the path of change calls for courage— To advocate for schools embracing bilingual breaths, For laws that protect all speech rhythms, For workplaces judging not by tongue’s twist but by mind’s merit. Let us weave a new narrative: Each language a vital thread in our nation's fabric, Every voice heard, every dialect dignified— A nation true to its creed— E pluribus unum, out of many, one. In the chorus of diverse voices, In the symphony of spoken heritage, Lies our shared future's strength— Vibrant, inclusive, just. A testament poetic to the America that can be, If only we choose to listen. Join us in promoting linguistic justice for a better tomorrow. Pastor Steven G. Lee (May 1, 2024) SGMC/Corps