This is ironic

Recently, the owner of Geno’s Steaks in Philadelphia (the Philly cheese steak sandwich place) won a discrimination lawsuit for displaying sign that read, “This is America. Please speak English when ordering.”

A Philadelphia court ruled that the sign was not discriminatory and he was able to continue displaying the sign.

Just the other day, I was watching a program on the Travel Channel that featured Geno’s Steaks along with his competitor, Pat's, across the street. When I came across this article about the lawsuit, something clicked in my mind; something that didn’t quite sit right.

I remembered the program that featured this establishment.

Here it is. Take a look at another sign displayed at Geno’s where he tells the customers how to order a sandwich. It reads, “Specify if you want your steak with (wit) or without (wit-out) onions.” (See below)

The “th” sound is very unique to the English language; both the aspirated “th” as in the word ‘with’ and the vocalized ‘th’ as in the word ‘then.’. Very few languages contain that consonant, so non-English speakers find it very difficult to pronounce.

Now, isn’t it ironic that the owner who demands that customers speak English displays a sign encouraging his customers to use a non-English pronunciation?

If I’m ever in Philadelphia, believe me, I’m going to call this to his attention. Probably while holding a steak sandwich from Pat's.