English as an Official Language (EOL)

In this talk, Mr. Lieber discusses two recent controversies generated by Mexican immigration. The first question stems from the double exclusion of Mexican migrants-- whether, and in what country, Mexican citizens residing in the U.S. ought to vote. The second question addressed is whether the U.S. should establish English as an official language. He first analyzes the demographic context of the Mexican-origin population in the U.S. and then presents two alternative perspectives for understanding both questions. One view emphasizes the power of national identity, while the other focuses on economic integration and a plural conception of culture. He considers the struggle of Mexican migrants to gain and exercise the right to vote from abroad, as well as the split between U.S. states and the federal government on English as an official language. Reflecting upon national pride and common-sense solutions, he concludes with an argument for recognizing various national identities, supporting democratization in Mexico, and keeping American English vibrant and free from official meddling.

About the speaker
Matthew Lieber is a visiting researcher at the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México, presently conducting research on overseas voting reform for his doctoral dissertation in political science at Brown University. He holds a B.A. in European history from Carleton College and an M.A. in international relations from Johns Hopkins University. Previously, he worked in the first Clinton administration, in the offices of Vice President Al Gore and Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin, and later spent two years teaching in a private university in Mexico City.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• migration
• immigration
• migrant
• workers
• Mexico
• U.S.
• North
• American
• integration
• political
• rights
• overseas
• voting

[StevenRoyEdwards]

The declaration of English as *an* official langauge would be comparable to bureaucratic stipulations in many bilingual and multilingual countries. There's nothing wrong with that kind of legislation, per se -- but, in the U.S. it could hardly be more than a politcal stunt based upon racial-cultural emotions. English is so powerful nationally and internationally that it can't need much support.

[Macracer]

In Houston Texas , walmart and H.E.B (a texas grocery store chain are opening spanish speaking only stores.) To these large companies its just about the market share.They think because they are going to be slick and cater to all the illegals here in Texas its no big deal if they make more profit. NO SIR it is a big deal. I fear Texas is being lost to Mexico in a culture war, and they are taking America without even Firing a shot!

[269426]

I don`t think this man knows what he is talking about.

he really needs to rehearse just as an actor does.

[psq1976]

he looks scared and looks like he is not sure of what he is talking about

[utahaztec]

this guy needs a lesson on public speaking...boring