God's Politics - Jim Wallis blog, faith blog, religion, christian, christianity, politics, values

It happened again. A presidential candidate's debate in two languages. Just as the Democratic presidential candidates had done before, the Republicans have followed suit - a presidential candidates debate on Spanish-language channel, Univision. (Tom Tancredo was the only candidate who did not attend the debate). I blogged on the earlier Democratic debate and thought it only equitable to do the same again.

I think what is critical here in both nationally-televised debates is a healthy model of dialogue that is necessary on the national scene. This dialogue says we respect your culture and language. Allowing for your thoughts and words to be translated into another language can be a metaphor for inclusion and welcoming. I am not arguing that English should not be spoken (All the candidates answered in English and most immigrants work hard to learn English, cf: Pew research, etc.) What I am saying is that as a country we are looking for is conversations and policies that respect the dignity of the other.

As a person of faith, pastor, and follower of Jesus Christ, I am desirous of respectful debate and dialogue. On blogs, radio-shows, and political advertisements ideological and theological differences have often reduced some to more base temptations of demonizing the other (be they Republican, Democrat, immigrant, citizen, male or female). Frankly, this is not consistent with the gospel and a call to love our neighbor and even our enemies. Jesus even said, "Love your enemies." As a people we need to move beyond the childish temptation to dehumanize those we disagree with.

Dignity means you both speak and listen. Dignity may help us see someone who is radically different from us and call them by their name. Dignity transcends political ideologies and racial, ethnic, and geographic boundaries. Dignity is a faithful witness to a faith that says, "Por que de tal manera amó Dios al mundo (For God so loved the world….)"

Speaking in Spanish, Korean, Mandarin, German, etc. is a linguistic affirmation that God loves the world. Presidential candidates need not speak these languages but simply affirm the humanity and dignity of those who do.

Rev. Gabriel Salguero is the pastor of the Lamb’s Church of the Nazarene in New York City, a Ph.D. candidate at Union Theological Seminary, and the director of the Hispanic Leadership Program at Princeton Theological Seminary. He is also a Sojourners board member.

Comments

I agree.

Posted by: payshun | December 12, 2007 5:45 PM

Ditto.
Your writing conveys a dignity to all.
Thanks.

Posted by: letjusticerolldown | December 12, 2007 9:35 PM

Agreed. Thank you for saying what needs to be said.

Posted by: JamesMartin | December 12, 2007 11:29 PM

Rev. Gabriel Salguero your thoughtfull comments have always been presented with respect and a thoughtful nature that shows Christ through your words .

Language barriers often lead to mis understanding that goes beyond language . Well said , Glad to see both parties , especially Republican candidates get past their concern to use the language barrier as an excuse to not speak to those who are our fellow Americans .

Language never should never be used as a reason not to reach out to anyone or consider them less of an American as anyone else .

Posted by: Mick Sheldon | December 13, 2007 5:17 AM

How do you say "wellfare" in Spanish?

Posted by: Dave | December 14, 2007 4:37 PM

That last comment was not respectful.

Posted by: Ingrid | December 14, 2007 5:02 PM

I am trying to find a candidate who will rise above the tendency to put other candidates down and rather state their ideas, goals, dreams, principles, plans... without attacking another candidate! And... when a group of commenators get on TV to discuss a candidate or an issue, they all talk an argue at the same and we don't hear a single comment! Will they ever learn to listen to each other? I am fed up with politics during this election year.

Posted by: Beverly St. John | December 14, 2007 6:13 PM

I think it might be "SHOW ME THE MONEY". (lol)

Seriously - I see no problem with canidates, retail, etc putting their commercials into other languages. It is to raise awareness and communicate. That said - they need to learn English. If they want to be successful in the US they also need to be able to communicate directly with us in english. It is a two way street.

My favorite Asian Take-out is owned and operated by two families. All the people who assist at the counter speak beautiful english. When they have a question by one of us that they need to ask of the cook - it is asked in their home language and the translated to us in english.

Blessings -
.

Posted by: Moderatelad | December 14, 2007 6:22 PM

Dave--The article lifts up speaking in a manner that affirms the dignity of each person. Would you argue whatever point you wish to make in such a manner? Please.

Posted by: letjusticerolldown | December 15, 2007 4:34 AM

The United States experienced relatively low immigration rates between 1940-1980. When I was in High School in 1970's, the learning of languages really took a dive. The United States has been wonderfully blessed to have a language and dialects influenced by many languages and cultures.

I see nothing wrong with loving English and appreciating the best of this culture and nation. But I don't believe we affirm that by being afraid immigrants will destroy that. The irony is that in some ways immigrants often display a much more profound appreciation for this nation than those of us whose families have been here multiple generations.

We are presently a nation of about 8% immigrants. There have been periods when the percentage was double that. A quarter of the immigration is from Asia.

My wife was critically ill for 4 years, with many nurses who were immigrants from Africa and Europe. I think of a beautiful young nurse from Nigeria. She spoke five languages.

I think we look very pitiful when we act like we are afraid of other languages and people (and I am implying nothing about whether we should govern our borders and immigration processes).

Posted by: letjusticerolldown | December 15, 2007 4:54 AM

"How do you say "wellfare" in Spanish?"Posted by: Dave

"I think it might be "SHOW ME THE MONEY". (lol)" Moderatelad

Thank you, Dave and Moderatelad for showing your true colors and where you are coming from.

"Blessings"

Posted by: JamesMartin | December 15, 2007 6:53 AM

Dave:

May I suggest that you enroll in a Spanish course?

You would learn much more than just how to say "welfare" or even more useful things like "Where is the bathroom?" You might also learn how not to fear people who don't speak your language. You might open yourself up to some new ways to view the world.

Give it a try!

Peace,

Posted by: Don | December 15, 2007 9:23 AM

Modlad and Dave
So how many generations back did your family learn to speak English?
Did it ever occur to you to try to learn a way of communicating with others in any way but English? I taught someone how to select the best corn at the supermarket without either of us understanding the other's language. It's amazing what you can do if you try.
But then it just wouldn't be as "lol" as making fun of people.

Posted by: c kitty | December 16, 2007 11:39 PM

Healthy debate is about an exchange of contrasting ideas for the purpose of persuasion. We do not have to agree with each other but dignity must be present as well as real listening. Somehow we have gotten it into our minds that winning an argument is also about humiliating a person in front of others. The more humiliated they are the more thorough our victory. This is downright hatred of others at it's core and can only serve to undermine a healthy exchange of ideas that can lead to persuasion, better decision making by our leaders and a stronger democracy for all.

Posted by: Orlando Crespo | December 17, 2007 5:08 PM

Debating with Dignity (by Gabriel Salguero)

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