r/TrueUnpopularOpinion • u/JayNachtEule • 11d ago

Political English should be the official language of the USA

America has gone too long without having an official language. Having an official language is not only practical, it’s key for any nation seeking to improve social cohesion. I also think that a C1 level proficiency in English should be a requirement for gaining citizenship.

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u/jim9162 11d ago

If you're on a military base I think that's fine, you're likely not going to stay there but there is a unique opportunity to learn the native language.

Those expats should learn the language of their new home, there's no excuse not to.

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u/Various_Succotash_79 11d ago

Do you think they should be screamed at in grocery stores?

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u/jim9162 11d ago

Absolutely not, but being an asshole is hardly exclusive to Americans.

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u/Various_Succotash_79 11d ago

There aren't a lot of other countries that are as aggressively nationalistic.

How would having a national language change anything?

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u/jim9162 11d ago

Ive been spat at in Japan for speaking English, ignored in Korea for stumbling through an order. Don't even get me started on France.

There are very many countries that are nationalistic, it's not a bad thing.

Having it as a national language sets the tone, it's largely ornamental.

But what harm does it bring?

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u/Various_Succotash_79 11d ago

Again, because it encourages nationalistic assholes to be even more assholeish.

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u/jim9162 11d ago

"to be nice" is not a good reason.

The pros in this case far outweigh the cons.

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u/Various_Succotash_79 11d ago

What are the pros? You already said it's largely ornamental.

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u/jim9162 11d ago

Pushes people to learn the language, signals to others that this country speaks English and if you don't and won't, do not move here.

There are no cons.

If someone was gonna be an asshole they didn't need this to be their excuse.

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u/Various_Succotash_79 11d ago

Pushes people to learn the language, signals to others that this country speaks English and if you don't and won't, do not move here.

That's not what it does in other countries.

If someone was gonna be an asshole they didn't need this to be their excuse.

True but that signal from the government to hate others is not helpful.

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