All Americans Should Learn Spanish

I cannot believe that Obama is actually catching so much heat about encouraging Americans to learn a foreign language like Spanish or French. He talked about Europeans coming to America and knowing all sorts of languages; and how when Americans go to places such as France all they can say is "Merci beaucoup". It was said in a light-hearted, joking way; I thought it was funny; he was just poking some innocent fun at a large segment of Americans who really have no interest or appreciation in the cultures of other countries. I don't know if Barack, himself, speaks any foreign languages but with the world becoming smaller through better communications and with the obvious increasing need for better understanding and diplomacy, it is definitely a good idea for an American leader to encourage an interest in learning another language. He even made the good point of mentioning that learning a foreign language could help get you a JOB, and maybe THAT'S something alot of Americans can relate to: MONEY!

Spanish is a practical language to learn in the United States for obvious reasons. With my interest in Mexican food and my ever-increasing interest in Mexican and Latin American culture I've been wanting to learn Spanish and perhaps spend alot of time in Mexico in the future. I've really been yearning to immerse myself in the ways and beliefs of another part of the world which is a big motivation behind the theme of this website. One of the main things I like about Barack is that he represents globalism in such a big way, with his multi-national background and tolerant views toward cultures other than his own. Unfortunately, this tolerance and so-called "exotic" background is what turns many people away from him and I think that's kind of sad. I realize that alot of regular, working-class people who are just trying to put food on the table don't like to hear someone who went to Harvard like Barack telling them they should learn Spanish or French or any other language. But he wasn't seriously meaning EVERYONE should do it, like he's going to make it some government mandate. It's just a little something to inspire a few people out there to broaden their horizons and enrich themselves.

barack obama,politics,presidential election,political art