I agree, Olivant. All 4 of my grandparents were Italian immigrants who didn't understand any English when they got here. And because of that, they were terribly discriminated against.

But I will say this (in Beth's defense??): It seems that back then, immigrants didn't put up as much of a fight when it came to learning the language. My grandparents embraced it, and actually spoke decent English by the time they passed away. And they DEMANDED that their children be fluent in the language (even if they couldn't afford to be educated).

It seems that some of today's immigrant ethnic groups are too worried about losing their own culture and identities, and in doing so cheat themselves out of the immigrant experience that our grandparents relished.