Dear Governor Crist,
As an enlightened citizen of the greater Tampa Bay area, I enjoy the ability to read. Recently, I made a startling discovery that led to a startling realization concerning certain nationwide signage. Because of your occupation and (dare I say) metropolitan lifestyle, you are familiar with most restaurants’ policies on “no smoking.” Little red and white signs litter the inside of our favorite chain eateries (including but not limited to Bennigan’s, T.G.I. Friday’s, Chili’s, etc.) reminding us that it is illegal to enjoy smoke through burning paper on the end of a filter. What you may not be aware of, Governor Crist, is what the WORDING on these signs means to the Spanish speaking community. NO SMOKING in English translates to NO TUXEDOS en Español. While many of these signs may have a Spanish translation under it’s English counterpart, the problem is only compounded. The sign now reads “NO TUXEDOS, NO SMOKING.” The message we are sending to the Spanish Speakers of America is that we don’t want them smoking and we don’t want them wearing tuxedos…. That is to say, we don’t want them to enjoy themselves or wear formal attire that will make them appear more sophisticated and affluent. This is the last message we want to send to any American, legal or not. Therefore, the wording on the “no smoking” sign should be reworded to: “Please do not inhale smoke in this or any themed restaurant.” I am confident that, if presented before Congress, lawmakers hands will barely be visible they will be writing new legislation so quickly. I trust you will take action immediately, Governor Crist.
Sincerely,
Michael Reynolds
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1 comment:
I do hope you get an answer soon...and that someone in Tallahassee is collecting these!!!!
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