A recently released Spanish-language version of “The Star-Spangled Banner” produced by a British musician based in New York has ignited a furor in the blogosphere, but local politicians say much of the controversy over the song is just an attempt to ignite cultural tensions.
Montgomery County Council Member Tom Perez said hedisagreed with the president’s statement over the weekend that the national anthem “ought to be sung in English.” However, he strongly agreed that “people who want to be citizens of this country ought to learn English.”
Perez said previous generations have contended with waves of German, Irish and Italian immigrants bringing their culture and languages into the United States.
They all discovered the same thing, he said: They needed to learn English.
“Even though people are learning English doesn’t mean they have to abandon their own language and culture,” said Gustavo Torres, director of Casa de Maryland, which assists immigrants.
The song — dubbed the “illegal alien anthem” on many blogs — has been denounced and embraced by Web writers across the country.
Locally, even some immigrants have questioned the intention of the Spanish version of the anthem.
“I think it should be really sung in English instead of in Spanish,” said Francis Salinel, a Filipino immigrant who speaks English and Spanish. “Not to imply prejudice to Spanish-speakers, but because it is in their best interest.”
SOUNDING OFF
What they’re saying on the Web about the “Himno”:
» “This just seems to rub me the wrong way.”
– www.Seitleplasm.com
» “It’s very patriotic in its way; it’s a song sung by people who want to be part of America.”
– Ross on the Blog Althouse
» “Time To Boycott The Mexicans. … Please tell me that Taco Bell is American-owned.”
– www.thecitizen.com
