Anthony Bourdain gave a commencement speech at some culinary school. Here's part of his speech.
At least he's being honest when he says that the food service industry is flooded with inexpensive immigrant labor. I don't disagree with his advice. But I do disagree why people working in America should be accommodated language wise instead of learning English.
Learn Spanish! I can't stress this enough. Much of the workforce in the industry you are about to enter is Spanish-speaking. The very backbone of the industry, whether you like it or not, is inexpensive Mexican, Dominican, Salvadorian and Ecuadorian labor-most of whom could cook you under the table without breaking a sweat. If you can't communicate, develop relationships, understand instructions and pass them along, then you are at a tremendous disadvantage. Should you become a leader, Spanish is absolutely essential. Also, learn as much as you can about the distinct cultures, histories and geographies of Mexico, El Salvador, Ecuador and the Dominican Republic. A cook from Puebla is different in background from a cook from Mexico City. Someone who fled El Salvador to get away from the Mano Blanco is not likely to get along with the right-wing Cuban working next to him. These are your co-workers, your friends, the people you will be counting on, leaning on for much of your career, and they in turn will be looking to you to hold up your end. Show them some respect by bothering to know them. Learn their language. Eat their food. It will be personally rewarding and professionally invaluable
At least he's being honest when he says that the food service industry is flooded with inexpensive immigrant labor. I don't disagree with his advice. But I do disagree why people working in America should be accommodated language wise instead of learning English.