Your Voice, Their Freedom: Why Free Speech is Your July 4th Homework
*This post is a part of the series: Disrupting the Monolingual Bias
A little friction
Lets dig right into the intersections of the Monolingual Bias and our country’s celebration of Independence from British colonial rule. Because if there’s one thing you can be certain of, I will not roll quietly into July 4th without causing a little friction.
The Monolingual Bias hums along quite nicely, anchored in a country that has an uncomfortable history with colonialism steeped in racial, cultural and linguistic hierarchies of power.
As we celebrate the foundational principles of liberty and independence, let's turn our attention to a freedom often overlooked but deeply intertwined with true liberation: free speech in the fight against linguistic biases. For all you advocates in the bilingual and TESOL space, this isn't just an abstract concept; it's a daily reality. Lest I remind you that the Monolingual Bias – a set of deficit ideologies about language that promotes the harmful narrative of urgent English acquisition, motivated by assimilation forces – has quietly, yet powerfully, undermined the very spirit of independence we cherish. This bias subtly dictates what's considered "standard" or "acceptable" language, effectively marginalizing the rich linguistic tapestry that truly strengthens our nation and that pits immigrant groups against one another on the basis of how well they speak English (or whether they speak English at all). The Monolingual Bias is a silent force that often goes unchallenged, perpetuating a tacit expectation that English acquisition will save immigrants from the sin of crossing our borders for a shot at a better life.
A Chicano mural by José Mesa, in San Fransisco’s Mission district
Your Homework
This Independence Day, your homework for disruption is clear: speak freely and assertively about the role of linguistic bias tied to a narrative of urgent English acquisition. We saw the power of collective voice during the "No Kings" protests on June 14th, a powerful example of resistance and allyship for immigrant rights across the US. Your voice, in its own way, carries that same weight. Whether you're engaging in conversations with biased colleagues, participating in family gatherings, or contributing to community discussions, challenge the assumptions that our nation’s immigrants (and naturalized citizens) are any less American if they speak with an accent. Every time you question the Monolingual Bias, you're not just exercising your rights; you're actively reclaiming the power that resides within you – the power to assert your truth and uplift the diverse linguistic realities you represent.
Feel the surge of pride and empowerment that comes from advocating for linguistic equity, for this moment isn't just about language; it's about justice, inclusion, and the very essence of what it means to be free. It’s an act of everyday resistance that embodies the spirit of July 4th.
As you continue your vital advocacy work this summer, remember these three things:
Keep saying the quiet part out loud. Challenge unspoken biases and bring linguistic inequities into the light.
Bilingual education is a political issue. It's not just pedagogy; it's a fight for equity, access, and a sense of bilingual student belonging.
Advocacy is in your DNA. You are inherently equipped to champion the rights of multilingual learners and their communities.
En comunidad
Finally, if this post felt moving and urgent to you, consider sharing it with one of your equity allies. Building a movement relies on people like you inspiring others to join the fight. Lets make some good trouble- en comunidad- this July 4th!
