It's kind of like moving to Ireland and requesting that everyone drop the "Mc" from their names. At least that's how people in Taos, N.M., reacted when new owners took over a local hotel and told employees that they'd need to "shorten" their Hispanic names to something a little more, well, "American."

Larry Whitten moved to Taos from Texas to take over the newly renamed Whitten Inn and threw down the gauntlet:

1. No speaking Spanish in front of the boss.
2. Everyone's fired and has to re-apply for their jobs.
3. It's "strongly suggested" that employees shorten their long, silly Spanish names. ("Who has the time to say 'Marcos?' Why not Mark or Bill?" That's actually a real example.)

The majority population in Taos is Hispanic, with roots in the area going back hundreds of years. They weren't really happy with Larry's (formerly Lorenzo?) ideas, and protests erupted. Lorenzo responded by playing the victim card and putting some token Spanish phrases on the hotel's welcome sign.

Watch the video and let us know what you think.



From the Web:
10 Famous Quotes That Were Cut Short. (College Humor)
The Ten Trashiest American Past Times. (Gunaxin)