KISS bassist and frontman Gene Simmons spoke with the Huffington Post Live where gave a few blunt tips to fellow immigrants. He insists that they must “learn to speak goddamn English” if they want to make it in America. See the video below.
56 years ago, Israeli-born Simmons immigrated to the US with his mother, and felt no need for any sort of political correctness in his explanation.
“I was welcomed by America and its people and given all the advantages of native-born children,” Simmons stated. “Which is astonishing, when you think about it, because in other countries, they would have ground me up and put me in a can of dog food. And in America I could think what I wanted to think, do as I pleased and reach for the stars.”
Getting down to specific tips, Simmons noted that a simple guideline needs to be followed. “Get rid of your accent; I did. Be a legal immigrant; I’m a legal immigrant. Come to the country, just buckle your knees a little bit, make the effort to learn the culture, assimilate to the point that you can. You’re all proud of who you are, where you come from … Great. Whatever you’re proud of, just tip your hat to America, which is the melting pot and makes it all possible. Agree to one culture that we can all communicate with and then go off and speak Swahili and Farsi and whatever you wanna talk.
I’m actually saying the thing that needs to be said, ’cause the politically correct climate is bulls–t. You don’t want to upset anybody by saying, ‘Learn to speak goddamn English.’ So, as an immigrant, I’m telling you: learn to speak goddamn English. It is the key that will unlock the keys to the kingdom.”
Also, an odd thing happened during the chat, as the interview got hijacked by the Black Lips, demanding the surrender of the KISS army. “Mr. Simmons! We’re here to tell you that the day of misogynistic, sexist rock ‘n’ roll is over! We call for the complete and utter surrender of the KISS Army. Lay down your guitars! Do you accept our terms of surrender?” the band shouted.
Gene didn’t hesitate to strike back, saying, “Yes. I surrender entirely. And I wanted to compliment your mom for the wonderful way that she designed the decorations in the basement that she lets you live in. I think it’s very attractive. I hope you get to leave your mom’s basement soon. Remember: Learn to speak English. Good education, that will help. I did it, you can too.”
After being told that the Black Lips and not merely three random guys wearing makeup and living in their mom’s basement, Simmons asked, “But they’re not black, what are they – racist? Why are they calling themselves ‘black?'”
source: ultimate-guitar.com
49 Responses
Gene’s blunt and sometimes says stuff that is completely irresponsible, but he’s right this time: if you want to live, work, prosper and actually become an American you need to learn to speak the language and learn about and respect and love America. And beyond what Gene said, there’s way too many born Americans that are lazy, opportunistic and would rather take advantage of the system than work hard and actually contribute to society. As much as he pisses people off with the remarks he frequently makes, nobody can deny the fact that Gene and his mom are proof that you don’t have to be born in America to be a success and be an American.
I agree with Gene 100%! As a matter of fact I’d take it a step further and make it mandatory that you learn to read, speak & write English before you can earn an American dollar. Political correctness is one of the big reasons that America has become as weak as it’s ever been during my life! Get some thick skin, suck it up, grow a pair and get it done! Be an asset to your country!
I can’t wait to hear you guys go at it!!!!
Well, my eyes are starting to bug out, so I’m going to have to ruminate more on this tomorrow! Have a headache, need an aspirin, have to get up at 5 A.M., need a new alarm clock! Hey Gene, hold your next thought until next week, at least! Goodnight. 😉
Gene is full of s-t!!! Learn English, I most definitely agree.. Get rid of your accent? Well, Mr. Simmons am glad you came to the U.S when you were just a kid. Some of us who came here a little bit older have a harder time getting rid of our accent. I mean you Mother speaks broken English with a heavy accent. Maybe she should follow your advice….. What do you think about that asshole!