French vs. Spanish

As someone who is practically fluent in Spanish, it is my view that languages are one of the most important aspects of education. Without languages, we wouldn't have the culture of the world that we have today. Language, my friend, is why the world is so interesting. The tower of Babel was not a hinderance to society, merely a way to create countries and cultures.

Ergo, we come to the classic dilemma; to school oneself/one's child in languages. I have stated my position: I am Pro-Language, any language at all. However, according to classical preppy by-laws, French is the classically accepted Prep language.

Ever since the days of the Barouche-Landau, France has been the highest standard for a cultured bourgeoisie. The English (whilst not at war) marveled over fine silk brocades imported from this country. And it is the rare person who declares "French food is the bane of society". Thus, it is accepted that French should be taught.

In America, the debate is more profound. With the increasing number of immigrants coming into this country (illegally and not), most of them speaking Spanish, French has fallen into disuse, or at least less use. Practically speaking, Spanish is more useful because it is spoken in more countries by more people. Also, with the current rate of Spanish-speaking immigrants coming into America, Spanish is bound to be an official language sooner rather than later.

Latin, the most classical of all language, is clearly the superior choice. It cannot be spoken (or used in society), but learning it will make for a better understanding of all the romance languages, be it French, Spanish, Italian, or even Portuguese. Seeing Latin on a course sheet automatically interests prospective boarding schools and colleges, as it connotes a will to learn and obviously, pretentious points. 

To be sure, a true prep will take French and Latin, but a practical prep will take Spanish as well.