If I read this correctly, we are the only nation in which the national anthem is habitually played before every sporting event. Given that the participants routinely come from all over the globe (and for that matter even if they didn’t), there really is no logical connection between the two.
Canada also plays the anthem before arena sports events. What give up a tradition because of a few people using it as a protest vehicle? And, when else would you ever hear the anthems then?
Personally, I find what some “singers” do to the national anthem far more offensive than anything Colin Kaepernick could do that didn’t involve him trying to sing it.
I can’t remember the last time I stood for a national anthem. (Probably, ironically enough, in the 1970s for O Canada.) No one ever noticed because all the rest around me were seated too – well, except for some percussionists, but they will stand for almost anything. “Disguised as a second trombone.”
This “tradition” was not present when the sports began, it was fist recorded as being played in 1918, and did not catch on right away. So we went from 1814 when it was written, until 1918 when someone started playing it at a game, without this ‘tradition’.
Wearing a flag pin, standing for the national anthem are all cheap ways of showing off how patriotic you are. True patriotism is defending the rights of those who don’t agree with you. Remember “I detest what you write, but I would give my life to make it possible for you to continue to write.”? Well, this is not an American quote, it is probably from Voltaire…a Frenchman. So, maybe we should sing the marseillaise instead. Dissent is patriotic, because it ain’t easy.
Liverlips McCracken Premium Member over 7 years ago
If I read this correctly, we are the only nation in which the national anthem is habitually played before every sporting event. Given that the participants routinely come from all over the globe (and for that matter even if they didn’t), there really is no logical connection between the two.
Polsixe over 7 years ago
Canada also plays the anthem before arena sports events. What give up a tradition because of a few people using it as a protest vehicle? And, when else would you ever hear the anthems then?
jbmlaw01 over 7 years ago
Fans can contribute to the dialogue by boycotting those games featuring protesters.
bobpickett1 over 7 years ago
“Personal Seat License”
phoenixnyc over 7 years ago
Personally, I find what some “singers” do to the national anthem far more offensive than anything Colin Kaepernick could do that didn’t involve him trying to sing it.
hippogriff over 7 years ago
I can’t remember the last time I stood for a national anthem. (Probably, ironically enough, in the 1970s for O Canada.) No one ever noticed because all the rest around me were seated too – well, except for some percussionists, but they will stand for almost anything. “Disguised as a second trombone.”
trrider53 over 7 years ago
@jbmlaw…Or just boycotting those games featuring athletes.
wpeckham over 7 years ago
This “tradition” was not present when the sports began, it was fist recorded as being played in 1918, and did not catch on right away. So we went from 1814 when it was written, until 1918 when someone started playing it at a game, without this ‘tradition’.
Allan Honeyman over 7 years ago
Wearing a flag pin, standing for the national anthem are all cheap ways of showing off how patriotic you are. True patriotism is defending the rights of those who don’t agree with you. Remember “I detest what you write, but I would give my life to make it possible for you to continue to write.”? Well, this is not an American quote, it is probably from Voltaire…a Frenchman. So, maybe we should sing the marseillaise instead. Dissent is patriotic, because it ain’t easy.
hcarpenter1 over 7 years ago
and we all know that they are such a waste of time.
freedomwriter over 7 years ago
Any National Anthem is just a propaganda tool. It get’s harder and harder to sing,’laaaaand of the freeeee."