Originally Posted By LPFan22 ~~~I think the national anthem is played way too much. EVERY sporting event? Really? Why do a bunch of people playing a game need a patriotic introduction? It's a really weird tradition.~~~ If it helps honor anyone that has ever sacrificed their own life, or lost a family member to war (maybe the deceased was a big sports fan even) then I'm all for a patriotic introduction to every single sporting event.
Originally Posted By CuriouserConstance It is kinda weird that's it's just sports. Wonder where that tradition came from? I mean why not movies, or concerts, or American Music Awards, or when the president addresses the nation, so on and so forth.
Originally Posted By barboy2 If I'm already seated then I stay seated. And if I am sporting a hat, well, it stays on of course. In other words I don't change what I am doing just because a meaningless song starts up. However I fully applauded Roseann's rendition. CHEERS!!
Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt "Why do a bunch of people playing a game need a patriotic introduction? It's a really weird tradition." I agree completely.
Originally Posted By CuriouserConstance We're going to get kicked out of here soon if we continue being so anti-everything!
Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt CC, I think American patriotism is kind of odd. I love my country, but sometimes find it peculiar that Americans feel that they must be so demonstrative about it.
Originally Posted By CuriouserConstance I have a 12x20' flag waving from my car, a flag graphic covering the entire rear windshield, 10 flag bumper stickers each saying something more clever than the last, and constantly drive with the windows down while blasting various patriotic songs.
Originally Posted By CuriouserConstance Just kidding, but you do see those around sometimes. Usually on trucks with 20 foot wheels. What's weird to me, is when two AMERICAN sports teams are playing they still feel the need to play it. I mean, I guess I can see playing it at the Olympics or something, when two different countries are playing against one another, but every dang day at another baseball game? Weird.
Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt You know what creeps me out a little bit? The Pledge of Allegiance.
Originally Posted By CuriouserConstance No kidding. It's way creepy. Especially that they have kids do it EVERYDAY before they start a day of school. Minors pledging their allegiance??? Pledging your allegiance to the flag??? What the heck is that about?
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan >>What's weird to me, is when two AMERICAN sports teams are playing they still feel the need to play it.<< I don't know how the tradition started, but I think the basic idea is that even though we have two teams on opposite sides competing, and fans for each team rooting for/against each other, it's a reminder that we're ultimately all on the same "team." We don't have a whole lot in the way of traditions in our country, and really very little is asked of us. "Other" people can volunteer for the service and such and we can go about our day. Sure, patriotism can get over the top and pushed far enough, it morphs into xenophobia. It can be used and manipulated by politicians who don't understand (or don't care about) the real meaning of liberty and Constitutional rights. But standing up during the national anthem for a couple of minutes is an awful long way from that. I do wish that people on the left didn't shy away from embracing a few more patriotic things. The right doesn't "own" patriotism, and there are numerous ways to show it besides displaying a flag or putting one's hand over their heart during the anthem, but it seems a little petty to me to get grumpy and uncooperative about listening to the national anthem.
Originally Posted By CuriouserConstance The secret service will probably be showing up at our houses tomorrow, Hans. To escort us from the country, lol.
Originally Posted By CuriouserConstance Oh there is no other country I'd rather live in besides the USA. I'm patriotic in my own way, I don't need to show it off in front of the world to know what I feel inside. I'm not being grumpy or uncooperative about it. I said I stand along side everyone else. I just said I think it's an odd tradition.
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan >>I mean why not movies<< Back when TV stations used to sign off late at night, they'd begin and end the broadcast day playing the national anthem. (See also: Poltergeist.)
Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt "I do wish that people on the left didn't shy away from embracing a few more patriotic things." I agree. Still, patriotism isn't a religion. Just because someone has a flag sticker on their car doesn't make them any more American or devoted to the country than me.
Originally Posted By ChurroMonster American patriotism is very much like American Christianity. Displaying the flag is like wearing the cross. Putting your hand over your heart during the national anthem is like praying over your food in public. Reciting the pledge of allegiance is like droning along with songs at church. Sometimes it seems like token gestures are more revered than sincere devotion.
Originally Posted By mele <<(See also: Poltergeist.)>> Haha! I used to be very patriotic but the Bush years combined with the way gays and bisexuals (which I am) are treated in this country...I am not proud to be American right now and haven't been for quite sometime. I respect most of the people who have fought/are fighting for our country but I also believe there are a few wars that were unnecessary and the loss of life is nothing to be proud of or honor. (Note: I don't blame those who fought and died, just the politicians who sent them to die.) The state of our news media, society, and politics in this country doesn't make me feel proud, either.
Originally Posted By SingleParkPassholder The Anthem began to be played at sporting events during World War II as a show of patriotism and unity. During WWI and WWII, there was a hot debate over whether the pro athletes should be drafted, and since there was a perception that they were being shown a preference, the various sports organizations began doing it as a way to show they supported the U.S. in the war. Many players ended up serving though, such as Bob Feller and Ted Williams. Williams flew fighter jets during both WWII and Korea, with John Glenn being one of his wingmen during Korea. Playing the Anthem was a way of showing respect and support, remembering those who were over there, and those who were never coming back. Once the war ended and WWII servicemen were home, the playing of it continued. Many of those returning servicemen, the vast majority of whom didn't think of themselves as anyone or anything special, just people who had to do a job, didn't think for an instant to question the playing of the Anthem as they felt showing respect for the country they saw people die for was the least they could do in any way possible. As they have almost all died off, showing an appreciation for this country and not taking it for granted seems to have generally died off with them.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo >>>Oh there is no other country I'd rather live in besides the USA. I'm patriotic in my own way, I don't need to show it off in front of the world to know what I feel inside. <<< Ever tried it? Ever been outside of the USA? We have considered options and I have lived in a few countries. I am proud to be American, but I would not like to return to live there. Our trip a few years ago was quietly to decide whether to move back to raise the children in the US, we decided it would not be the best for them.
