Holliver

Last night I went to a rodeo with my husband. At the beginning of the show all the Americans stood up while the DJ/commentator was saying something (my husband doesn't know exactly what it was, but it was about America and its history). Anyway, he got really angry with me because I didn't immediately leap up and said that I was being disrespectful. When the commentator finished everyone sat down, then about five mins later we all stood up again for the 'Star Spangled Banner'.

I suppose I just find it strange to do this and it makes me feel a little uncomfortable.

It got me thinking. My questions are - do you stand up for the 'Star Spangled Banner'? Is it disrespectful not to? Is it acceptable not to? Should you stand up for it, even though you are not an American?

I'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions on this. Also, I'd be interested to know what some of the Americans on this board think.

Beaverstate

If I were in a foreign country at an event, and everyone stood up for an anthem or whatever, I would stand also.

Caruthers

Despite how painful or odd, when in Rome do as Romans or San Diegians, in your case. Part 1 of a long road of assimilation, to resist will just hurt you more..

Holliver

I do stand up - was just a bit slow on my feet yesterday as it wasn't the national anthem they started with but something else. I didn't recognise it as something I had to stand up for (if that makes sense).

Noorah101

I'm American. I stand up for the national anthem. If I were in another country, and some kind of announcement or speech was being made (maybe a memorial for something), and all the audience stood up, I'd stand up too, even if I didn't know what it was for. After that I'd ask what it was for and why everyone stood up.

I'm not overly patriotic, so I probably wouldn't be offended if someone didn't stand up for the US national anthem, but I guess I'd find it odd.

Rene

Bluegrass Lass

I'm a native USC. Yes, I've been trained to stand up for the national anthem. As I've gotten older, I've realized it doesn't really mean as much to me, but then I'm not an overly patriotic (i.e. overzealous) citizen. I do follow suit and stand up (albeit begrudgingly), and would also do so if in another country for their anthem (or whatever the normal response is supposed to be). I do understand your discomfort though.

kimilseung

If you feel intimidated in to standing for the national anthem, then it is not worthy of standing for.

If you feel comfortable sitting while those around you choose to stand, then their is freedom to be celebrated in this country.

A bit of a paradox.

I sit in Seattle, some other do to, nobody bats an eye lid, I like Seattle.

Out in Forks, a bit of a red-neck town, I felt intimidated to stand. A lot of them are a bunch of runts.

In Britain, I do not stand, in other countries I have stood, but I am a visitor, here in America, it is my home, I do what I think is right, except when intimidates to do otherwise. I think the anthem at every single instance of a sporting occasion whether professional or student is inappropriate.

Beaverstate

When I was in the USAF it was done before a movie. Yes it gets tedious.

civilservant

When attending International football matches it is common to be asked 'to stand and respect' the national anthem of both countries, which I do.

If others are stood, I'm happy to be a sheep

Pulaski

Yes I would/ do too.

paddingtongreen

I remember when GSTQ was played after each showing of the movie programme and everyone stood, then people stopped standing and just walked out during the anthem, so they moved it to the beginning of each showing until they stopped it altogether.

Nutmegger

I recall that people would make a rush for the door, but some would get caught and the anthem would start and they would sheepishly stop in their tracks and wait in the aisle for it to finish!

I always stand for the US anthem -- or any other anthem -- as I feel it is a courtesy to do so, and would like to think that folks from around the world would extend that same courtesy for "the Queen."

joto

I stand for GSTQ and the US anthem, but ever so slowly and I can't be bothered with that hand on heart nonsense.

kimilseung

Me too, appropriate at International games, the funny thing is the only time they did not play it at soccer in Seattle was at an International club game in the champions league, as it is CONCACAF rules not to do so.

ChocolateBabz

I stand, I think of it as being respectful to my host country.

The dude does the whole pledge of allegiance at school but I believe he throws in a few "wrong on purpose" words to see what he can get away with, he's 14, I am waiting for the call.....