Do you stand up?
Jul 22nd 2013 | 6:44 am
#46
Heading for Poppyland
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 17,526
From: North Norfolk and northern New York State
Re: Do you stand up?
We were in Newfoundland recently, and happened to be there for Memorial Day, the anniversary of the battle of Beaumont-Hamel, 1 July, 1916. That day the Newfoundland regiment was all but wiped out, 90% of the men involved in the attack being killed or wounded.
We attended the ceremonies at the Newfoundland National War Memorial in St. John's and the band played all three National Anthems several times; God Save The Queen, O Canada, and the Ode to Newfoundland. Interesting gradation, empire, confederation and country. I noticed that the local people listened to the first two politely but only sang the Ode to Newfoundland.
We attended the ceremonies at the Newfoundland National War Memorial in St. John's and the band played all three National Anthems several times; God Save The Queen, O Canada, and the Ode to Newfoundland. Interesting gradation, empire, confederation and country. I noticed that the local people listened to the first two politely but only sang the Ode to Newfoundland.
Jul 22nd 2013 | 7:33 am
#47
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 53,356
From: Dixie, ex UK
Re: Do you stand up?
Jul 22nd 2013 | 7:39 am
#48
Banned
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,154
Re: Do you stand up?
If it makes you feel any better, I have the same attitude towards the British flag, though the brain washing levels of patriotism are minuscule compared to here in the US.
Jul 22nd 2013 | 7:43 am
#50
Democracy advocate
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 13,313
Re: Do you stand up?
Not likely to be an educated answer on this from me, as it is a bit of a gut reaction.
To me the anthem at the drop of a hat demonstrates an insecurity, that I find surprising from what is still the only real super-power, but at the heart of it, isn't that what all this nationalism and flag waving is?
It reminds me of Zhou Enlais famous words "It is too early to tell" but the question is about the American Revolution, The outcome of the revolution is still being fought, the Brits have been defeated but the true nature of America is unknown as yet, that can explain the Fox viewers fears of everything. 250 years or whatever it is since the Revolution seems like a long time, but in History I guess it is not.
The Anthem, the pledge and the flags are part of a state propaganda that tries to instil, as Orwell (from Carl Schurz) put it "My country, right or wrong",
That is why I hate it, it is part of the hegemony of the USA, to dampen down opposition to unpopular wars, inequitable social policies, all based upon My country, right or wrong.
To me the anthem at the drop of a hat demonstrates an insecurity, that I find surprising from what is still the only real super-power, but at the heart of it, isn't that what all this nationalism and flag waving is?
It reminds me of Zhou Enlais famous words "It is too early to tell" but the question is about the American Revolution, The outcome of the revolution is still being fought, the Brits have been defeated but the true nature of America is unknown as yet, that can explain the Fox viewers fears of everything. 250 years or whatever it is since the Revolution seems like a long time, but in History I guess it is not.
The Anthem, the pledge and the flags are part of a state propaganda that tries to instil, as Orwell (from Carl Schurz) put it "My country, right or wrong",
That is why I hate it, it is part of the hegemony of the USA, to dampen down opposition to unpopular wars, inequitable social policies, all based upon My country, right or wrong.
First they had some military guy in full uniform paraded out so we could whoop it up about kicking some Iraqi ass, then we had the anthem - flags slide out and everyone turned and put the hand on heart deal before singing their hearts out.
I stood up - seemed like basic good manners.
What I couldn't help but feel, with the glistening eyes, electric atmosphere, strident singing, huge flags and hand on heart pose, was that it reminded me of TV footage of the Nuremburg rallies in mid-30's Nazi Germany.
It seemed like a similar ****-yea USA chauvinism and state-driven propaganda
Jul 22nd 2013 | 7:45 am
#53
Banned
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,154
Re: Do you stand up?
See? Brain washing in full operation. A criminal invasion is cheered, despite the losses of British and American lives (usually those from disadvantaged backgrounds) for the political whims of politicians with scores to settle. I will never be part of that, and i'm proud not to.
Jul 22nd 2013 | 7:46 am
#54
Are we there yet?
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,467
From: 31 miles from Cool (California)
Re: Do you stand up?
If someone is praying I remain silent, I don't deliberately stand if they are sitting or kneeling, or move around and talk.
Jul 22nd 2013 | 7:47 am
#55
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 35,504
From: CT
Re: Do you stand up?
I stand out of politeness. It's utterly meaningless to me so why cause a (possible) scene over it?
Jul 22nd 2013 | 7:49 am
#56
Banned
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,154
Re: Do you stand up?
It's a free society. 'Freedom' remember? One can do as they please, and not standing to applaud the deaths of 100's of lives in futile and political wars is something I feel very strongly about. Hence my original comment.
Jul 22nd 2013 | 8:02 am
#57
Are we there yet?
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,467
From: 31 miles from Cool (California)
Jul 22nd 2013 | 8:09 am
#58
Often not so civil...
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,612
From: The Boonies, GA
Re: Do you stand up?
Jul 22nd 2013 | 8:31 am
#60
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 8,106
From: Phoenix, AZ
Re: Do you stand up?
You have to be aware of your surroundings too. I recall going to my first football game in the midwest with what would turn out to be my future inlaws. A quick jab in the ribs to stand and a request to remove my hat, nothing to gain in complaining and a lot to lose by being contrary.
Now that I am a USC I go as far as putting my hand on my heart but don't sing because to be honest i don't know the words.
