OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post - I say ban the national anthems at sporting events

StorminZ · 09-17-2003, 09:18 PM

Well, the original question does provoke thought ... thought that I had not previously given too much time to. In fact, I never really thought about the origins of the anthem tradition at sporting events ... it was there and it seemed rather 'natural'. I guess that's what happens when you start watching sports as a kid ... it all seems to go together, so why question it.

Regardless of its origins, I like the tradition. But as I think more about it, if there is one thing that transcends cultural and religious and socio-economic differences within our society, its sports and sporting events. Now for the life of me, outside of sporting events, I can't think when I hear the national anthem on a regular basis. If I stay up late enough to watch CBC TV sign off, I'll hear the anthem ... and again when the network signs on in the morning (yes, a TV network that is not 24 hours a day). It seems to me that sporting events offer us ... the citizens of our great country ... from across all walks of life ... the opportunity to come together, raise our flag, remove our hats and stand proudly as we salute our nation for a moment. It seems to make sense.

In an time when many traditions and rituals are being questioned -- some even being discarded and banned through legal challenges -- I guess one shouldn't be surprised by the question (and I'm not poking at the originator of this thread ... I think the question is bound to be asked on a more broad level and it will be publicly debated). I fear we -- as society -- take much for granted today. Our nationhood -- especially so for those of us living in well developed western nations -- is one aspect of our lives that must be regarded ... we are a privileged few compared to many others around the world. If not at sporting events, where should we be reminded of our anthem, our flag and our country? Maybe we can adopt the North Korean plan and have the government pump the anthem into our homes every morning, noon and night. No thanks ... that's to regimented! If country is important ... and I think many believe it is ... then a few minutes of time prior to each game is very little to ask.

While I am a Canadian, I am reminded of JFK's words, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." It seems the least we can do is pay hommage to our nation through its national anthem prior to sporting events.

Ladies and Gentlemen, please rise and remove your hats for the playing of the Canadian and American national anthems!

09-17-2003, 09:18 PM	#92
StorminZ Major Leagues Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Edmonton, AB Posts: 403	Well, the original question does provoke thought ... thought that I had not previously given too much time to. In fact, I never really thought about the origins of the anthem tradition at sporting events ... it was there and it seemed rather 'natural'. I guess that's what happens when you start watching sports as a kid ... it all seems to go together, so why question it. Regardless of its origins, I like the tradition. But as I think more about it, if there is one thing that transcends cultural and religious and socio-economic differences within our society, its sports and sporting events. Now for the life of me, outside of sporting events, I can't think when I hear the national anthem on a regular basis. If I stay up late enough to watch CBC TV sign off, I'll hear the anthem ... and again when the network signs on in the morning (yes, a TV network that is not 24 hours a day). It seems to me that sporting events offer us ... the citizens of our great country ... from across all walks of life ... the opportunity to come together, raise our flag, remove our hats and stand proudly as we salute our nation for a moment. It seems to make sense. In an time when many traditions and rituals are being questioned -- some even being discarded and banned through legal challenges -- I guess one shouldn't be surprised by the question (and I'm not poking at the originator of this thread ... I think the question is bound to be asked on a more broad level and it will be publicly debated). I fear we -- as society -- take much for granted today. Our nationhood -- especially so for those of us living in well developed western nations -- is one aspect of our lives that must be regarded ... we are a privileged few compared to many others around the world. If not at sporting events, where should we be reminded of our anthem, our flag and our country? Maybe we can adopt the North Korean plan and have the government pump the anthem into our homes every morning, noon and night. No thanks ... that's to regimented! If country is important ... and I think many believe it is ... then a few minutes of time prior to each game is very little to ask. While I am a Canadian, I am reminded of JFK's words, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." It seems the least we can do is pay hommage to our nation through its national anthem prior to sporting events. Ladies and Gentlemen, please rise and remove your hats for the playing of the Canadian and American national anthems! Last edited by StorminZ; 09-17-2003 at 09:20 PM.