Let’s see Muslims decry cartoons depicting their Prophet,
Immigration loons decry a Patriotic song being sung in Spanish.
The difference?
Actually—depicting Muhammed does violate religious tenets and is probably in poor taste though Freedom of Speech includes the right to say things in poor taste.
Demonstrating your patriotism in any language seems strangely patriotic.
Would we be having this discussion were the Anthem sung in Polish or Italian? I don’t think so.
Quote of the article:
“It should be sung in English. It’s an American song. I think it represents America,” said Debbie Rand.
Origin of English…nevermind…
In modern times, there was perhaps no other nation that forced public displays of patriotism more than the Soviet Union. About a year ago, I was searching the web for an mp3 of the Soviet anthem. It was easy to find the anthem — in a variety of languages, including English, sung by the Red Army Choir at the height of the Cold War (1950s or so).
If the Soviet Union, with its ultra-patriotism and well-documented program of Russification in the Republics, thought it was acceptable for the Red Army Choir to sing the anthem in the language of its arch-enemy, why are we so upset that there is a version of the Star Spangled Banner sung in the language used by many of our fellow citizens?
For giggles, here’s a link to the Stalin-era anthem in English: http://www.stud.ntnu.no/~makarov/temporary_url_20051216rpszw/anthem-sovietunion-1943-en.mp3
Given the course of history, it’s simply hilarious.
Any Brits decrying “My Country Tis of Thee?”
(Never mind our actual anthem).
How about the Irish…are they pissed that their anthem, “A Soldier’s Song” (or Amhr?n na bhFiann, if you prefer) is often sung and recorded in English.
Once again, the irony of standing up for what your country stands for by shitting on what your country stands for.
Who cares what language it is — so long as it promotes the “brand” if you know what I mean.
Hell, even the Pope knows this. That’s why he wishes everybody Happy Easter in about 90 languages. Same for nation states.
Sing it in whatever language you want, just mean it when you sing it. And while I’m at it, take off your hat, but your hand over your heart, and face the flag. Also, if you aren’t going to sing along, then keep quiet.
What I love is that there was a time when the S-SB was too “anti-British” …
“The following stanza was written by George Spowers around 1824 in an attempt to redress the balance of the anti-British sentiment in Key’s third verse. However, it was also considered to drag the National Anthem into unnecessary politics, and is rarely sung:
But hush’d be that strain! They our Foes are no longer;
Lo Britain the right hand of Friendship extends,
And Albion’s fair Isle we behold with affection
The land of our Fathers – the land of our Friends!
Long, long may we flourish,
Columbia and Britain,
In amity still may your children be found,
And the Star-Spangled Banner and Red Cross together
Wave free and triumphant the wide world around!”
Sage,
Maybe its rarely sung because (1) everything after the first verse is rarely sung, and (2) it isn’t actually part of the song.