The National Anthem at Sporting Events

[Vanimal46]

The NFL is making this a hot button topic with players and teams silently protesting for their causes (social justice, racial equality, etc.)

Why did singing the national anthem at sporting events become a thing in the first place? What value does it provide to sing "The Star Spangled Banner" or "Oh, Canada" before a sporting event gets underway?  

[Craig Arko]

You might find this of interest.

 

https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/12de6dcb-d8d8-4a58-8795-562297f948c1/tackling-paid-patriotism-oversight-report.pdf

[BobAzar]

I cant stand it (no pun intended). I don't think most sports leagues around the world do this (Ive been to a soccer match in England, and they didnt). Just seems to unnecessary, especially when so may players nowadays are not US born. 

Even worse is the God Bless America during the 7th inning stretch on sundays. I have serious issues with that. 

[Craig Arko]

Also, here is why the Star Spangled Banner is by some considered racist. Read the entire poem, especially the third stanza.

 

https://amhistory.si.edu/starspangledbanner/pdf/ssb_lyrics.pdf

[Vanimal46]

 

You might find this of interest.

 

https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/12de6dcb-d8d8-4a58-8795-562297f948c1/tackling-paid-patriotism-oversight-report.pdf

 

Wow. Thanks for sharing. This document is an eye opener. 

[Vanimal46]

 

I cant stand it (no pun intended). I don't think most sports leagues around the world do this (Ive been to a soccer match in England, and they didnt). Just seems to unnecessary, especially when so may players nowadays are not US born. 

Even worse is the God Bless America during the 7th inning stretch on sundays. I have serious issues with that. 

 

I think it's only for U.S. based sports (Football, baseball, hockey, basketball) that they do the national anthem every time. 

Even for youth sports, the earliest time I can recall standing for the national anthem was Pee-Wee hockey (~11-12 years old). It never really made sense for me why playing the anthem was necessary before playing or watching an athletic event. 

[Pardon My Dinger]

I'd like to see the concessions workers of America perform their own quiet protest by not waiting to hand me my hotdog until after the song is over. 

[Squirrel]

 

The NFL is making this a hot button topic with players and teams silently protesting for their causes (social justice, racial equality, etc.)

Why did singing the national anthem at sporting events become a thing in the first place? What value does it provide to sing "The Star Spangled Banner" or "Oh, Canada" before a sporting event gets underway?  

 

Um ... did you 'steal' this question from my FB page?

 

One of my responders posted this article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/retropolis/wp/2017/09/24/how-the-national-anthem-and-subverting-it-became-a-pregame-tradition-in-america/?utm_term=.15b6dc323d46

 

Let's blame the Cubs.

 

But seriously ... I hate that it gets played before EVERYTHING. It makes it common and many don't even pay attention anymore. To me that's worse than one player (now many) kneeling in protest. Kneeling ... not blocking traffic, not being violent, not waving tiki torches ... silently kneeling. I just don't get the uproar ... and most don't even know what the protest is about to begin with. But that aside ... I just think it's over done.

 

For me ... despite the history of the poem itself, another can or worms that Craig put out there to be opened ... I still stand and sing it. I lived out of the country for a while, so there is personal meaning in it for me to be able to sing it (unless the 'performance' of it is so awful, which happens more often than not, rendering it impossible to sing along, then I just stand in silence). However ... I wonder if I'd feel the same if I attended every, single sporting event out there. I also really, really, really dislike many of the performances of it. For me, that denigrates the anthem far worse than a player's silent protest.

 

We perform it at the start of every season. It used to be at every concert in that opening week cycle, but now it's just to the opening performance and special occasions. When the orchestra was on tour in Europe during 9/11, they played the Anthem to start that night's concert. It was something the orchestra voted on to do. There was discussion if even the concert should be played but this was what the group decided to do. That was meaningful.

 

But in front of every, single sporting event ... I think it's misused.

[Vanimal46]

 

Um ... did you 'steal' this question from my FB page?

 

Great minds think alike! I haven't been on FB today to see you posted about it. 

[Vanimal46]

It does get played before EVERYTHING. It almost makes me wonder if the people that are outraged by this stand up from their couches, remove their hats, and put hands over hearts while the national anthem is played on TV... Or if they're like any other sane person in America and uses that time to get situated on the couch, grab a drink/food, and go on with their day. 

[biggentleben]

 

It does get played before EVERYTHING. It almost makes me wonder if the people that are outraged by this stand up from their couches, remove their hats, and put hands over hearts while the national anthem is played on TV... Or if they're like any other sane person in America and uses that time to get situated on the couch, grab a drink/food, and go on with their day. 

 

Or if this is only an issue in football because it's one of (if not the only) sport where the anthem is actually televised as it plays before the game.

 

I had this conversation with a few friends who are big sports fans and we cannot think of other sporting events than football where you see the anthem in over half of the television broadcasts of the team in a season. I could not tell you the last time I saw the national anthem before a Braves game, for instance, due to watching them exclusively on MLB.tv and the feed not opening up that soon.

[Pardon My Dinger]

 

Or if this is only an issue in football because it's one of (if not the only) sport where the anthem is actually televised as it plays before the game.

 

I had this conversation with a few friends who are big sports fans and we cannot think of other sporting events than football where you see the anthem in over half of the television broadcasts of the team in a season. I could not tell you the last time I saw the national anthem before a Braves game, for instance, due to watching them exclusively on MLB.tv and the feed not opening up that soon.

Never thought about it, but maybe...

 

On the other hand, God Bless America is televised plenty. And I have no earthly reason when and why that squeaked into the program for every single Twins home game. 

[biggentleben]

I sing the anthem quite a bit, and I love singing it - that said, I don't understand why it's before every game. I found it appropriate the memory that I post regarding 9/11 to sing that song the first sporting event after 9/11 at the U. However, the song is sung/performed thousands of times every Friday across the country, many times by small high school bands that are trying hard, but they really don't do the song justice doing it every game.

 

Other countries sing their national anthem at national championship games and international competitions. That makes performance of the song something that is special and held in high esteem.

 

Instead, I remember working in sports marketing and hearing other sports lamenting having to use taped anthems to open their games. Think about that - the anthem was such a required part of the game, yet they could not find someone to actually sing the song, so a taped performance was used. How on earth is that a testament to the nation? How does that honor anything or anyone?

 

We'll just leave the duality of those raging against anthems yet leaving their flags out in the rain or wearing flag clothing or using flag dishes for another conversation...

[biggentleben]

 

Never thought about it, but maybe...

 

On the other hand, God Bless America is televised plenty. And I have no earthly reason when and why that squeaked into the program for every single Twins home game. 

 

2001. It was sung after 9/11 at Yankee games by various police officers and firefighters (and eventually one particular one during the World Series that became fairly well known at the time) and it was suddenly at every ballpark thereafter, either every game, weekly, or in some other pattern.

[SweetOne69]

 

Never thought about it, but maybe...

 

On the other hand, God Bless America is televised plenty. And I have no earthly reason when and why that squeaked into the program for every single Twins home game. 

God bless America for the 7th inning stretch was implemented by MLB due to 9/11

[SweetOne69]

 

Or if this is only an issue in football because it's one of (if not the only) sport where the anthem is actually televised as it plays before the game.

 

I had this conversation with a few friends who are big sports fans and we cannot think of other sporting events than football where you see the anthem in over half of the television broadcasts of the team in a season. I could not tell you the last time I saw the national anthem before a Braves game, for instance, due to watching them exclusively on MLB.tv and the feed not opening up that soon.

 

For Twins Broadcasts, the National Anthem is "shown" regularly on the Radio Broadcast, but for the TV Broadcast they are usually on a commercial break while the anthem is being played.

 

It is usually shown on TV during playoff games and maybe for nationally televised games.

[biggentleben]

 

For Twins Broadcasts, the National Anthem is "shown" regularly on the Radio Broadcast, but for the TV Broadcast they are usually on a commercial break while the anthem is being played.

 

It is usually shown on TV during playoff games and maybe for nationally televised games.

 

But the playoff games part would fit where I would be okay with the anthem. That at least falls along the lines of deciding the champion.

[Vanimal46]

 

Instead, I remember working in sports marketing and hearing other sports lamenting having to use taped anthems to open their games. Think about that - the anthem was such a required part of the game, yet they could not find someone to actually sing the song, so a taped performance was used. How on earth is that a testament to the nation? How does that honor anything or anyone?

 

Taped anthems are used at high schools all across the country I would imagine. I remember at my high school they would play a generic version of the anthem with no lyrics.... Just a band that played the tune. 

[biggentleben]

 

Taped anthems are used at high schools all across the country I would imagine. I remember at my high school they would play a generic version of the anthem with no lyrics.... Just a band that played the tune. 

 

Oh, I'm sure they are at high schools, but I'm talking at the U of M.

[twinsnorth49]

 

Or if this is only an issue in football because it's one of (if not the only) sport where the anthem is actually televised as it plays before the game.

 

I had this conversation with a few friends who are big sports fans and we cannot think of other sporting events than football where you see the anthem in over half of the television broadcasts of the team in a season. I could not tell you the last time I saw the national anthem before a Braves game, for instance, due to watching them exclusively on MLB.tv and the feed not opening up that soon.

They are regularly broadcast in hockey telecasts.

[Squirrel]

 

But the playoff games part would fit where I would be okay with the anthem. That at least falls along the lines of deciding the champion.

Honestly, I'm of the mindset that the opening game within that particular playoff series, in baseball. So, at the WC game, play it at the 1st of the 5-game division series and at the 1st of the 7-game league championship series, and at each game during the WS. During season ... at the home opener, Memorial Day, July 4 ... but every game? No. I might acquiesce (as a compromise) to play it at a the beginning of a 3 or 4-game series ... but I still feel that's too much. Or maybe play it on Sundays.

 

Again, I just feel it's overplayed and misused.

 

And 'God Bless America' ... go away ... I don't even like the song. Again, bring it out for Memorial Day and/or July 4 ... but just let it go. I understand why it started, but now it's just overplayed and misused.

[twinsnorth49]

It's a ridiculous tradition that needs to end, I personally can't stand it. My favourite hockey games to attend are between two Canadian teams, because I only have to endure one song. When an American team is visiting, I have to go to the bathroom by the the time all the pomp and circumstance is over.

 

Also, hat head is embarrassing, especially when you have to remove your touque. That does a number on your hair.

[nicksaviking]

In my opinion, if the extent of your patriotism is standing still for a song and criticizing others who don't stand as you prefer them to, you're probably more concerned with outward appearances than you actually are about patriotism.

 

Kind of like the people who shame homosexuality for religious reasons but only go to church at Christmas.

 

I'm guessing there is a significant overlap with those two examples as well.

[Badsmerf]

Never been a fan of the anthem before games. Feel like it is played out at this point.

[Pardon My Dinger]

It's a ridiculous tradition that needs to end, I personally can't stand it. My favourite hockey games to attend are between two Canadian teams, because I only have to endure one song. When an American team is visiting, I have to go to the bathroom by the the time all the pomp and circumstance is over.

 

Also, hat head is embarrassing, especially when you have to remove your touque. That does a number on your hair.

Not to mention: about 20% of NHL players are from the US.

 

I am sort of surprised Canada does a pregame anthem for games north of the border. I'm also kind of surprised they let you hosers touque up in the arena.

[kab21]

I have no problems with the anthem but this whole mularkey about being angry with players for kneeling in protest of something very important to them is getting ridiculous. All that they have done is bring more attention to their protest and given them power. Kaepernick might be out of a job but this could not have turned into a more powerful message.

[nicksaviking]

I have no problems with the anthem but this whole mularkey about being angry with players for kneeling in protest of something very important to them is getting ridiculous. All that they have done is bring more attention to their protest and given them power. Kaepernick might be out of a job but this could not have turned into a more powerful message.

Is there anything more American then civil disobedience? Surely the Tea Party nuts stand behind the players right? Or is it possible the don't really understand what the Tea Party was named after.

[kab21]

 

Is there anything more American then civil disobedience? Surely the Tea Party nuts stand behind the players right? Or is it possible the don't really understand what the Tea Party was named after.

The Tea Party actually stands for less government and regulations except when it is inconvenient to us. The current GOP has made a mockery of the state's rights argument by going the opposite direction on issues that matter to them.

[PseudoSABR]

I'll share a facebook in response to a veteran condemning the NFL:

 

American soldiers--any soldier in a democracy--fight for rights, not symbols. Soldiers that fight for symbols which must be obeyed by everyone or else face consequences are part of totalitarian regimes. Our world's history is littered with such regimes, and our country and soldiers have fought to defeat them (namely Nazi Germany, and Soviet Russia). That our president uses the sacrifices of our soldiers to advance his totalitarian (and racist) rhetoric is an insult to WWII vets and cold war vets.

 

These protesters realize that their actions will be construed as condemning the military, even though they wish the military no ill-will--so why do they do it? Because it is protest, that seeks to get your attention and your consideration of their cause--if they protested in some dark alley, offending no one, inconveniencing no one, no one would pay attention. And yet, so many do not listen, do not stop and ask "what would motivate these people to do something that offends me?" A country is made of up people, who have rights, not of symbols which must be cowered under.

 

And no, kneeling at the national anthem is nothing like spitting on a grave. Kneeling is passive, and is not directed at any individual. The military is a proud part of our country, but they do not have exclusive rights to the flag. And patriotism comes and many forms and many colors, anyone who says otherwise is no American, and needs to read the Constitution and study History.

 

Thanks for your service, but I think you're missing the point of their protest, and why they protest the anthem, and don't make it easy and convenient for you to ignore. It may not seem like it, but all the best.

[Craig Arko]

I rather liked this one.