the National Anthem should stop being played at sporting events. (problems, foreign)
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There was a poll conducted of the dead soldiers who gave their lives for freedom about how they feel about ungrateful *******s who sit or kneel for the national anthem? Who knew.
As a European observer, this is how I see this topic from an outside perspective.
The patriotism in America is a unique phenomenon and is very different than in any other country in the world. Patriotism generally means being proud of ones's culture, ethnicity and sovereignty.
For instance: when an Italian man is being proud of his Italianness, the basis of his pride is their distinctive culture, traditions, ancestry and ethnicity in a Europe that consist of many different cultures and ethnicities that have been historically in a constant tension and war with each other for sovereignty. The radical form of this type of patriotism is the one we define as nationalism, when that Italian man is not just proud of his heritage but believes that his culture and the Italian ethnicity is inherently better than any other cultures and ethnicities.
The USA is a different beast altogether, because its very foundation stems from the diversity of cultures and ethnicities. Patriotism in the US is about certain ideas and moral codes on which the country was founded. Therefore, American people can't be nationalists in the classic sense.
This is why the flag has a very different meaning in a European country than in the US. In Europe, it is considered nationalistic to put your country’s flag on your home 365 days/year, we have our national celebrations for that. People who constantly wave a flag or put national symbols on their car are generally recognized to be supporters of a certain radical right wing political party.
In the US, the flag does not (ideally) separate people by political stances - with the flag on a home, the owner simply says that he believes in the ideas and moral principles that their country was built upon and he’s loyal to those principles.
So the American situation is very unique in this regard. As a European, I interpret the singing of the anthem in US sport events another form of the US way of putting a flag on private homes. It’s a ritual of social cohesion and a constant reminder of the mentioned principles. I see it as a highly useful and all-around positive social ritual and it has absolutely zero connection or resemblance with the European-style nationalistic practices.
These rituals of classic American patriotism are one of the most essential elements that make up the unique American way of life. That special social spirit and cohesion that can still be seen in the US’ everyday life – something that died out in Europe a long time ago – stems from the collective proudness and love for the American principles.
These days, I really worry about America, because I like the country and its people. I like how people (total strangers in many cases) talk to each other, care for each other and help each other in America, while this social spirit seems totally non-existent in Europe.
However, from this side of the pond, I see a strange new trend emerging in the last couple of years in the US. A trend to question everything that is uniquely American. Asking what's the point of this and that. Watch out Americans not to slowly make the bed of self-hatred like what we can see with some tired old countries in Western Europe.
For Christ’s sake, please don’t destroy eveything that makes your country such a cool place!
Kaepernick has a right to protest, but he chose to use HIS EMPLOYER's and COMPANY's venue, uniform, team, and airtime to do it. He could have used any TV show, radio talk show, or street corner, but chose to use his employer, and their audience instead. Yes, he can protest, and people can also turn off their TV's, not attend, nor patronize the NFL. They can ALSO voice their displeasure, and the NFL is free not to hire him back.
Too bad Colin. Even your Mom thinks you were stupid. Have fun with your Muslim, activist girlfriend. I'm sure she didn't lead you astray.
If you think about it, it's kind of silly how the national anthem gets played at all these sporting events. From kids games, high school, college and pro sports. it seems like its fake patriotism to me. Do other countries do this?
I think its more appropriate for special events like a sports all star game, International games (U.S vs a foreign team) and Olympic games.
You do realize that the soldiers fought for American freedoms not only ones that you agree with.
It was a joke. Not necessarily a very good one, but just poking fun at those who think it's okay to punch a guy for having a Nazi armband. Trying to show how we need to respect rights, even when we disagree.
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