By: Kaiyn Grierson
"Home Flag" from Creative Commons
The National Anthem was written on September 14, 1814 by Francis Scott Key. However, the tradition to stand during it was not always mandatory. As shown in the timeline below, citizens didn't start to stand for the National Anthem until the late 1800's; and that was as a choice. It then later transitioned to a unspoken rule of respect. But now the topic of standing or sitting during the National Anthem isn't as cut and dry as it used to be. Now many people have different opinions on whether standing or not during the Anthem is unpatriotic or not.
The topic of patriotism, when it comes to standing or not during the pledge of allegiance; is a very controversial subject. Many people have different perspectives that shape their viewpoints. For example, on one hand, people like Colin Kaepernick won’t stand for the national anthem because he refuses to stand for a country that doesn’t treat its citizens with respect. Kapernick’s protest arose last year when he started to kneel during the national anthem because he believes this country does not stand for its national anthem. When asked why he kneels, in an interview, Kapernick answers “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of colour.” Some see Kapernick is unpatriotic whilst others see him as heroic.
On the other hand, we have people like Tomi Lahren who find it disrespectful for anyone to sit during either the national anthem or the pledge of allegiance; especially wealthy and famous people. She believes that this country has treated them too well. This topic came up when Lahren confronted celebrities, Beyonce and Jay Z for sitting during the national anthem during the Superbowl game. Lahren believes that this was a disrespectful act and that they have no reason to sit during the national anthem of a country. In an interview Lahren states, “Beyoncé and Jay-Z sit for the national anthem because apparently, the United States of America has oppressed them with millions upon millions of dollars, fans, and a lifestyle most could never even dream of. It sounds rough..." According to this quote, Lahren’s opinion sitting during the national anthem is seen as rude and unpatriotic.
As a third opinion, we have people alike to Jay-Z and Beyonce who don’t think much of standing or sitting during either the pledge of allegiance or the national anthem. When hearing about Lahren’s confrontation Jay Z decided to clear up the misunderstanding. He says that the reason he and Beyonce were seated during the anthem was that they were discussing the performance and did not mean for it to seem like a protest or disrespectful act.
Overall, differing opinions give way to differing truths on the same matter. This is why the topic of patriotism, when it comes to the national anthem and the pledge of allegiance, is so controversial. One perspective is from people alike to Colin Kapernick, who grew up black in America, understands what it’s like to struggle to get where you want to be. Which is why taking a stand is so important to him. But then you have people like Lahren who may not have lived in struggled in the same way that Kaepernick did and just sees sitting during the national as plain rude. Along with both of these people, you have Jay Z and Beyonce who both struggled and not live a successful life who don’t see the big controversy over standing or sitting. But if standing wasn't mandatory back then, then should it be mandatory now?
In the end, where do you stand? Fill out the Google Form below and let me know:
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