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Stand for the Star Spangled Banner

T

Texanfan4ever

Rookie
With all these posts about fans, let me give ya'll this.

The two seats next to us always have different people in them. The seat right next to me had a lady from another country, and her boyfriend. The boyfriend was up getting drinks or whatever, but was not there. Everyone stood for the Star Spangled Banner except this woman that was sitting next to us.

Now, there was nothing wrong with her, she was not handicapped, none of those excuses, she spoke English, I had already heard her talking.

I am sorry, but I for one am sick of people in our country at the very least not being polite. I leaned down and told her that in America you stand for the Star Spangled Banner. She folded her arms and turned her head away from me, never saying a word.

My mother and I were livid. I had to change seats with my mother because it made me sick.

She left about 10 minutes after that, and I was glad.

It still gets me riled up just thinking of her face as she sat there.

Was I right or wrong?
 
I have a handicap but you can't see it by looking at me....so you don't know. and my Mother is Japanese so I'm not your typical "white guy from America" so I don't know what looking like she is from another country means. I stood for the Anthem fwiw though.
 
Texanfan4ever said:
With all these posts about fans, let me give ya'll this.

The two seats next to us always have different people in them. The seat right next to me had a lady from another country, and her boyfriend. The boyfriend was up getting drinks or whatever, but was not there. Everyone stood for the Star Spangled Banner except this woman that was sitting next to us.

Now, there was nothing wrong with her, she was not handicapped, none of those excuses, she spoke English, I had already heard her talking.

I am sorry, but I for one am sick of people in our country at the very least not being polite. I leaned down and told her that in America you stand for the Star Spangled Banner. She folded her arms and turned her head away from me, never saying a word.

My mother and I were livid. I had to change seats with my mother because it made me sick.

She left about 10 minutes after that, and I was glad.

It still gets me riled up just thinking of her face as she sat there.

Was I right or wrong?
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In my view, 100% right. When in Rome, do as the Romans. If I went to another Country, I would respect their traditions if out at an event, especially when it comes to something like that. If she can't stand and salute the flag, then go back to wherever you came from, and take your no good boyfriend with you. :texflag:
 
100% right. Too many people are nothing but leaches in this country. They come here and suck the blood (money) right out of this country and then don't show us any respect. Personally, I think it's bull crap and it's what is wrong with the world today. America will fall some day and like Rome will crumble from within. All this crap of keeping one's diversity and a refusal to become a part of American society (while still holding on to one's own traditions) is doing nothing but divide us.
 
Ummm...yeah...you were right...

When you are at an event in America and the Star Spangled Banner is played you need to stand and remove your cap...
 
Texanfan4ever said:
Was I right or wrong?
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Wrong. This country is based on freedom and people should not be pressured to do anything (as long as the law isn't being broken) because when we do that we are not respecting the freedom of others. You never know why people do things. It may not always be that they are just being disrespectful. Some people feel (due to religious convictions) that saluting the flag, etc is a form of idolatry or worship of the state. If their concience bothers them to stand for the flag than that is their right. However, if that is the case I personally think it would be wise of them not to draw attention to themselves and wait until after the ceremony before taking their seat.
 
Ckw5814 said:
100% right. Too many people are nothing but leaches in this country. They come here and suck the blood (money) right out of this country and then don't show us any respect. Personally, I think it's bull crap and it's what is wrong with the world today. America will fall some day and like Rome will crumble from within. All this crap of keeping one's diversity and a refusal to become a part of American society (while still holding on to one's own traditions) is doing nothing but divide us.
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Americans bring it on themselves (the respect issue) and as far as folks being "leaches" I'm guessing your american indian since you made that statement.

As far as the woman not standing that is disrespectfull but it's not like she was talking during it or mocking the star spangled banner so I would be pissed if someone got in my face and told me what to do.
 
Texanfan4ever said:
With all these posts about fans, let me give ya'll this.

The two seats next to us always have different people in them. The seat right next to me had a lady from another country, and her boyfriend. The boyfriend was up getting drinks or whatever, but was not there. Everyone stood for the Star Spangled Banner except this woman that was sitting next to us.

Now, there was nothing wrong with her, she was not handicapped, none of those excuses, she spoke English, I had already heard her talking.

I am sorry, but I for one am sick of people in our country at the very least not being polite. I leaned down and told her that in America you stand for the Star Spangled Banner. She folded her arms and turned her head away from me, never saying a word.

My mother and I were livid. I had to change seats with my mother because it made me sick.

She left about 10 minutes after that, and I was glad.

It still gets me riled up just thinking of her face as she sat there.

Was I right or wrong?
Click to expand...
I would have slapped you if you were the one to tell me when I need to or when not to stand up. It's generally common courtesy to stand during the star spangled banner. I get your patriotism but chill out a little bit. The lady wasn't as patriotic as you. No big deal. I know a lot of Americans who aren't real too happy with our country and probably don't want to represent by standing.

I've been scolded one time too many for not standing and my tolerance runs thin sometimes. Everytime that I didn't stand, I didn't know they were playing the anthem (I'm Deaf) but once I realize it, I get right on it and stand as well as remove my hat. My point though is that virtually everytime that I've been scolded, it was in a rude manner hence why I'll respond with a dirty look right back at the one who just scolded me. Americans can be extreme. They're either for or against. By your anger, I'll take it that you're also extremely for.

Hey, I'm just as American as anyone else and I want our country to be represented well. Are we worthy of that right now? Bush? Iraq? Afghanistian? A lot of people don't think so. Then again, this IS a country of free speech and if a lady doesn't want to stand, then so be it. It's her right.
 
50% Right, alas, 50% wrong:

As a person who served this country in the military, the initial reaction is "love it or leave it!!"

As a person who now understands what my service meant to this country - and that was defending people's freedom(s) and the Constitution, I defended their right to 'not stand'.

It's a hard, bitter pill to swallow and I don't like, but that doesn't matter. At least I can say I am not a hypocrite..
 
Texan_Bill said:
50% Right, alas, 50% wrong:

As a person who served this country in the military, the initial reaction is "love it or leave it!!"

As a person who now understands what my service meant to this country - and that was defending people's freedom(s) and the Constitution.

It's a hard, bitter pill to swallow and I don't like, but that doesn't matter. At least I can say I am not a hypocrite..
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I agree with...

But I still think not standing is disrespectful...
 
Oh and I will add one other thing.

This is for the guys only, Take your damn hat off during the National Anthem. I freakin hate that crap.
 
Vinny said:
I have a handicap but you can't see it by looking at me....so you don't know. and my Mother is Japanese so I'm not your typical "white guy from America" so I don't know what looking like she is from another country means. I stood for the Anthem fwiw though.
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VInny, please know there was no prejudice here on my part, it wouldn't have mattered if it was a white guy or white woman. I would have felt the same way, probably worse. And yes it is a free country, but it isn't going to stay that way long if we don't stand for something. THe Star Spangled Banner would be a good start.
 
I don't think there is a problem letting someone know politely about our customs; however, if she refused after that, no big deal...

Nitro, give the Iraq/Afghanistan angle a break - no need to get too political on this topic.
 
texanskan said:
Americans bring it on themselves (the respect issue) and as far as folks being "leaches" I'm guessing your american indian since you made that statement.

As far as the woman not standing that is disrespectfull but it's not like she was talking during it or mocking the star spangled banner so I would be pissed if someone got in my face and told me what to do.
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Now, I didn't exactly get in her face and tell her what to do. I just told her that in America, this is what we do. Nicely, I might add. I didn't yank her out of her seat or anything.
 
IMO what you did was right. If she was in another country in certain parts of the world, they would just stone her to death for not paying respect. So she got away with it with little consequece. How could you not stand for a country's national athem that gives you the right to be an ass?
 
At least this lady wasn't Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf (aka Chris Jackson), who was born in Gulfport Mississippi, got rich in the NBA and refused to stand. That was more infuriating than this lady.
 
Texan_Bill said:
50% Right, alas, 50% wrong:

As a person who served this country in the military, the initial reaction is "love it or leave it!!"

As a person who now understands what my service meant to this country - and that was defending people's freedom(s) and the Constitution, I defended their right to 'not stand'.

It's a hard, bitter pill to swallow and I don't like, but that doesn't matter. At least I can say I am not a hypocrite..
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As another vet; I concur 100%.
 
I think there are better things to complain about when the National Anthem is playing for instance talking while it's playing. If your smart enough to stand be smart enough to STFU.

FYI - The Star Spangled Banner is the name of the flag that Key wrote the lyrics of the National Anthem to and not the name of the song. The song is actually named "Defence of Fort McHenry". Just a little History of events that transpired in the otherwise not so great state of Maryland.
 
BeerTastesLikeVictory said:
Thats whats great about this country. Everyone is given the right to be a douchebag.
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Yep...and everyone else has the right to point it out to them.

That said, I'd withhold judgment unless I knew the whole story, (as has been pointed out there could be a variety of reasons for not standing), and in this instance there's really no way to get it.
 
Someone should send this thread to our buddy Clyde Drexler. Once at an event I gave him a sheety look as the anthem played. He had that crappy look on his face (seems to each time I see him) and wouldn't take his hat off even after I showed him mine in my hand. He just glared that "how dare you" look at me.

F' him, too.
 
TEXANSTAILGATER said:
Someone should send this thread to our buddy Clyde Drexler. Once at an event I gave him a sheety look as the anthem played. He had that crappy look on his face (seems to each time I see him) and wouldn't take his hat off even after I showed him mine in my hand. He just glared that "how dare you" look at me.

F' him, too.
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His BBQ sucks too....
 
TD said:
Any hockey fans here? I'm curious what Canadians do during the Star Spangled Banner and what we do during Oh Canada.
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For the most part they respect the anthems both ways... Although I remember a Stanley Cup finals a couple/few of years ago that got pretty ugly with the Canadiens booing our Anthem at their house and then 'US Americans' booing the Canadien Anthem at the arena of whatever US city was in it...
 
Texan_Bill said:
For the most part they respect the anthems both ways... Although I remember a Stanley Cup finals a couple/few of years ago that got pretty ugly with the Canadiens booing our Anthem at their house and then 'US Americans' booing the Canadien Anthem at the arena of whatever US city was in it...
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Land of equal opportunity; United States of America
 
I pisses me off to no end when people don't stand or remove their caps during the national anthem. However, I believe in liberty and freedom, and just as I have a right to be pissed off about it, they have a right not to stand.


I do have a problem with another country's anthem being played here unless it is at an international event.
 
There's plenty of American Id10ts that have little to no respect for the anthem. I love the way people look at me when I sing the words, not sure if it's my melodious voice, or the fact that someone actually might give a damn about signing it. Makes me proud that my 7 year old has been pulling off his cap at the games since before he could stand, and same goes for my 4 year old. The youngest doesn't know all the words yet, but he at least repeats the same "right" words over and over again as my 7 year old knocks off every last word. I'd be more embarrassed of what a foreigner would think of us.
 
I think you should have slapped her for not standing. I would of just started singing as loud as I could so She could hear it for the entire game. I believe she should be collected by immagration and sent back to her country.
You do not like our customs just get out, plain and simple. Where is the number to the minute men, I am signing up.
 
Everyone, just back up one moment.

Standing during an anthem is common courtesy. I stand during the CANADIAN anthem, for crying out loud, much less that of my own country. So, let's take this one step further: would I stand, say, during...who's an enemy...Iran? Would I stand during Iran's anthem? Nah..I don't like the Iran example, because they are not our enemy, per se. Let's just assume the terrorists had an anthem. Would I stand? Clearly not, because they offend my very being.

So, why did this lady in question not stand? Without believing that my way of thinking is the only way, I am prone to believe, in fact, that she is fundamentally offended by our country.

And if that is the case, please, by all means, leave anytime you want, miss. Or, please, do those of us who love this country, for all its warts, the ever-so-large favor of simply standing. Don't salute. Don't sing. Just stand. Maybe you could hum your own country's song softly to yourself.

I mean, as long as you are not put out.
 
I'm all for free speech but I think it should be both ways. If you want to say something to me that offends me, then I should have the right to beat the crap out of you. If you decide not to stand during the National Anthem as a right to free speech, then I should have the right to whap you upside your head. Alas, I'm in the minority on this opinion.

Also, I just wanted to say, I enjoyed the National Anthem this time. I'm one of those weird people who like to sing along during the National Anthem and if the singer gets to personal with "Their" rendition, it screws it up for me.

The guys did a good job Sunday. The range wasn't too broad and they didn't hold the notes too long.
 
Hagar said:
I'm all for free speech but I think it should be both ways. If you want to say something to me that offends me, then I should have the right to beat the crap out of you. If you decide not to stand during the National Anthem as a right to free speech, then I should have the right to whap you upside your head. Alas, I'm in the minority on this opinion.

Also, I just wanted to say, I enjoyed the National Anthem this time. I'm one of those weird people who like to sing along during the National Anthem and if the singer gets to personal with "Their" rendition, it screws it up for me.

The guys did a good job Sunday. The range wasn't too broad and they didn't hold the notes too long.
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Yea, I dont' need to hear anyone's intreptation of how they think they would like it, it's not a funeral march, it's not a opera, and contrary to what they believe, I'm not here for them. Sing it so that somebody knows what the heck your singing.
 
I think you were 100% in the right to say something to this woman, it's called freedom of speech.
Now this woman had the right to sit also, it's called freedom of decision.
Now what this woman is guilty of is disrespect for the environment she is in.
When you go to another place, be it your friend's house or another country, being respectful of your host's traditions is the right thing to do.
My son's friends come in the house, they know we take off our shoes. They don't do it, it shows disrespect and they WILL get a nice but stern reminder from me.

That's all you did, it was in the right. And yes, when Our Flag is presented and our National Anthem is playing, I am appalled by the lack of respect shown. Regardless of your thoughts on the current situation, we are Americans, and that flag and song stand for more than any current,past or future administration.

I attend many different types of sporting events, and I will say to see 350,000 people motionless, standing, and quiet at the Indy 500 during Taps and the National Anthmem brings goosebumps and tears to my eyes every year.
 
Ckw5814 said:
100% right. Too many people are nothing but leaches in this country. They come here and suck the blood (money) right out of this country and then don't show us any respect. Personally, I think it's bull crap and it's what is wrong with the world today. America will fall some day and like Rome will crumble from within. All this crap of keeping one's diversity and a refusal to become a part of American society (while still holding on to one's own traditions) is doing nothing but divide us.
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Big assumption to say she actually lived in the US.....could have been a visitor? And how do you know what she does and what she contributes to society?
 
Mean Machine said:
I think you were 100% in the right to say something to this woman, it's called freedom of speech.
Now this woman had the right to sit also, it's called freedom of decision.
Now what this woman is guilty of is disrespect for the environment she is in.
When you go to another place, be it your friend's house or another country, being respectful of your host's traditions is the right thing to do.
My son's friends come in the house, they know we take off our shoes. They don't do it, it shows disrespect and they WILL get a nice but stern reminder from me.

That's all you did, it was in the right. And yes, when Our Flag is presented and our National Anthem is playing, I am appalled by the lack of respect shown. Regardless of your thoughts on the current situation, we are Americans, and that flag and song stand for more than any current,past or future administration.

I attend many different types of sporting events, and I will say to see 350,000 people motionless, standing, and quiet at the Indy 500 during Taps and the National Anthmem brings goosebumps and tears to my eyes every year.
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Hey Mean, I knew you would agree me. And you hit it right on the head. It is disrespectful. Period.
 
PapaL said:
I think there are better things to complain about when the National Anthem is playing for instance talking while it's playing. If your smart enough to stand be smart enough to STFU.

FYI - The Star Spangled Banner is the name of the flag that Key wrote the lyrics of the National Anthem to and not the name of the song. The song is actually named "Defence of Fort McHenry". Just a little History of events that transpired in the otherwise not so great state of Maryland.
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I don't talk ever during it, this was right before they started singing. It took all of about 3 seconds.
 
whats wrong to me here is the american insistance on conformity. Do i think its disrespectful? Yep. Probably intentionally so. How does it hurt you in any way what another person does? In a public venue. She paid just as much to sit in her seat as you did to stand in yours. People need to mind their own damn business. Was i standing with my hat off? Hell yes. Thats what i believe.
 
swtbound07 said:
whats wrong to me here is the american insistance on conformity. Do i think its disrespectful? Yep. Probably intentionally so. How does it hurt you in any way what another person does? In a public venue. She paid just as much to sit in her seat as you did to stand in yours. People need to mind their own damn business. Was i standing with my hat off? Hell yes. Thats what i believe.
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If you read some of the posts, that some folks, (i.e. Papal, real, me and others) will defend someone's right, no matter how disrespectful they may be...


Texan_Bill said:
50% Right, alas, 50% wrong:

As a person who served this country in the military, the initial reaction is "love it or leave it!!"

As a person who now understands what my service meant to this country - and that was defending people's freedom(s) and the Constitution, I defended their right to 'not stand'.

It's a hard, bitter pill to swallow and I don't like, but that doesn't matter. At least I can say I am not a hypocrite..
Click to expand...

real said:
I agree with...

But I still think not standing is disrespectful...
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PapaL said:
As another vet; I concur 100%.
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infantrycak said:
I have never considered it customary for anyone other than an American to stand.
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The thing that concerns me is that even though many speak proudly of the freedom that America has, the application implies "that is if you agree with me." Given some of the reactions, the behavior isn't any different than what would happen in some of the countries that we critically oppose.

Personally, I stand for the National Anthem and believe that I should. Also, as a Christian, I bow my head and give respect to someone during prayer. However, if the person standing next to me chooses to talk during that time, even though I am personally offended, I respect their right to do so. Since we seem to throw around the word class so often, then I think that both instances would provide an excellent opportunity to demonstrate class.
 
swtbound07 said:
whats wrong to me here is the american insistance on conformity. Do i think its disrespectful? Yep. Probably intentionally so. How does it hurt you in any way what another person does? In a public venue. She paid just as much to sit in her seat as you did to stand in yours. People need to mind their own damn business. Was i standing with my hat off? Hell yes. Thats what i believe.
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Thank you France.
 
StarStruck said:
The thing that concerns me is that even though many speak proudly of the freedom that America has, the application implies "that is if you agree with me." Given some of the reactions, the behavior isn't any different than what would happen in some of the countries that we critically oppose.

Personally, I stand for the National Anthem and believe that I should. Also, as a Christian, I bow my head and give respect to someone during prayer. However, if the person standing next to me chooses to talk during that time, even though I am personally offended, I respect their right to do so. Since we seem to throw around the word class so often, then I think that both instances would provide an excellent opportunity to demonstrate class.
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Exactly. The irony of someone screaming down to someone to stand for a song that represents freedom is almost painful. If she doesn't want to stand that is her right. Freedom swings both ways. For all the OP knows, she was praying while everyone was standing. Why is it that many people on this board are so obsessed with what others do? People mad because people don't stand up during the game, people mad because others don't make noise, made because others make noise at the wrong time, etc. Chill out and worry about yourself.
 
dskillz said:
Exactly. The irony of someone screaming down to someone to stand for a song that represents freedom is almost painful. If she doesn't want to stand that is her right. Freedom swings both ways. For all the OP knows, she was praying while everyone was standing. Why is it that many people on this board are so obsessed with what others do? People mad because people don't stand up during the game, people mad because others don't make noise, made because others make noise at the wrong time, etc. Chill out and worry about yourself.
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Yet you felt obligated to stick your nose in this for your two cents?
 
That stuff pisses me off too, but I would be a hypocrite if I condemned someone for the very freedoms that I served this Country to protect...



*EDIT*

I have one hypocrisy though - freakin flag burners.
 
dskillz said:
Exactly. The irony of someone screaming down to someone to stand for a song that represents freedom is almost painful. If she doesn't want to stand that is her right. Freedom swings both ways. For all the OP knows, she was praying while everyone was standing. Why is it that many people on this board are so obsessed with what others do? People mad because people don't stand up during the game, people mad because others don't make noise, made because others make noise at the wrong time, etc. Chill out and worry about yourself.
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Okay, first off, let me correct you. I never SCREAMED down to anyone. I was right next to her, and I said those nine words very politely beginning with "With all due respect". I am not obssesed with what others do. Do you remember after 911 some employees in offices in Florida were instructed to take down their American flags in their offices because it was insulting to the foreigners that aren't from here. AND THEY DID IT OR THEY WOULD LOSE THEIR JOBS? Same thing. That is the beginning of the demise of our country.
Same thing with English being the primary language. This is America.
 
I remember the Rockets played Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf in '01 and I am 99% positive it was the opening game of the season, a little over a month removed from the terrosit attacks.

He wouldn't stand during the anthem (at the peak of American Patriotism in my generation), instead, he sat in a chair on the bench courtside and watched. The controversy had built regarding would he just stay in the tunnel until after the song or would he make himself the center of attention by mocking the national anthem.

He sat and after the anthem I booed...loudly...when they announced his name. He has the same right to *voice* his opinion in the same way I do mine.

You were within your free speech right to make a reasonable statement to her.

/hypocrite angle: If you roll up on me and make a comment about me smoking a cigarette in a perfectly legal environment to smoke in, you'll kindly get a "mind your own business" and a stern eyeballing. Nothing worse than fake-cough-anti-smoker person who acts like you just took a year off THEIR life by taking a drag.
 
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