The Anthem, Redux
I've been taken to task by members of my family over my post on the National Anthem. And they make some good arguments. I come from a fairly conservative, but highly patiotric, family, and so I understand where they come from. I like to consider myself just as patriotic as the rest of them, and I hope they would agree with me, even if we may have different definitions of patriotism. That being said, I admit I could have been more judicious with some of my wording in my comments, but I think my overall point is still a valid one.
The point I'm trying to make is that I think it is less important the actual lyrics of a national anthem as what the national anthem is trying to express. And that is, a love and deep respect for one's country and its inherent values. So, by my reasoning, what language the anthem is expressed in is less important that the fact that is our anthem. For example, let's take a look at Canada's national anthem, which was brought up by a comment earlier. We all probably are familiar with the English version of the song, the lyrics of which are:
What I want to argue is that this controversy over the National Anthem is a phony issue that has been brought up for strictly political means. Throughout our nation's history, different minority groups have interpreted the National Anthem into their own language: it was, and is, a way to instill a sense of patriotism into new arrivals. The current debate is hypocrisy in action. President Bush this week stated that he thought the anthem should only be sung in English. But guess what? In his first innaugaral, the anthem was sung in Spanish! (Remember when Bush proudly declared himself the "Spanish-speaking governor," though he really doesn't speak Spanish, and those who do tell me he butchers it as much as he does English). It all, to me, just shows that this new "outrage" is just another attempt by conservative Republicans to try and make an issue out of little, since they are doing so poorly going into the next election. They haven't been able to rule by hope in the last five years; all they can do is rule through fear. So the new fear: the Mexican horde coming over the border. It's cynical. And hypocritical, since many of the same politicians probably employ an illegal alien nanny for a pittance.
The point I'm trying to make is that I think it is less important the actual lyrics of a national anthem as what the national anthem is trying to express. And that is, a love and deep respect for one's country and its inherent values. So, by my reasoning, what language the anthem is expressed in is less important that the fact that is our anthem. For example, let's take a look at Canada's national anthem, which was brought up by a comment earlier. We all probably are familiar with the English version of the song, the lyrics of which are:
Okay. But how many of you have actually read the lyrics of the French version of the song? In case you haven't, here is a translation of it:O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada! Land of our forefathersNow, maybe I'm wrong, but those are two completly different songs. But what unites them is the fact that they celebrate the fact that they are Canadian! So, what matters if the two songs are differing interpretations?
Thy brow is wreathed with a glorious garland of flowers.
As in thy arm ready to wield the sword,
So also is it ready to carry the cross.
Thy history is an epic of the most brilliant exploits.Thy valour steeped in faith
Will protect our homes and our rights
Will protect our homes and our rights.
What I want to argue is that this controversy over the National Anthem is a phony issue that has been brought up for strictly political means. Throughout our nation's history, different minority groups have interpreted the National Anthem into their own language: it was, and is, a way to instill a sense of patriotism into new arrivals. The current debate is hypocrisy in action. President Bush this week stated that he thought the anthem should only be sung in English. But guess what? In his first innaugaral, the anthem was sung in Spanish! (Remember when Bush proudly declared himself the "Spanish-speaking governor," though he really doesn't speak Spanish, and those who do tell me he butchers it as much as he does English). It all, to me, just shows that this new "outrage" is just another attempt by conservative Republicans to try and make an issue out of little, since they are doing so poorly going into the next election. They haven't been able to rule by hope in the last five years; all they can do is rule through fear. So the new fear: the Mexican horde coming over the border. It's cynical. And hypocritical, since many of the same politicians probably employ an illegal alien nanny for a pittance.
posted by cc at
1:21 AM
2 Comments:
Never doubted your patriotism, just can not agree with all your opinions. I do applaud your research abilities and your editorial fervor!
Da
Doug H, here--Well said, Steve.
Mark my words on this new plan to deploy Guard troops to the border: It's fiction. There is no plan to do this. It will never happen. It's just today's manufactured news byte, to overcome tomorrow's bad news.
Remember when we were going to Mars? Remember the FIRST immigration amnesty plan? Remember all the terror alerts prior to the election? Same thing, different verse. Of course, you already know this.
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