Illini fan writes Op-ed: "Shocked & appalled" at Gopher fans during National Anthem

[GoUgophers]

It's unnecessary.

We'd certainly have fewer op-ed pissing contests about patriotism if we did away with it. It's not like this country is lacking for displays of patriotism.

This is correct.

The faux patriotism that is shoved down our throats at almost every sporting event in this country is just sickening.

Save the anthem for truly important events if you want people to afford it the respect that you think it deserves.

 

[maxwellsmart]

This is correct.

The faux patriotism that is shoved down our throats at almost every sporting event in this country is just sickening.

Save the anthem for truly important events if you want people to afford it the respect that you think it deserves.

Here's the thing, I agree there are pretenders when it comes to anything, including shows of patriotism. But the only person's motives I know about for sure are my own. Frankly, I seldom think about the anthem before the PA announcer asks people to stand, but once it gets cranked up it seems like most folks appreciate it, including me. I guess if I disliked it I'd pay no attention. Let those that want it enjoy it. What does it cost us, a couple minutes embarrassment from gameday hat hair? I still haven't heard a good reason to ditch it all together.

 

[GoUgophers]

Here's the thing, I agree there are pretenders when it comes to anything, including shows of patriotism. But the only person's motives I know about for sure are my own. Frankly, I seldom think about the anthem before the PA announcer asks people to stand, but once it gets cranked up it seems like most folks appreciate it, including me. I guess if I disliked it I'd pay no attention. Let those that want it enjoy it. What does it cost us, a couple minutes embarrassment from gameday hat hair? I still haven't heard a good reason to ditch it all together.

Because it has nothing at all to do with football.

By your rationale, it should be played before rock concerts, movies in the theater, and before you sit down to eat in a restaurant. Afterall, what would it hurt? And some people might appreciate it.

There is no logical reason for it to be played before sporting events, and if you're going to insist on doing it, then you forfeit the right to complain when someone inserts an extra word at the end, or doesn't remove their hat, or little kids are running around on the grass outside the stadium.

If people want to treat the anthem like it has a significance and meaning that I am supposed to respect, then restrict playing it to circumstances that command a certain level of dignity and solemnity. A bunch of drunks on a frigid Saturday morning might not be the most receptive group of people towards rigid social etiquette.

 

[Ski U Master]

Because it has nothing at all to do with football.

By your rationale, it should be played before rock concerts, movies in the theater, and before you sit down to eat in a restaurant. Afterall, what would it hurt? And some people might appreciate it.

There is no logical reason for it to be played before sporting events, and if you're going to insist on doing it, then you forfeit the right to complain when someone inserts an extra word at the end, or doesn't remove their hat, or little kids are running around on the grass outside the stadium.

If people want to treat the anthem like it has a significance and meaning that I am supposed to respect, then restrict playing it to circumstances that command a certain level of dignity and solemnity. A bunch of drunks on a frigid Saturday morning might not be the most receptive group of people towards rigid social etiquette.

It's not even that good of a song anyway. "O Canada" is much better.

 

[wait!what?]

It's not even that good of a song anyway. "O Canada" is much better.

yet, not before high school band concerts....so odd.

 

[maxwellsmart]

Because it has nothing at all to do with football.

By your rationale, it should be played before rock concerts, movies in the theater, and before you sit down to eat in a restaurant. Afterall, what would it hurt? And some people might appreciate it.

There is no logical reason for it to be played before sporting events, and if you're going to insist on doing it, then you forfeit the right to complain when someone inserts an extra word at the end, or doesn't remove their hat, or little kids are running around on the grass outside the stadium.

If people want to treat the anthem like it has a significance and meaning that I am supposed to respect, then restrict playing it to circumstances that command a certain level of dignity and solemnity. A bunch of drunks on a frigid Saturday morning might not be the most receptive group of people towards rigid social etiquette.

Okay, you are actually my sister just looking for another argument. So, like always, stop crediting me with things I did not say. Now, enjoy the game Saturday and do whatever you darn please during the anthem. It ain't going to bother the rest of us.

 

[Ski U Master]

do whatever you darn please during the anthem. It ain't going to bother the rest of us.

Although is clearly does bother at least some of the people.