Post by Rey Kahuka on Feb 11, 2021 14:34:11 GMT
I'm going the other way on this one. I think patriotism is vital in the US because the country is so huge and so diverse. We've been ripped apart by civil war in the past, and in many ways seem poised to do so in one way or another again. The anthem, the flag, the pride we have in 'being American' is easily misconstrued as vanity or jingoism when it should instead be seen as a reminder that we're all on the same team.
As someone who greatly values American ideals (but doesn't see them as separate from basic human ideals put into practice at a government level), I enjoy hearing the anthem at sporting events. To me it's a positive influence on our culture in ways people don't think about for reasons I previously explained. I understand how it's problematic for some, and I wouldn't be personally offended if they stopped playing the anthem altogether at sporting events. But I would be concerned about the long term effects of increased tribalism within our own nation if not for small reminders of E Pluribus Unum, like the anthem being a part of our everyday lives.
As someone who greatly values American ideals (but doesn't see them as separate from basic human ideals put into practice at a government level), I enjoy hearing the anthem at sporting events. To me it's a positive influence on our culture in ways people don't think about for reasons I previously explained. I understand how it's problematic for some, and I wouldn't be personally offended if they stopped playing the anthem altogether at sporting events. But I would be concerned about the long term effects of increased tribalism within our own nation if not for small reminders of E Pluribus Unum, like the anthem being a part of our everyday lives.