Using it to build excitement about the team people came to see does not detract from the symbolic nature of the flag and the song if it's truly important to you. I think the people in Dallas, and all over the country in general, are respectful of the anthem. I believe the context allows for some latitude. That's their right, but I don't understand why. I have brought him to Stars games in the past, as recently as December. To some, a valid question is "Why stop at sporting events? Why not other entertainment venues like movies or concerts?"Ī very old friend of mine, college roommate, best-man in my wedding, etc is in the Navy. Even in Montreal or Edmonton during a raucous chorus of "Oh, Canada" you cannot prevent these things.
Patriotism isn't mandated in a setting where invariably there are people in the very same building getting drunk, buying a pretzel, or going to the bathroom DURING the anthem. They may even put their right hand over their heart, and they may even mutter along. These days it seems the "honest to God" patriotism of it (in the U.S.) is saved mostly for momentous occasions like national holidays, tragedies, and of course, the all important Super Bowl. So why is it wrong in Chicago to cheer the entire thing? It lends an air of excitement to the moment and there's nothing wrong with that cheering. The last several measures of the Star Spangled Banner at any sporting event in this country are nearly always accompanied by some (inebriated?) patrons whistling and cheering. It's become a part of the fabric of sports. Some will tell you it was a game in Philadelphia in 1897, others will say it was during the first World War in 1918 that the tradition started to take hold.I know not for certain. I think it's fine actually, and I'll tell you why.Ī discussion of the anthem at sporting events must almost certainly start with: "Why do we sing the anthem before sporting events?"Ī definitive answer or origin is hard to pin down, but all signs point to baseball. My wife does, and I don't have a problem with it. Is it disrespectful? Is it harmless enthusiasm? If you could put a stop to it, how would you go about it?
Capitals fans have a similar tradition, though it first came from the Orioles. Perhaps someone could fill us in on when exactly this tradition came into being, but in the 12+ years I've lived in Dallas, it seems to me it's always been that way. Stars fans at the American Airlines Center, and before that at Reunion Arena, shout "Stars!" twice during the performance of the song, in concert with the performer. A debate, Google reveals, that has been taking place on the internet for many, many years. Invariably, Dallas has been pulled into this debate. (It's Chicago fans still venting, following what felt like eons of bad hockey, but I digress.) It's the epitome of excitement and anticipation.
The only thing that is is a really awesome scene. I have since seen this video, and find myself border-line flabbergasted at the implication. Upon first reading about this, I was under the impression that the cheering was drowning out the song itself. The issue in question has been largely the Chicago Blackhawks and their fans cheering during the Star Spangled Banner. There's been a lot of chatter on the internet the past few days following a certain blog posting by a man named Rob Otto of, and particularly a re-posting of it on Puck Daddy of Yahoo Sports fame.