I get disgusted watching the playoffs when I see only one player on each team put their hand over their heart during the National Anthem. Are athletes ABOVE showing respect for their country now? I see the same thing in other sports, and in the stands at sporting events. Don't people know it is showing respect to take their hat off their head during the National Anthem and put their hand over their heart? What is happening to our country? These stars should be setting examples for the youth, especially on National TV.
We're over-exposing the national anthem by playing it before every single event at every level in every sport. I'm sure the athletes are desensitized to it. To me, it makes sense to play it in international competitions, where it is more meaningful. Playing basketball is not directly relevant to American patriotism. I don't expect them to play the anthem before all movies in a cinema, or before a live play, or before a rock show. This is something that has been tied in to sports just because we've grown to associate them together.
Well evidently it's something the OP feels strongly for, earning his second post (and potentially first thread) in two years. But. Still. Trivial imo.
As a military veteran who served 20 years protecting our country you can enjoy your freedom of speech. It's just a small token to show a little respect and pride.
Well, thank you for your service. If it means anything I always hold my hand over my heart during the anthem proceedings....
I always felt a little uncomfortable saying the pledge of allegiance when I was in school. I'm a red blooded American, and I support the troops. But do I have to pledge allegiance to the flag every day? It seems like we could just sign a document once a year and be done with it.
What about cheering when "rockets" is mentioned during the National Anthem? Is that disrespectful? Just using that as an example, I really don't care either way.
OP... serious question. Are you not offended in some way that the National Anthem is played before sporting events? What does it have to do with sports? If the concept is the freedoms of America allows us to enjoy things such as professional sports... well I'm way more impacted by the fact that the freedoms allow me to enjoy things like eating out, using the internet freely (well, relatively), etc. I'm not the biggest fan of requiring one to hold their hand over their heart to show respect? I understand that it's the tradition. It may actually be law?? I don't understand why in this one case it's the defacto way to show respect. I respect tons of things on a day to day basis. Only with the national anthem am I expected to hold my hand over my heart to show that I'm treating it with respect. That said, I'm happy to do it and usually do. The part about putting your hand over your heart I do like is that it does subconsciously create a mind/body connection that is unique. I think there have been some studies done suggesting that it impacts thought pattern or truthfulness when someone has their hand over their heart vs when they don't.
