Should We Turn Our Back To Racist National Anthem?

[discocrisco01]

[JohnSJ]

1. Part 2 of the anthem is never played, however, there are numerous reasons why in my view it isn't

a good choice for the National Anthem, the racist second part is just the most flagrant reason

America the Beautiful is a more appropriate one I think

I believe it would require Congress to change it, and currently I don’t think that would be easy

[msongs]

2. maybe just not have a national anthem nt

[JohnSJ]

4. I don't agree. As far as I am aware there is no sovereign state recognized by the UN without a

national anthem.

In addition, not having a national anthem would never get through Congress

[RVN VET71]

7. Woody Guthrie's "This Land is Your Land" is a natural

It’s easy to sing. It’s fun to sing. A happy, simple tune that suggests a nation of happy people. The Banner should be kept for ceremonial occasions, maybe specifically military because it’s about a military clash, and America the Beautiful can alternate with This Land is Your Land at public gatherings -- like ball games.

I still think Woody Guthrie’s “anthem” is the best and most American.

[JohnSJ]

8. sure. In the end it depends on Congress

[RVN VET71]

11. Soooo, in the words of Professor Quincy Maddox, Chair of African American Studies at Rice, U.:

“Ain’t nuthin’ gonna happen.” For sure.

[JohnSJ]

12. Yup

[Ocelot II]

3. I like it (that second verse is never used anyhow), but it's beastly hard to sing well

and almost everybody screws it up - though not usually like this hair-raising rendition at CPAC:

[Hoyt]

5. Yeah, but it's fun listening to each singer just to hear how they mess it up.

[Warpy]

6. I'd certainly like to see it replaced with something easier to sing

and that doesn't glorify war.

Nobody ever sings the slavery verses of "The Star Spangled Banner," it's just kind of a rotten song.

I'm sure we can do better. Maybe a contest?

[Ocelot II]

10. It's a pretty good tune, really, but it was originally a drinking song,

so maybe it was assumed that it would never be sung well. It isn't the only national anthem with a vocal range outside the capabilities of average singers, though. Check out this one, with a range of an octave and a fourth:

[Buckeye_Democrat]

9. The British promised protection and freedom...

... to any American slaves who escaped to help them during the War of 1812, and earlier during the American Revolution.

There were about 4,000 slaves in Virginia and Maryland who did so in 1812, which was understandable.

Never mind that England didn't end slavery until 1833, and they were in charge when it started over here.

The royal family made its fortune from slave trade
https://www.scotsman.com/news/opinion/letters/the-royal-family-made-its-fortune-from-slave-trade-readers-letters-3161300

The British monarchy initially approved monopolies to carry out the African slave trade, after merchants like John Hawkins were envious of the enormous profits from the long-established practice in places like Spain and Portugal. Then other merchants in England appealed to Parliament for their "share" in the terrible practice, which was finally granted. Then it really took off, becoming cheaper to slave buyers from the increased competition.

Unbelievable how anyone thought it was morally acceptable, but it's not like the poor in England were treated with basic dignity back then either.