General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: I changed the channel when Battle Hymn of the Republic started [View all]jberryhill
(62,444 posts)Hearing The Battle Hymn of the Republic does not exclude anyone but those who are themselves intolerant. Based on a tune that was popularized as "John Brown's Body" after a man who died in the course of his plan to free slaves, it is a product of an American folk music tradition.
It became an anthem symbolizing the struggle which resulted in a more inclusive society, and it was the anthem of those who triumphed in that struggle.
As a cultural product of its time, it does indeed include references to a specific aspect of culture.
And it is unfortunate that you have missed the president's call to expand the inclusiveness of our society today.
You are as intolerant as those who ban Mark Twain novels from high schools because of cultural expressions they find offensive.