Again, a lot of it is how people were taught as kids. Sure, it would be nice if everyone did this, but not doing it doesn't automatically mean disrespect. I would also have liked it if people had held the door for me back when I was pregnant and dragging toddlers along, but the people who most often let it slam in my face were young women in their 20's.
I would imagine that any number of traitors, double agents, whatever, made all the right noises and gestures before they were exposed.
And FWIW, I put my hand over my heart, as does my husband, who also removes whatever tractor cap he's sporting that day (once I elbow him in the ribs to remind him), and I sing the National Anthem out loud. To the point where the row in front of me edges away once we approach the tough part. I do it because we choose to, and we were brought up to do so. And because we're in our fifties, most likely. Many younger people do the same, many don't. I don't think that they're Al Qaeda come to watch a Tennessee football game.
And now I need to stop, or I will need to ban myself, or something.
I would imagine that any number of traitors, double agents, whatever, made all the right noises and gestures before they were exposed.
And FWIW, I put my hand over my heart, as does my husband, who also removes whatever tractor cap he's sporting that day (once I elbow him in the ribs to remind him), and I sing the National Anthem out loud. To the point where the row in front of me edges away once we approach the tough part. I do it because we choose to, and we were brought up to do so. And because we're in our fifties, most likely. Many younger people do the same, many don't. I don't think that they're Al Qaeda come to watch a Tennessee football game.
And now I need to stop, or I will need to ban myself, or something.
I am a very proud American and I DON'T put my hand over my heart during the National Anthem. I am a former Marine and therefore I stand at attention during the National Anthem. No one knows that I am doing this, so at first glance, it might "seem like" I am not a "good American", but I am doing what I was taught and what resonates best with me.
I agree that we shouldn't judge one's patriotism by what public gestures are made. I, like HTSU, had better shut up now, or face a self ban.
I agree that we shouldn't judge one's patriotism by what public gestures are made. I, like HTSU, had better shut up now, or face a self ban.
Starting Score: 469Why don't you two ban each other 
And speaking as one who has had two nationalities and attended countless international rugby games (where the anthem of both countries is sung), I can never remember to do what and with what and to whom 
@haulingthescoreup wrote:
Again, a lot of it is how people were taught as kids. Sure, it would be nice if everyone did this, but not doing it doesn't automatically mean disrespect. I would also have liked it if people had held the door for me back when I was pregnant and dragging toddlers along, but the people who most often let it slam in my face were young women in their 20's.
I would imagine that any number of traitors, double agents, whatever, made all the right noises and gestures before they were exposed.
And FWIW, I put my hand over my heart, as does my husband, who also removes whatever tractor cap he's sporting that day (once I elbow him in the ribs to remind him), and I sing the National Anthem out loud. To the point where the row in front of me edges away once we approach the tough part. I do it because we choose to, and we were brought up to do so.
I don't sing it mostly because I don't like the song. I prefer "America the Beautiful" (Ray Charles!) and I wish that it was the national anthem as it brings tears to my eyes and it expresses more accurately how I feel about my country.Plus, it's a better melody for my vocal range.
But hey whatdoIknow, being Italian/Irish who grew up in NY.
