Songs, flags and poor timing... -- Alternative Quadrant Message Board

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Subject: Songs, flags and poor timing...

Author:
Sue

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Date Posted: 09:36:10 10/02/01 Tue
In reply to: kelley 's message, "Re: Subjects too big to touch? -- Patriotism" on 07:01:59 10/02/01 Tue

Just some thoughts about the topics raised.

"God Bless America" was written by Irving Berlin who wasn't Christian. Does the song make a reference to Christ? It is a religious song in the sense that God is called upon, but Islam has a God, Judaism has a God, as do other religions. It isn't a Christian song as much as a song that refers to a Belief in God. Some non-religious folks also believe in a God. If "God Bless America" feels like only a Christian song than what does that say about how the concept of God is viewed? The song (or rather the increased playing of it) annoys me because I tend to lean toward atheism. Still I think Irving was a good songwriter and "God Bless America" was what he wanted to say. Right now, it's what a lot of others need to say. I use the mute button on the remote and try not to be threatened because others feel the need to express themselves contrary to how I express myelf.

The singing and the flag waving are ways for people to release the emotions they are feeling. Some very intense emotions that would be unhealthy to hold in. For the majority of folks these activites make people feel they can do something. They feel a certain amount of unity and empowerment. It's a way of showing support. The flag wavers annoy me too. Not because they wave it but because many never thought to wave it before. My family didn't need to go to the store to buy a flag, we own one. My dad was a veteran and the flag always goes up on National holidays and then some. Perhaps, if more folks displayed a flag on holidays they wouldn't need to feel as if they have to "make up for it now" by displaying a dozen flags. Some folks display flags now because they may feel a bit guilty about taking things for granted.

The massacre at the World Trade Center was an act against humanity but it was perpetrated on U.S. soil and directed against U.S. interests and symbols. The centers that symbolize our economy and democracy were targeted. The attack against Washington D.C. confirms that it was directed not at the world but at us. But it's a crime so large and directly affected the citizens of so many countries that it has become a world issue. It should be a worls issue but that doesn't make it any less personal. It just makes it better to know that we aren't alone.

Right now, the psyche of most Americans is rather raw. People feel vulnerable and that's a new feeling for many. That's why there is all the flag waving and singing of patriotic songs it helps to reinforce and remind us that we have strength and will be able to cope. Currently, one way to show patriotism is to be sensitive to the need for people to feel strong rather than helpless. Comments by public personalities like Falwell saying it's God's punishment and blaming gays or Bill Mahrer remarks about cowardly actions are divisive (and I think they were meant to be). Divisive comments are protected under the first amendment but they aren't protected against public indignation. The old adage about yelling fire in a crowded theater comes to mind. Sometimes just knowing when to say something or how to say it can be a patriotic gesture. Please note - I didn't say it shouldn't be said but a well-intentioned* person will find a non-inflammatory way to say it.

Sue

*We'll see if I qualify

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Replies:

Subject	Author	Date
Re: Songs, flags and poor timing...	mary	12:03:34 10/02/01 Tue
Many uses of flags -- Sue, 12:45:44 10/02/01 Tue
Re: Songs, flags and poor timing...	merrilli	12:54:43 10/02/01 Tue

Re: Songs, flags and poor timing...	Wyldchilde	21:14:58 10/02/01 Tue
Re: Songs, flags and poor timing... -- What are some songs on the us flag?, 08:41:03 05/01/03 Thu