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

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Subject: Re: Songs, flags and poor timing...

Author:
merrilli

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Date Posted: 12:54:43 10/02/01 Tue
In reply to: Sue 's message, "Songs, flags and poor timing..." on 09:36:10 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

Well said Sue, and worth rereading.

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Replies:

Subject	Author	Date
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