Why Do We Play the National Anthem at Public Events?
The Canadian National Anthem, “O Canada,” was first written and performed in 1880. Over the years, new versions have been written, but the current version was made official under the National Anthem Act on June 27, 1980: one hundred years later. (thecanadianencyclopedia.ca)
All countries have an anthem, and Canada has a great one, but why do we play it? What makes a fan stand and remove their hat, or a student stand and sing? In the case of sporting events, athletes hear the anthem of their country and feel proud to be representing their home. One athlete, Toronto Raptors’ DeMar DeRozan, explains, “it definitely gets you pumped up because it puts in perspective that you’re playing for something bigger. It’s a country. It’s bigger than basketball” (National Post). Sporting events do not occur all of the time, so the place the anthem is most heard is public schools. Every morning, the day starts off with the singing of the national anthem. This can be seen as many things: paying respect to the country, an exercise of patriotism, remembering the struggles of the past, or as a tradition. The anthem has always been played at school, so the tradition will continue.
Many versions of “O Canada” had their own time as the nation’s song, but each version changed with the changing views of the Canadian population. As years pass and history is created, the anthem will change to reflect Canada, but playing the anthem for any number of reasons will always be patriotic. Future generations will continue to show pride and patriotism in Canada by playing the anthem at public events.
Works Cited
Historica Canada. “O Canada.” Historica Canada, www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/o-canada/.
Matheson, Keegan. “The Big Question About National Anthems at Sporting Events: Why?” Fansided, jaysjournal.com/2016/07/13/the-big-question-about-national-anthems-at-sporting-events-why/.
Szklarski, Cassandra. “Is It Time to Scrap the Singing of National Anthems at Sporting Events.” National Post, 15 July 2016, news.nationalpost.com/sports/is-it-time-to-scrap-the-singing-of-national-anthems-at-sporting-events. Accessed 18 July 2016.
Wikipedia. “National Anthem.” Wikipedia, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_anthem. Accessed 28 Feb. 2017.
Very well written. I like the quotation from the athlete sharing his personal views about the subject. What lyrics, in particular, reflect Canada's values? And how does the singing of the National Anthem in schools reinforce these values into future generations?
ReplyDeleteWhat I like about this post is that our National Anthem really portrays the diversity of Canada. Isn't it great that an American Athlete makes this comment. And isn't it great that Canada is willing to make change. When the anthem is played one cannot help but feel proud and appreciative of such an amazing country. Unlike our American friends whose anthem has not changed and reflects the negative historical impact within the lyrics. After police brutality incidents, Nick Kaepernick of the San Francisco 49er's, "taking of the knee" during the American National Anthem sparked major controversy. "“The Star-Spangled Banner” — its lyrics, its author, and the path it took to becoming the national anthem — is inextricably bound up with America’s gruesome history of racism."
ReplyDeleteCanada is such a great country. Showing patriotism to Canada is the least we can do for the freedom we have. I love the anthem and hope it does not change too much in the future, but isn't it nice to know we live in a country that would make this consideration?
Works Cited
More Proof The U.S. National Anthem Has Been Tainted With Racism. 13 Sept. 2016, theintercept.com/2016/09/13/more-proof-the-u-s-national-anthem-has-always-been-tainted-with-racism/. Accessed 2 Apr. 2017.
Great information, learned a lot. But what does the National Anthem Act state? By this act does it mean that no changes can be made to the anthem?
ReplyDeleteWhy do people take off their hats in sign of respect during the anthem? Also do others countries share the same routine with their national anthem as we do? I stand during the anthem and am silent but have come encounter with Canadians who stay seated.
ReplyDelete