Posted by mike groft on August 08, 2006 at 13:15:07:
In Reply to: Re: National Anthem in Spanish? posted by anonymous on May 29, 2006 at 15:10:09:
: : : : What are everyone's thoughts in singing the National Anthem in Spanish?
: : : In my opinion, it should not be in Spanish because to me, it is the National Anthem for the United States of America. It should be sung in English. If I go to Mexico, I wouldn't sing their Anthem in English but rather their native tongue. Plus, didn't they change some of the words but keep the same music? I have nothing against other nationalities because I am part Japanese but I think it's disrespectful to the Americans.
: : ****Well, I have a differing opinion, or maybe it should be a combination opinion. I dunno. I personally think patriotism comes from the heart, and there's so much more to this topic than language...the legislation that is being argued over is stressing this entire country out (to put it mildly).
: : I don't have a problem with the National Anthem being sung in Spanish. That doesn't take away from the English speakers' version, in my opinion. As many music teachers know, when you teach students a song in another language, you do so phonetically. Even though you may explain the meaning of the words and/or have a translation available, sometimes the translations are weak and don't completely make the meaning of the song clear to those who are unfamiliar with the language in the first place.
: : If allowing for the Spanish translation creates a bridge to teaching English and creating unity (and I think it will, if people will just get over themselves and their fears), let's go for it. I don't agree with future plans of adding sound bites that are pushing a particular agenda. That should be left out of it. But having a Spanish version and an English version truly reflects our country's "melting pot" heritage.
: : We are a country of immigrants, and the arguments about the National Anthem quickly morph into "outsiders taking over our country". It hasn't happened yet in our 200+ years of existence, and if we can drop the paranoia act, it won't happen for many, many more.
: : I'm sure people won't agree with me - I'm used to that. I just hope I made people think.
: : Thanks.
: : Sue Ellen Hegstrom
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: i think that the anthem should not be sung in spanish at all!! for one, the spanish people can learn the english language and listen to it that way and if they dont like it, deal with it!
: immigrants and spanish people are taking over america.. we shouldnt let them take over the one thing we have left!
I think the National Anthem should be sung in English only. Indeed, America has been and continues to be that historically unique 'melting pot' of the world. Because of all the uncountable opportunities in the US to better one's life, our borders continue to have a stream (at times a river) of immigrants (both legal and illegal).
Just as one would abide by the desires of another who invited them into their home, so too, one who chooses (not coerced) to participate in the 'hospitality' of the US, should ask not what can America give me, but what can I give to America. (President J. F. Kennedy's famous staement).
To raise a fist of defiance against a prevailing custom or language, or to simply make little or no effort at learning and assimilateing into a host culture, is, in my opinion, quite selfish and, though I'm sure it is not intended by most immigrants, rude.
When my brother-in-law went to Africa (Congo) as a medical missionary, he and his family spent a couple of months in Belgium learning the French language so he might communicate better with the African people. I'm sure that the effectiveness of his 'doctoring' would have significantly diminished had he only spoke English.
To be proud of one's heritage is very good (essential?). A sense of belonging can come through remembering one's ancestoral heritage. The United States is one of the richest (not monetarily) countries in the world because of the vast, beautifully mosaic culturals and backgrounds of her people. But the term USA has as its first word, united. There can and should be different cultures rallying around the founding concept of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness". And that unity begins to express itself in a national anthem recited or sung in the language of its origin.