National Anthem Drama, help

by serenitynow! 8 Replies latest jw friends

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  serenitynow!

  So another question involving my 15 year old nephew. He and I are going to our first NFL game next month. I've never gone through the national anthem dilemma as a non-JW. I am planning for the first time in my life to act normal. Should I say anything to my nephew beforehand? If he's anything like me when I was a kid, and even as an adult, then this issue causes stress d/t being a spectacle and never really knowing what to do.

  I was thinking before we get in the stadium that I would let him know that they will be doing the anthem, and that I will be participating; but that he can participate or not, as long as he is "respectful, i.e. stand, remove his hat, etc."

  Thoughts?

  BTW, how terrible is it that this should have to cause so much stress and anxiety? I mean everything, every action in life has to be overanalysed to make sure you're not breaking a cult rule.
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  journey-on

  I remember the first time I proudly stood for the national anthem. It was empowering, exhilarating!!

  I would say nothing. When the anthem begins playing, rise, don't look at your nephew, put your hand on your heart, and when it's over just sit down. Say nothing....nothing. Smile and enjoy the game!!!
• 

  yknot

  Many Dubbies don't know you are suppose to remain seated...... most just automatically stand similar to the pledge.

  Why not act a little more preemptive and start talking about it NOW...... start by asking what he does at school when the anthem is sang, if he says he just stands then say 'Cool, I understood the sing that at the start of NFL Games'.

  Perhaps ask him in the car on the way if he has ever felt like singing along......and relate some made up story of alway wanting too (laying foundation of expectation)
• 

  serenitynow!

  Many Dubbies don't know you are suppose to remain seated

  Now see my JW parents taught us to stand, just no singing or hand over the heart. I could not imagine sitting, that would start a fight if you had some really patriotic people around you!
• 

  yknot

  So did my parents!

  I have never seen a JW sit through an anthem either

  This all said the WTS has stated this 'fact' every decade.... the last time being in 2002

  *** w02 9/15 p. 24 “Salvation Belongs to Jehovah” ***
  When national anthems are played, usually all a person has to do to show that he shares the sentiments of the song is to stand up. In such cases, Christians remain seated. If they are already standing when the national anthem is played, however, there is no need for them to take the special action of sitting down. It is not as though they had specifically chosen to stand for the anthem. On the other hand, if a group are expected to stand and sing, then merely standing up out of respect but not singing would not constitute sharing in the sentiments of the song.
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  serenitynow!

  When national anthems are played, usually all a person has to do to show that he shares the sentiments of the song is to stand up. In such cases, Christians remain seated. If they are already standing when the national anthem is played, however, there is no need for them to take the special action of sitting down. It is not as though they had specifically chosen to stand for the anthem. On the other hand, if a group are expected to stand and sing, then merely standing up out of respect but not singing would not constitute sharing in the sentiments of the song.

  That is why I had always felt the best course of action was just to be in the bathroom for the anthem.
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  FreeAtLast1914

  *** w02 9/15 p. 24 “Salvation Belongs to Jehovah” ***
  When national anthems are played, usually all a person has to do to show that he shares the sentiments of the song is to stand up. In such cases, Christians remain seated. If they are already standing when the national anthem is played, however, there is no need for them to take the special action of sitting down. It is not as though they had specifically chosen to stand for the anthem. On the other hand, if a group are expected to stand and sing, then merely standing up out of respect but not singing would not constitute sharing in the sentiments of the song.

  Jeez, the endless list of specific rules for specific circumstances, even breaking it down by the individual's posture and positioning when the song begins...

  Unreal. Is there anything they don't have a rule for?
• 

  Locutus of Borg

  The first time I stood for the National Anthem, I put my right hand over my heart, and . . I had tears in my eyes.

  Same for the Pledge of Allegience.

  BTW, how terrible is it that this should have to cause so much stress and anxiety? I mean everything, every action in life has to be overanalysed to make sure you're not breaking a cult rule.

  Fuck them, Don't sweat it, put your hand over your heart and go with the flow. Be a positive example of a responsible citizen to your nephew.
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  ziddina

  "I was thinking before we get in the stadium that I would let him know that they will be doing the anthem, and that I will be participating; but that he can participate or not, as long as he is "respectful, i.e. stand, remove his hat, etc." ..."

  Weird... When I was a JW, as a child from 1958 to 1975, then from 1975 to 1983 as baptised, the Watchtower organization ALLOWED people to stand up for the national anthem, pledge of allegiance, etc...

  When the heck did the (B)Org get even more hard-line on this???

  Zid