Popular Posts

Tuesday, September 06, 2016

Is the Star-Spangled Banner's third verse racist?

BALTIMORE —Some people are questioning whether portions of the national anthem are racist.

The national monument at Fort McHenry is considered one of Baltimore's jewels. The defense of the fort inspired poet-lawyer, Francis Scott Key, to write "The Star-Spangled Banner," which would eventually become the country's national anthem.

That song kicks off tons of events, most commonly sports, and we only sing the first two verses.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick said he will not stand for the anthem because he will not "show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people." His decision to sit down during the anthem has called attention to the song, many focusing on the third verse, which some are calling racist.

Park Ranger Paul Plamann has received emails from all over asking about the third stanza. He said it's not about slavery as we know it.

"The third verse is very anti-British to begin with," Plamann said.

More

6 comments:

  1. A mercenary is a mercenary regardless of their race.

    Sand Box John

    ReplyDelete
  2. The whole thing needs to be dumped. It is a crummy tune, no professional singer can sing it, they all say it is very hard to sing.
    We need to be using "America the Beautiful", not a stupid poem sung to a drinking song tune.

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a pathetic excuse for a "news" article opening..."Some people are..." Well, THIS person is offended by the fact that Baltimore "journalists" and citizens are so ignorant of the facts. Let's not even mention the ELEPHANT in the 3rd verse - IN GOD IS OUR TRUST!

    ReplyDelete
  4. This world is becoming one that has the most pansy a-ss woosies crying they are offended my so many things. This is America, it is our flag and it is our National Anthem. If it offends you then you are welcome to leave this country. OUR HISTORY, OUR RIGHTS, OUR COUNTRY. Deal with it!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I am offended they are offended. I am offended every time I see a rich person. I am offended we do not say prayer in schools. I am offended by Colin Kaeprernick's Fro. He is not black. I am offended his daddy ran out on him. I am offended that you are not offended by my stupid post. Hell I am just offended. Oh I almost forgot. I am offended how rude I am.

    ReplyDelete
  6. You know what? I'm really SICK of hearing that word!

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.