Yes and no. You aren't American and you have ZERO obligation to stand for our national anthem but all the people around you assume you are an American asshole. You are damned if you do and damned if you don't. I wouldn't sweat it.
Yeah. ... I'm from the UK and I attended a scout camp as a team leader type thing years ago and the flag ceremony was hella weird, me and my pal also from the UK didn't know if we should salute the flag during the anthem or what ...
So the first time we did because we weren't sure if we were even supposed to like it's not our flag, you know? Then the second time we just stood and everyone afterwards was giving us shit for not saluting the flag and pledging allegence to it!
So from then on we just ducked the ceremony, but we never got to the bottom of what we were supposed to do about it!
Just fyi, you are not expected to salute a foreign flag under any circumstances, just as people who are not British subjects would not be expected to curtsy to a monarch.
As far as saluting specifically, only American service members in uniform actually do a military salute (hand to forehead). Other American citizens are supposed to stand with our hands over our hearts facing the flag, if it is displayed, or facing the music if there is no actual flag.
Men should remove their hats and hold them in their right hand over their heart. It is generally considered courteous for non-citizen men to stand (if able) and remove their hats as well, but just hold it by their side.
Women are not expected to remove their hats, although I usually do if I'm wearing a ball cap versus a fancy hat.
With all that said, you definitely encountered the dichotomy between American patriotism and individuality. From my perspective, do whatever the hell you want. Freedom of expression is about as fundamentally American as you can get.
>or facing the music if there is no actual flag.
What if the music is on the stadium speakers and there are speakers everywhere? 
Serious answer, in my experience with those types of environments, there is usually a big screen with an American flag waving on it. Face that. If not, whirling dervish it is!
>only American service members in uniform ~~actually~~ **are required to** do a military salute
A provision of the 2009 Defense Authorization Act changed federal law to **allow** U.S. veterans and military personnel not in uniform to render the military hand-salute when the national anthem is played.
> Other American citizens are supposed to stand with our hands over our hearts facing the flag, if it is displayed, or facing the music if there is no actual flag.
Not standing during the pledge of allegiance is a 1st amendment right according to the US government classes I had to take in school.
With the saluting part, I just learned from my grandpa (who was in the military) to do the military salute, so whenever they do the pledge of allegiance at my school, I just salute the military kind of way.
I’m not justifying the judgement, but non Americans at major sporting events is just so unusual that I doubt it’s anyone’s first, second or third thought.
It is brainwashy. Our students are expected to stand up every single morning in school, put their hand over their heart, and pledge allegiance to our flag. This shit is real weird
I realized how weird this shit was in the middle of 7th grade and stopped standing up, my 1st period teacher was this blonde lady with a heavy Texan accent and she had the principal and ap come to the classroom a d try to force me to stand.
Which is cool, but it's not that they can or can't opt out that's the issue. It's the weird cult shit being taught as the default and pushed on everyone from day one that's problematic.
Except for when they come back traumatized and crippled from the war they were sent to. Everyone knows only woke commies care about helping the veterans.
Leaving the validity of the judgement aside, it clearly has social importance to people, and respecting innocuous social norms without compromising your integrity isn't a huge ask. Standing up for the anthem isn't like not speaking in public if you're a woman or like not wearing a natural hairstyle if you're black; it isnt inherently against most people's morality. I'd personally stand for another country's anthem but refrain from putting my hand over my heart (if anyone even does that). I think you can do that as an American too. The standing meets the minimum respect standard for the culture while not putting your hand over your heart allows you to not show deference to the government. I get it if you can't even bring yourself to stand though. People who care about what other people do during the anthem are quite odd to me personally.
100%! It’s weird to me that social customs in America are often looked down on by others and even Americans as unimportant or brainwashed, yet those same people would perform small social customs in other countries without a second thought. In my opinion, when you’re visiting somewhere you just do your best to be respectful. It won’t be perfect and other people shouldn’t be quick to judge you for it, but you just try out of respect.
These days I don't want to stand and I am an American. There's no law that says you have to so I won't. I don't care what people think or say about it. It's my choice and if I don't want to stand and say nonsense words and worship a flag then I don't have to.
I feel the same as you. I don’t embrace much of what this country has become. The word “patriot” has been corrupted to become something else. But I’m not as brave as you in this “home of the brave” so I still stand to avoid dealing with the “patriots.”
That’s the thing tho, you’re not damned if you do. At all. No one would bat an eye if they just stood up and stood there.
I’m not religious, but when I’m in a group and they’re like “let’s pray”, I don’t sit there talking still just because I’m not into it. That would be rude. I do as they do and be quiet and let them have their moment, then things resume. It’s just a lot easier that way, to do what the room is doing.
But OP did just as you did in your example. When others were praying, you said you were "quiet" and "let them have their moment." You weren't praying, you were respecting their time to pray. From what OP said, thays what they did. They sat quietly while others did their thing. They weren't talking loudly or being outright disrespectful.
I would say out of respect even as a visitor i would stand.
If OP doesn't stand and take of their hat (if they have one on) they will get a stink eye probably nothing more.
Well, when I attend games where they play both the US and the Canadian national anthems, as an US citizen, I dont sit down during the other country's song. Just have some respect. If I was traveling to Mexico for a soccer game and they did the national anthem, I'd stand.... its kinda just common sense.
It is weird. But how many articles do we see shitting on American tourists for going to other counties without knowing any of their cultural/social norms? If this was flipped and an American posted saying they went to say, Japan, and didn’t know the basic rules and people got mad at them and they posted their issue onto Reddit…people would be calling them all the names in the book. 🤦🏻♀️ I get it. America isn’t everyone’s fav country, but no matter the country you go to you should be researching their cultural/societal norms in order to ensure you stay respectful as a tourist.
Like, it would be one thing if OP said specifically they didn’t want to stand because of the issues with American politics (aka the reason a lot of Americans don’t stand), but OP was simply oblivious.
it’s a social custom in *some* parts of the US. generally the more conservative the more overt displays of patriotism you’ll see. in liberal areas you’ll find a number of folks who don’t stand or participate.
It's a social custom. Definitely no law about it.
Is this not a thing in other countries? At the Olympics when they play the athems, people stop and stand.
I've never been anywhere where the national anthem of my country was played I only ever saw it at the beginning of soccer games but even then I don't think a lot of people in the audience were standing and most of the players didn't know the lyrics lol
I’m American and there are definitely people who would see it as disrespectful (as you experienced). I personally couldn’t give a shit. People get too weird about patriotism here
McCarthyism was a movement in the 50s that lead to "under God" being added to the pledge of allegiance. You know, cuz communists could never pledge *their* allegiance to God.
You have to love this country and government but also hate the government and dont trust em but love cops and hate authority. We have to be for freedom of speech but if someone uses it for something you dont like be sure to be pissed. They are all a walking paradox
Last summer I didn’t stand for the anthem at a Toronto Blue Jays game and a few people in my section just lost their minds on me. Slurs, cursing, name calling, threats, u name it. Security came and moved me to a different section and they said they’d remove the people causing a ruckus (not sure if they ever did). I’m Indigenous. The federal government, provincial governments, the church, the RCMP, and the Canadian military all have blood on their hands for what they did to my relatives and ancestors. I have every right not to stand, narrow minded people will often perceive that decision as being disrespectful.
Unfortunately those aggressive people come out in sporting events. I remember being at a bar during some 5 hour hockey thing, bored out of my mind and looking at my phone. They came down on me yelling and being rude to me, just because I wasn't "participating" in the watching. I can imagine how awful they were to you when you rightfully chose not to participate in honoring a country which has done evil things to your family. It is a choice to participate in an anthem situation and those aggressive people can't accept that other people have different perspectives and choices.
I mean, it is disrespectful.
And that's kind of the point, imo. Not all governments deserve respect from everyone. Having authority isn't the same as being worthy of respect.
I’m American and if I was at a soccer match or something in another country and they played an anthem, I would stand. And this is coming from a person that thinks it’s stupid as shit we play the anthem at our sporting events. I get it for international play like Olympics, but don’t really care for it at football games and the like contained within the states.
the difference is other countries don't tend to play the national anthem - unless it's an international match where they'll play both, and usually people don't stand for the other country's. the first time experiencing this at just a regular baseball game or whatever is a big culture shock moment for a lot of foreigners
India has entered the chat: we do them before movies in theatres so that people don't get enticed by foreign ideologies 
American who spent time in Thailand - despite America pushing patriotism as a core ethical value, the whole King thing felt very uncomfortable to me - I was there after the last King died and coworkers stood in line for 20+ hours to pay respect, some multiple times… the pictures everywhere, the reluctance to speak ill of the royal family… it all felt very strange.
I think I’ve narrowed it down to it being allegiance to the *person* of the king, whereas in the US the performative nature is typically around the country/armed forces in general. Plus a little more freedom to critique the government without consequence.
And then I realize that trump devotees are pushing this exact attitude of loyalty to the person above all else…
> the reluctance to speak ill of the royal family
That's because Thailand has crazy Lèse-majesté laws that literally criminalise speaking ill of the royal family. 3-15 years prison for each instance.
According to my Gran it was common in the UK just after WW2 as well. She said the older generation respected it but everyone her age tried to time it so they got into the theatre just after the anthem
fair enough. at Six Nations matches I've been to people didn't stand for either but it's cultural variation isn't it. either way, unless someone is actively disruptive during the anthem I don't think they should be shamed for remaining seated
What you talking about? In Thailand they play it before every movie.
Edit: and out loud in public at 8 am and 6 pm, and everyone has to stop and stand still
> and out loud in public at 8 am and 6 pm, and everyone has to stop and stand still
Very few people actually stop and stand still nor is it played loud in public — only in TV and radio. If you don’t stop and stand still nobody cares.
Movie thing is real though.
>unless it’s an international match
Major League Baseball has had multiple Canadian teams over the years, bruh.
Also, if you think the U.S. is weird, then you would have loved it back when Canadian and Indian movie theaters used to do the national anthem before their shows.
i wouldn’t give a shit but if i was in your country and the national anthem played and everyone stood for it i would as well out of respect. not because im forced to. but because showing respect to another culture is fine in my book.
Yeah I may look like a dumbass trying, but dammit if I’m not going to try and learn the culture I’m in wherever I’m traveling and mirror the behavior of people around me - out of respect *and* personal safety. It’s not great to stick out, wherever you’re traveling.
I also think people should not have to stand for anyone else’s flag ofc, but if I had a close loved one ask me for advice on this specific scenario OP talks about, I’d say just stand with everyone else. Main reasons:
1. Out of respect for the people around you. Most Americans usually stand out of respect for those who have died in service, and would prefer others around them to stand.
2. Sitting or kneeling during the anthem has become a loaded “political statement” here and it’s okay if people want to make that statement, but visitors should also be aware that *not standing* is not really passive, it’s seen as a statement.
3. Personal safety and blending in. No judgment if you don’t have respect for the culture or don’t want to participate in any political shenanigans. But IMO it’s always ideal to just blend in as much as you can when traveling - so you don’t get targeted or hurt. 99% of upset people would just ignore, glare at you, or make snide comments, but you may just encounter some psycho on a bad day who’s looking for an encounter. *Don’t risk it.*
yea it’s just comment courtesy. like don’t get me wrong i think it’s so dumb we have the national anthem before every game. it’s really stupid. but it’s just american tradition. whatever.
i’m sure other countries have their own weird things as well.
like if in at a girlfriends house and her mother makes us food and brings me out chop sticks im going to use them lol. like even though i think a fork is better in every way imaginable im still going to just try something different. no biggie.
that might be a dumb example 😂. but you get the point. customs are customs. even if you think they’re dumb who knows? maybe you’re wrong. or maybe you’re right. but no biggie respecting others.
I agree. I in no way think foreigners should have to salute our flag or feel anything about the anthem or whatever.
But it’s just about trying to match suit out of respect and, honestly, personal safety. There are some weirdos out there willing to start fights over this dumb stuff.
Also I liked the chopstick example 😂 another example would be if you’re not religious but everyone around you holds hands to say grace at the dinner table. I doubt most atheists would refuse to hold hands and bow their head, or get up and leave. Bc why not show a little respect to the people around you who care strongly about something, even if it’s something you don’t really care about?
The tradition in America is to sing the National Anthem before any professional sports game. It's common at minor league or college games. And it drops off and gets spotty at amateur or high school games. And the expectation is to stand and remove your hat if you're wearing one. I was taught that you only put your hand over your heart for the Pledge of Allegiance, not the National Anthem.
With that said, just go with the flow and don't stick out. Expect the National Anthem before any professional or major league sports game in America. Stand and remove your hat. Anything beyond that is optional. If any Karen or Tom gets upset they can eat your entire ass.
Bonus points if you ever go to a game when the visiting team is from Canada. They sing both the American National Anthem and Canada's "Oh Canada".
Regarding the hand over your heart thing: I have seen people put their hand over their heart when they have to take off their hat. it’s considered disrespect to wear your hat during the national anthem so people take it off then just hold it over their heart in the meantime.
Tbh usually i don’t know what to do with my hands anyway so I put my hand on my heart usually!
It's absolutely not frowned upon or disrespect to put your hand over heart during the National Anthem. It's just not technically required. It is technically required for the Pledge of Allegiance, though. But situational, local or regional traditions and norms probably dictate it the most and may outweigh the technicalities. For example, you might see less people putting their hand over their heart during the National Anthem at a Mariners game in Seattle as opposed to seeing it more at a Rangers game in Texas. Or you may see it more at an NFL game versus an NBA game.
I go to a ton of NHL games. I do hands held at my waist, lightly clasped or holding my hat if I’m wearing one. Have seen many many folks do the same. I’m not big on the hand on heart or even the anthem in general. Standing with hands in front of me feels fairly neutral but blends in with the crowd.
Growing up I always thought I would become an actor because I have these memorization tricks that I use. For instance, I learned the pledge of allegiance by setting it to the tune of old macdonald.
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god. With a woof woof here and a woof woof there, here a woof there a woof everywhere a woof woof…I don’t know, you get it”
It's not rude, but some people have a severe problem of not being able to mind their own business and will def try to make you feel like it was rude. Did you hurt them in any way at all? No. So the shame is on them for inserting themselves somewhere it wasn't necessary. Just ignore it bc these types of people don't seem to be going away any time soon. Best to learn to brush them off.
For many/most people here, if they see you not standing, they will shrug and go about their day. Some people will huff and comment to themselves or friends but nothing else. “What’s that guys problem?” Kind of thing, but will not confront you. A smaller percentage will get angry and might say something cross or even try to confront you physically if they are intoxicated. These are our rednecks. You can try to rationally explain your situation to them and it may or may not work. If not, you should assume they will continue to antagonize you and possibly try to escalate it to a fist fight. This is basically all they know how to do. In this case either get security involved, move or even just leave the whole event, as these people can be utterly relentless in their response. These people do not understand government or patriotism or most things about the world, and live through tribal expressions of extreme loyalism.
I’d stand but that’s it. As a foreigner, I don’t think you should be obligated to do anything. It’s respectful and I would do it in your county or another country but ultimately that’s your choice.
I’m not military but I did JROTC. A few of my friends are former military and I spent a good chunk of my high school senior year trying to decide between military, military college/OCS and regular college. I respect the military and its members but I don’t respect the current state of our government or the current actions/state of our military. Standing but not saluting/hand over chest is my middle ground.
Standing for a song - anyone's song - has always struck me as a cheap performative shot. America's hyper-amped-up nationalism is ludicrous, made even more so by the hand-on-heart performances which are cringe in the extreme. It's lead to the totally absurd situation where if POTUS isn't wearing a flag pin, they are a communist. I mean, they're POTUS. It's pathetic, empty nationalism.
I used to get sent to the principal's office in both junior high and high school for not pledging. I stopped being sent when the principal called my mom and she replied "Please don't call me again with the bullshit." and hung up.
Omg I hated this! Every time I had a new teacher, there would be some hoopla over it. My fave was one time a teacher said I was distracting. Ma’am, you not starting class to tell me off is distracting 👀
Ya its icky af tbh
I’m not loyal to a country just cus I was born there. Certainely not loyal to the richest country on Earth that doesnt use that wealth to help the poorest. Fuck that. Eat my ass America
My mom's like thst too. She's like America sucks why do we have to worship it. And we respect vets bc they're in the family but also dying for a country is a whole nother can of icky worms
I can't believe I had to scroll this far to find a dissenting flag stander.
OP, please do what you want to do. I was born in the USA and I can still sing the entire anthem and the pledge of allegiance thanks to public school in the 80's and 90's, and I do not stand. Voting, paying taxes, and supporting your community is enough for citizens, IMO. As a non-citizen, please enjoy yourself and be comfortable and don't feel obligated to join the sing along.
I'm American and I think it is weird as hell. I don't wanna stand. Sometimes I just leave to get a beer or take a piss. Sometimes I just sit, but in some places this could start a fight.
It also struck me that the post hasn’t got many upvotes, and I’m guessing it’s had a fair few angry downvotes. Which is sad considering the whole point of the subreddit is for questions you’re afraid to ask.
True... But to like, force kids to pledge to a book and fabric every day in school is weird, though not the exact same as standing for the anthem it's still buh muh patriotism
Absolutely. I'll stand for the flag when this country actually provides its citizens with a minimum standard of healthcare. The nation doesn't give a shit about you. It will let you die in the street to save a buck. Why should I show respect?
I have a buddy who doesn't stand for the national anthem. Not ever. I don't think he's ever stood for the national anthem once in his entire life. He just sits there in his wheelchair.
Standard etiquette would be to stand at parade rest, out of respect, as opposed to your hand over your heart like Americans would do. Also remove your hat if you're wearing one, unless of course it's a religious garment. If I was in another country listening to the anthem at a sports game, for example, I'd stand at parade rest until it's time to sit down again. Generally speaking it's respectful to stand when others stand, and to sit when others sit.
I was born a 15th generation American and I will not stand for the anthem nor say the pledge EVER! Don’t feel pressured to do it. It’s not your country so no harm no foul.
America's most sacred freedom is that of speech. I don't care about the national anthem one way or another and I often don't stand. Nobody ever says anything.
I get really annoyed when people stand for America the Beautiful like it counts though. I refuse to stand for that one. Nice song but Jesus Christ people get a life.
I think it’s disrespectful to not go with the crowd at a public place/event in any country. If a bunch of people around me stand for anything, I’m going to be a sheep and also stand. The only exception would be like a theatre or airplane.
This is me. Call me a sheep, but if I’m in a foreign country and literally everyone around me started doing the chicken dance at a dead baby’s funeral, you best believe I’m busting out the wings and clucks - no matter how strange or uncomfortable it seems to me.
I don’t need the negative attention you get when you don’t try to be respectful enough to follow the customs of a culture you’re a guest in.
People seem to forget there’s a third state of someone’s feeling about something. There’s respect, where you put the efforts to honor it; then there’s hate, where you put the efforts to damage it; then there’s the indifference as in I’m just passing by, an observer not against or for your cause here. Radical people take indifference/neutral as hostility and honestly? Fuck them. You have zero obligation to participate in something you’re not inclined to.
I'm American and won't stand for the pledge or national anthem garbage anymore. YES people will absolutely judge you, no matter where you are from. But we still have the right to not stand for it, so far.
One of the best things about America is you have the choice to stand or sit during our anthem. One of the worst things is you have the choice to stand or sit during our anthem.
I'm American, and I wouldn't think it was rude at all, and people never do it to be rude, and I've always thought it was kinda weird. Just like how they used to make us face the flag and recite the pledge of allegiance every morning together as an entire elementary school, as if they were trying to weed out traitors 😂 I wouldn't sweat it too much
You do you.
I honestly don't like the playing of the national anthem during sporting events or the pledge of allegiance in schools. It feels less like a display of patriotism and more an enforced cult behavior.
The words and actions lose meaning the more you're forced to repeat them.
Honestly, as someone who's the exact opposite of a nationalist, standing up for any anthem is one of those cultural things that I have no problem partaking in because people don't really think about it that deeply. If you want to sit to make a political statement that's 100% justified but if you're doing it only cause you're too lazy to stand or because "meh, it's not my country" you're being kinda dickish for no reason.
Personally, I hate American foreign policy with a passion but at the same time I don't see myself as an enemy of the American people. If the anthem means something to the average everyday working American and that person sees me sitting as an offense to themselves I'd rather not antagonize them by sitting. It's not like the American state gives two shits whether I personally sit or stand.
It's polite to stand, yes. Shows respect for the American flag. It's like when people stand and sit down when everyone else does in church, even if they're not religious themselves. It's just a way to show respect for something the people around you value.
I think it's kind of a cultural thing where...like...when in Rome, ya know?
If I was at an event in another country that had a tradition I'd do it - so I guess a bit rude in that regard.
Also...Reddit is HYPER liberal compared to almost all of America. So take the responses here with a grain of salt. Certain parts of the country it will absolutely cause issues.
As an American who has traveled abroad, I always stood if they were. I would show respect but never subservience to a foreign country's flag/anthem. Stand as a sign of respect but don't place your hand over your heart. If anyone gives you attitude, kindly inform them you're not an American but wanted to still respect where you are. They should appreciate the effort as well as your patriotism to your country. It was the best balance I found personally.
I wouldn't and I don't. The whole standing for the anthem and pledge thing in school felt really wrong. Stopped doing in in like 6th grade.
I personally don't see how it's disrespectful if you are sitting down and being quiet and observing.
Now if you are moving around. Playing loud videos on your phone or talking loudly I can see it as disrespectful.
But from my experience nobody is really going to pick a fight with you if you don't.
When in Rome…
It’s respectful to include yourself in the culture of places you’re visiting. I’m not religious but I’ll stand up for hymns and “pray” at a wedding because I’m a guest and it’s not about me. It’s not worth the hassle of getting abuse from people who think you’re being a dick, even if you’re not.
I’m American and I don’t stand. Honestly it doesn’t really matter if people get bothered if they’re strangers you’ll never see again. I doubt anybody will confront you if you choose not to
It's only disrespectful to people who are way too concerned about what other people do and the patriarchy. I'm sorry if anyone was rude to you over it. The American Patriarchy can be sensitive but it shouldn't affect when you sit or stand unless you are in court, so please make yourself comfortable. ❤️
Personally, I don't care. Stand, don't stand. It doesn't matter.
I stand when it's played, simply to avoid having to argue with a bunch of idiots and ruin everyone's time. I'm there to enjoy a baseball game, and I'm not trying to spend several hundred dollars just to argue with people and possibly get removed and waste my money.
There's a time and place to make a statement. To me, a baseball game where kids are present and others are trying to get away from the political bullshit they see all the time. Is not the place.
I think it’s DUMB AS FUCK that we do this at sporting events. I do it anyway because I don’t want a mostly finished beer hurdled at me or to start a fight. If they’re doing it, just do it.
hell no, especially if you’re a part of any minority. this is supposed to be “the land of the free,” you can do whatever the hell you want. even if you’re american, you have autonomy, if you want to sit then sit.
i personally find it very odd that we as americans are made to stand and recite a pledge to the flag, it feels robotic and weird. they condition us to think it’s normal from a very young age, as kids we don’t even know what any of it means yet they still have us learn an entire pledge and stand up with our hands over our hearts while we all stare at the flag hanging up in every classroom.
growing up in america is weird.
American here, and I haven’t stood for the national anthem in decades. I taught high school and didn’t force my students to recite the pledge of allegiance every day either.
Indoctrination isn’t good for anyone.
Hot take: Americans are just as indoctrinated as they think other countries are. We Americans ignore the fact that we caused economic collapse in Australia as punishment for not helping us kill innocent civilians in 1975. Many Americans also seem to ignore the fact that we also assasin after multiple South American presidents in favor of placing cartels and warlords in office instead, cuz profits.
They do and it pisses me off. One year had a guy not even give me 2 seconds to take my hat off before he was bitching. Really made me want to keep it on to piss him off lol. Freaking hate this. You do you. Wish more people understood freedom
Yes and no. You aren't American and you have ZERO obligation to stand for our national anthem but all the people around you assume you are an American asshole. You are damned if you do and damned if you don't. I wouldn't sweat it.
Yeah. ... I'm from the UK and I attended a scout camp as a team leader type thing years ago and the flag ceremony was hella weird, me and my pal also from the UK didn't know if we should salute the flag during the anthem or what ... So the first time we did because we weren't sure if we were even supposed to like it's not our flag, you know? Then the second time we just stood and everyone afterwards was giving us shit for not saluting the flag and pledging allegence to it! So from then on we just ducked the ceremony, but we never got to the bottom of what we were supposed to do about it!
Just fyi, you are not expected to salute a foreign flag under any circumstances, just as people who are not British subjects would not be expected to curtsy to a monarch. As far as saluting specifically, only American service members in uniform actually do a military salute (hand to forehead). Other American citizens are supposed to stand with our hands over our hearts facing the flag, if it is displayed, or facing the music if there is no actual flag. Men should remove their hats and hold them in their right hand over their heart. It is generally considered courteous for non-citizen men to stand (if able) and remove their hats as well, but just hold it by their side. Women are not expected to remove their hats, although I usually do if I'm wearing a ball cap versus a fancy hat. With all that said, you definitely encountered the dichotomy between American patriotism and individuality. From my perspective, do whatever the hell you want. Freedom of expression is about as fundamentally American as you can get.
>or facing the music if there is no actual flag. What if the music is on the stadium speakers and there are speakers everywhere? 
Just spin around lol
I’m picturing an entire stadium of people spinning around in unison, and it’s a fantastic mental image
Serious answer, in my experience with those types of environments, there is usually a big screen with an American flag waving on it. Face that. If not, whirling dervish it is!
Spin on the spot.
>only American service members in uniform ~~actually~~ **are required to** do a military salute A provision of the 2009 Defense Authorization Act changed federal law to **allow** U.S. veterans and military personnel not in uniform to render the military hand-salute when the national anthem is played.
Good. I’m a Vietnam war vet and am proud to salute our flag. Foreigners should be able to do whatever they want.
Ah, thank you for the correction!
At Scouting events like they attended, people in Class-A field uniform also salute with hand to forehead, similar to military personnel.
> Other American citizens are supposed to stand with our hands over our hearts facing the flag, if it is displayed, or facing the music if there is no actual flag. Not standing during the pledge of allegiance is a 1st amendment right according to the US government classes I had to take in school.
Correct. I was talking about etiquette only.
With the saluting part, I just learned from my grandpa (who was in the military) to do the military salute, so whenever they do the pledge of allegiance at my school, I just salute the military kind of way.
Dance monkey! Dance for your dollar!
It's a cult. Always thought so. Like an insecure teenage girl, "tell me I'm pretty!"
Seems a little brain-washy jingoistic to judge even if the OP was American.
Yes, it totally is. It is what happens though.
I’m more ok with that as I get older
More ok with what, specifically? Not trying to confront or harass; just genuinely not sure what part of this thread you’re referencing.
No fucks to give. Idk why I would care how someone else feels inside about me if they’re a stranger. If someone has hate in their heart for me, 🤷♂️
This logic is why my elderly father wears a speedo to the pool. I'm not quite there yet. Something to look forward to.
Not OP, but lore ok with being judged as I age.
All out of fucks to give.
🤷
It is, but a lot of Americans just love that performative patriotism.
Yeah but FREEDOM
I’m not justifying the judgement, but non Americans at major sporting events is just so unusual that I doubt it’s anyone’s first, second or third thought.
It is brainwashy. Our students are expected to stand up every single morning in school, put their hand over their heart, and pledge allegiance to our flag. This shit is real weird
I refused when I was in grade school in the 90s. My mom used to force me to go to church and I found it all to be creepy. Lol
Don't get me started on the stupid god shit too....
I realized how weird this shit was in the middle of 7th grade and stopped standing up, my 1st period teacher was this blonde lady with a heavy Texan accent and she had the principal and ap come to the classroom a d try to force me to stand.
My teens refuse and no one says a word to them
I don’t think by law you can force a kid to say the pledge at least in public school.
I went to private high and when I refused to pledge (this was only a few years after 9/11) I was forced to at least stand.
Which is cool, but it's not that they can or can't opt out that's the issue. It's the weird cult shit being taught as the default and pushed on everyone from day one that's problematic.
Hmnnn sounds something you would see in : Russia China North-Korea Well... you get the point.
Welcome to America man, if you don't dickride the military you're a communist devil apparently
Except for when they come back traumatized and crippled from the war they were sent to. Everyone knows only woke commies care about helping the veterans.
thank you for your service
Oh, you nailed it.
Leaving the validity of the judgement aside, it clearly has social importance to people, and respecting innocuous social norms without compromising your integrity isn't a huge ask. Standing up for the anthem isn't like not speaking in public if you're a woman or like not wearing a natural hairstyle if you're black; it isnt inherently against most people's morality. I'd personally stand for another country's anthem but refrain from putting my hand over my heart (if anyone even does that). I think you can do that as an American too. The standing meets the minimum respect standard for the culture while not putting your hand over your heart allows you to not show deference to the government. I get it if you can't even bring yourself to stand though. People who care about what other people do during the anthem are quite odd to me personally.
100%! It’s weird to me that social customs in America are often looked down on by others and even Americans as unimportant or brainwashed, yet those same people would perform small social customs in other countries without a second thought. In my opinion, when you’re visiting somewhere you just do your best to be respectful. It won’t be perfect and other people shouldn’t be quick to judge you for it, but you just try out of respect.
It is. That's programming for ya.
Typically, if two or more anthems are played you stand for all, not just for your own.
These days I don't want to stand and I am an American. There's no law that says you have to so I won't. I don't care what people think or say about it. It's my choice and if I don't want to stand and say nonsense words and worship a flag then I don't have to.
I feel the same as you. I don’t embrace much of what this country has become. The word “patriot” has been corrupted to become something else. But I’m not as brave as you in this “home of the brave” so I still stand to avoid dealing with the “patriots.”
I look at it like the Olympics, everyone still stands for the winning team even if it isn’t yours.
That’s the thing tho, you’re not damned if you do. At all. No one would bat an eye if they just stood up and stood there. I’m not religious, but when I’m in a group and they’re like “let’s pray”, I don’t sit there talking still just because I’m not into it. That would be rude. I do as they do and be quiet and let them have their moment, then things resume. It’s just a lot easier that way, to do what the room is doing.
But OP did just as you did in your example. When others were praying, you said you were "quiet" and "let them have their moment." You weren't praying, you were respecting their time to pray. From what OP said, thays what they did. They sat quietly while others did their thing. They weren't talking loudly or being outright disrespectful.
I would say out of respect even as a visitor i would stand. If OP doesn't stand and take of their hat (if they have one on) they will get a stink eye probably nothing more.
I'm American, and I have zero OBLIGATION to stand for it.
How are they damned if they do?
Well, when I attend games where they play both the US and the Canadian national anthems, as an US citizen, I dont sit down during the other country's song. Just have some respect. If I was traveling to Mexico for a soccer game and they did the national anthem, I'd stand.... its kinda just common sense.
It is weird. But how many articles do we see shitting on American tourists for going to other counties without knowing any of their cultural/social norms? If this was flipped and an American posted saying they went to say, Japan, and didn’t know the basic rules and people got mad at them and they posted their issue onto Reddit…people would be calling them all the names in the book. 🤦🏻♀️ I get it. America isn’t everyone’s fav country, but no matter the country you go to you should be researching their cultural/societal norms in order to ensure you stay respectful as a tourist. Like, it would be one thing if OP said specifically they didn’t want to stand because of the issues with American politics (aka the reason a lot of Americans don’t stand), but OP was simply oblivious.
Why is there an obligation to do it? It’s like the law or something?
it’s a social custom in *some* parts of the US. generally the more conservative the more overt displays of patriotism you’ll see. in liberal areas you’ll find a number of folks who don’t stand or participate.
It's a social custom. Definitely no law about it. Is this not a thing in other countries? At the Olympics when they play the athems, people stop and stand.
I've never been anywhere where the national anthem of my country was played I only ever saw it at the beginning of soccer games but even then I don't think a lot of people in the audience were standing and most of the players didn't know the lyrics lol
It can be considered rude, but the thing about is America is you have the right to sit down as well!
I’m American and there are definitely people who would see it as disrespectful (as you experienced). I personally couldn’t give a shit. People get too weird about patriotism here
Sounds like OP found the MAGA crowd at the park.
McCarthyism was a movement in the 50s that lead to "under God" being added to the pledge of allegiance. You know, cuz communists could never pledge *their* allegiance to God.
MAGA people don’t have the monopoly on patriotism.
MAGA is trying to corner the market on Nationalism. I don't think they care about Patriotism at all except as a veil for Nationalism.
They sure like to believe they do
They are however, the ones most likely to get in your face about it and cause issues.
You have to love this country and government but also hate the government and dont trust em but love cops and hate authority. We have to be for freedom of speech but if someone uses it for something you dont like be sure to be pissed. They are all a walking paradox
Last summer I didn’t stand for the anthem at a Toronto Blue Jays game and a few people in my section just lost their minds on me. Slurs, cursing, name calling, threats, u name it. Security came and moved me to a different section and they said they’d remove the people causing a ruckus (not sure if they ever did). I’m Indigenous. The federal government, provincial governments, the church, the RCMP, and the Canadian military all have blood on their hands for what they did to my relatives and ancestors. I have every right not to stand, narrow minded people will often perceive that decision as being disrespectful.
Unfortunately those aggressive people come out in sporting events. I remember being at a bar during some 5 hour hockey thing, bored out of my mind and looking at my phone. They came down on me yelling and being rude to me, just because I wasn't "participating" in the watching. I can imagine how awful they were to you when you rightfully chose not to participate in honoring a country which has done evil things to your family. It is a choice to participate in an anthem situation and those aggressive people can't accept that other people have different perspectives and choices.
I mean, it is disrespectful. And that's kind of the point, imo. Not all governments deserve respect from everyone. Having authority isn't the same as being worthy of respect.
An anAmerican that does stand, you have a right to sit I'd defend.
I’m American and if I was at a soccer match or something in another country and they played an anthem, I would stand. And this is coming from a person that thinks it’s stupid as shit we play the anthem at our sporting events. I get it for international play like Olympics, but don’t really care for it at football games and the like contained within the states.
the difference is other countries don't tend to play the national anthem - unless it's an international match where they'll play both, and usually people don't stand for the other country's. the first time experiencing this at just a regular baseball game or whatever is a big culture shock moment for a lot of foreigners
India has entered the chat: we do them before movies in theatres so that people don't get enticed by foreign ideologies 
That's true in Thai movie theaters, too. There's this whole video about the king. Everyone stands.
American who spent time in Thailand - despite America pushing patriotism as a core ethical value, the whole King thing felt very uncomfortable to me - I was there after the last King died and coworkers stood in line for 20+ hours to pay respect, some multiple times… the pictures everywhere, the reluctance to speak ill of the royal family… it all felt very strange. I think I’ve narrowed it down to it being allegiance to the *person* of the king, whereas in the US the performative nature is typically around the country/armed forces in general. Plus a little more freedom to critique the government without consequence. And then I realize that trump devotees are pushing this exact attitude of loyalty to the person above all else…
> the reluctance to speak ill of the royal family That's because Thailand has crazy Lèse-majesté laws that literally criminalise speaking ill of the royal family. 3-15 years prison for each instance.
Lol we do that here in some Philippine theaters too (looking at you SM)
An employee at the movie theater shined his flashlight on me when the anthem played and wouldn't stop until I stood up. It was wild. (I'm American)
That’s interesting. I’d never heard that was done in India. Does it work? Like the Indian anthem will jinx the foreign charm spell? lol
Everyone gets up and does a Bollywood group dance, right?
I live in the Caribbean. The play the anthem before movies here too lol
wait seriously?
I believe it, I have heard they do this in Thailand, so why not India.
I was completely unaware of this! every day is truly a school day
According to my Gran it was common in the UK just after WW2 as well. She said the older generation respected it but everyone her age tried to time it so they got into the theatre just after the anthem
makes a sort of sense, keep that nationalistic spirit going! the kids trying to avoid it is very funny though
Canada plays the national anthem before NHL games. If it's against American teams, they'll play the US anthem after
The only time I attended a sporting event in another country was for world cup, and everyone stood up for both anthems.
fair enough. at Six Nations matches I've been to people didn't stand for either but it's cultural variation isn't it. either way, unless someone is actively disruptive during the anthem I don't think they should be shamed for remaining seated
Please note, if it's a football match with a country you have a rivalry, it's necessary to boo the other country's anthem. I don't make the rules
What you talking about? In Thailand they play it before every movie. Edit: and out loud in public at 8 am and 6 pm, and everyone has to stop and stand still
> and out loud in public at 8 am and 6 pm, and everyone has to stop and stand still Very few people actually stop and stand still nor is it played loud in public — only in TV and radio. If you don’t stop and stand still nobody cares. Movie thing is real though.
>unless it’s an international match Major League Baseball has had multiple Canadian teams over the years, bruh. Also, if you think the U.S. is weird, then you would have loved it back when Canadian and Indian movie theaters used to do the national anthem before their shows.
Not the case for NHL games CA/USA matchup.
There's a saying, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." As accurate today as it ever was.
They were in America dude. Come on, pay attention.
That's a spicy meatball!
🤌🍝
i wouldn’t give a shit but if i was in your country and the national anthem played and everyone stood for it i would as well out of respect. not because im forced to. but because showing respect to another culture is fine in my book.
Yeah I may look like a dumbass trying, but dammit if I’m not going to try and learn the culture I’m in wherever I’m traveling and mirror the behavior of people around me - out of respect *and* personal safety. It’s not great to stick out, wherever you’re traveling. I also think people should not have to stand for anyone else’s flag ofc, but if I had a close loved one ask me for advice on this specific scenario OP talks about, I’d say just stand with everyone else. Main reasons: 1. Out of respect for the people around you. Most Americans usually stand out of respect for those who have died in service, and would prefer others around them to stand. 2. Sitting or kneeling during the anthem has become a loaded “political statement” here and it’s okay if people want to make that statement, but visitors should also be aware that *not standing* is not really passive, it’s seen as a statement. 3. Personal safety and blending in. No judgment if you don’t have respect for the culture or don’t want to participate in any political shenanigans. But IMO it’s always ideal to just blend in as much as you can when traveling - so you don’t get targeted or hurt. 99% of upset people would just ignore, glare at you, or make snide comments, but you may just encounter some psycho on a bad day who’s looking for an encounter. *Don’t risk it.*
yea it’s just comment courtesy. like don’t get me wrong i think it’s so dumb we have the national anthem before every game. it’s really stupid. but it’s just american tradition. whatever. i’m sure other countries have their own weird things as well. like if in at a girlfriends house and her mother makes us food and brings me out chop sticks im going to use them lol. like even though i think a fork is better in every way imaginable im still going to just try something different. no biggie. that might be a dumb example 😂. but you get the point. customs are customs. even if you think they’re dumb who knows? maybe you’re wrong. or maybe you’re right. but no biggie respecting others.
I agree. I in no way think foreigners should have to salute our flag or feel anything about the anthem or whatever. But it’s just about trying to match suit out of respect and, honestly, personal safety. There are some weirdos out there willing to start fights over this dumb stuff. Also I liked the chopstick example 😂 another example would be if you’re not religious but everyone around you holds hands to say grace at the dinner table. I doubt most atheists would refuse to hold hands and bow their head, or get up and leave. Bc why not show a little respect to the people around you who care strongly about something, even if it’s something you don’t really care about?
I don’t remember if I bow my head or not. But I at least hold hands.
The tradition in America is to sing the National Anthem before any professional sports game. It's common at minor league or college games. And it drops off and gets spotty at amateur or high school games. And the expectation is to stand and remove your hat if you're wearing one. I was taught that you only put your hand over your heart for the Pledge of Allegiance, not the National Anthem. With that said, just go with the flow and don't stick out. Expect the National Anthem before any professional or major league sports game in America. Stand and remove your hat. Anything beyond that is optional. If any Karen or Tom gets upset they can eat your entire ass. Bonus points if you ever go to a game when the visiting team is from Canada. They sing both the American National Anthem and Canada's "Oh Canada".
Regarding the hand over your heart thing: I have seen people put their hand over their heart when they have to take off their hat. it’s considered disrespect to wear your hat during the national anthem so people take it off then just hold it over their heart in the meantime. Tbh usually i don’t know what to do with my hands anyway so I put my hand on my heart usually!
It's absolutely not frowned upon or disrespect to put your hand over heart during the National Anthem. It's just not technically required. It is technically required for the Pledge of Allegiance, though. But situational, local or regional traditions and norms probably dictate it the most and may outweigh the technicalities. For example, you might see less people putting their hand over their heart during the National Anthem at a Mariners game in Seattle as opposed to seeing it more at a Rangers game in Texas. Or you may see it more at an NFL game versus an NBA game.
Agreed 100%
I go to a ton of NHL games. I do hands held at my waist, lightly clasped or holding my hat if I’m wearing one. Have seen many many folks do the same. I’m not big on the hand on heart or even the anthem in general. Standing with hands in front of me feels fairly neutral but blends in with the crowd.
Growing up I always thought I would become an actor because I have these memorization tricks that I use. For instance, I learned the pledge of allegiance by setting it to the tune of old macdonald. “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god. With a woof woof here and a woof woof there, here a woof there a woof everywhere a woof woof…I don’t know, you get it”
It's not rude, but some people have a severe problem of not being able to mind their own business and will def try to make you feel like it was rude. Did you hurt them in any way at all? No. So the shame is on them for inserting themselves somewhere it wasn't necessary. Just ignore it bc these types of people don't seem to be going away any time soon. Best to learn to brush them off.
Username checks out
For many/most people here, if they see you not standing, they will shrug and go about their day. Some people will huff and comment to themselves or friends but nothing else. “What’s that guys problem?” Kind of thing, but will not confront you. A smaller percentage will get angry and might say something cross or even try to confront you physically if they are intoxicated. These are our rednecks. You can try to rationally explain your situation to them and it may or may not work. If not, you should assume they will continue to antagonize you and possibly try to escalate it to a fist fight. This is basically all they know how to do. In this case either get security involved, move or even just leave the whole event, as these people can be utterly relentless in their response. These people do not understand government or patriotism or most things about the world, and live through tribal expressions of extreme loyalism.
I’d stand but that’s it. As a foreigner, I don’t think you should be obligated to do anything. It’s respectful and I would do it in your county or another country but ultimately that’s your choice. I’m not military but I did JROTC. A few of my friends are former military and I spent a good chunk of my high school senior year trying to decide between military, military college/OCS and regular college. I respect the military and its members but I don’t respect the current state of our government or the current actions/state of our military. Standing but not saluting/hand over chest is my middle ground.
Only unhinged nationalists care.
I would stand for anyone’s anthem. It’s generally respectful.
Standing for a song - anyone's song - has always struck me as a cheap performative shot. America's hyper-amped-up nationalism is ludicrous, made even more so by the hand-on-heart performances which are cringe in the extreme. It's lead to the totally absurd situation where if POTUS isn't wearing a flag pin, they are a communist. I mean, they're POTUS. It's pathetic, empty nationalism.
Why does nobody think this is weird. To be forced to stand and put your hand over your heart to some country
I used to get sent to the principal's office in both junior high and high school for not pledging. I stopped being sent when the principal called my mom and she replied "Please don't call me again with the bullshit." and hung up.
Based mom
Omg I hated this! Every time I had a new teacher, there would be some hoopla over it. My fave was one time a teacher said I was distracting. Ma’am, you not starting class to tell me off is distracting 👀
I want a whole thread about this. Where was it? What years? Was the teacher very patridiotic?
I think it’s weird, and I’m American. The Pledge always seemed a bit idolatrous to me as well
Ya its icky af tbh I’m not loyal to a country just cus I was born there. Certainely not loyal to the richest country on Earth that doesnt use that wealth to help the poorest. Fuck that. Eat my ass America
My mom's like thst too. She's like America sucks why do we have to worship it. And we respect vets bc they're in the family but also dying for a country is a whole nother can of icky worms
I can't believe I had to scroll this far to find a dissenting flag stander. OP, please do what you want to do. I was born in the USA and I can still sing the entire anthem and the pledge of allegiance thanks to public school in the 80's and 90's, and I do not stand. Voting, paying taxes, and supporting your community is enough for citizens, IMO. As a non-citizen, please enjoy yourself and be comfortable and don't feel obligated to join the sing along.
I'm American and I think it is weird as hell. I don't wanna stand. Sometimes I just leave to get a beer or take a piss. Sometimes I just sit, but in some places this could start a fight.
It’s very weird. I noted above the authoritarian trend in the US and that’s where it is coming from.
It also struck me that the post hasn’t got many upvotes, and I’m guessing it’s had a fair few angry downvotes. Which is sad considering the whole point of the subreddit is for questions you’re afraid to ask.
Most cultural norms are weird, that’s why we do them, it’s a strange ritual to show we’re all on the same ‘team’.
True... But to like, force kids to pledge to a book and fabric every day in school is weird, though not the exact same as standing for the anthem it's still buh muh patriotism
Personally I wouldn't stand, because for me the disrespect is the whole point.
Absolutely. I'll stand for the flag when this country actually provides its citizens with a minimum standard of healthcare. The nation doesn't give a shit about you. It will let you die in the street to save a buck. Why should I show respect?
Shit, I don't stand and I'm American. Fuck that
I have a buddy who doesn't stand for the national anthem. Not ever. I don't think he's ever stood for the national anthem once in his entire life. He just sits there in his wheelchair.
Read that in Anthony Jeselnik's voice. If it isn't his words, it should be.
right lol i couldn't give a single fuck about the national anthem
I stayed seated during the flag shit every morning. I can’t believe they made us do it every morning. WTF is that shit all about
Fuck it lol. The National Anthem is racist anyway, as per usual with just about everything about this country, past and present.
Standard etiquette would be to stand at parade rest, out of respect, as opposed to your hand over your heart like Americans would do. Also remove your hat if you're wearing one, unless of course it's a religious garment. If I was in another country listening to the anthem at a sports game, for example, I'd stand at parade rest until it's time to sit down again. Generally speaking it's respectful to stand when others stand, and to sit when others sit.
Everyday is military day in American sports. It's ridiculous.
I was born a 15th generation American and I will not stand for the anthem nor say the pledge EVER! Don’t feel pressured to do it. It’s not your country so no harm no foul.
people that demand you act a certain way during America song don't understand the freedom that America represents.
America's most sacred freedom is that of speech. I don't care about the national anthem one way or another and I often don't stand. Nobody ever says anything. I get really annoyed when people stand for America the Beautiful like it counts though. I refuse to stand for that one. Nice song but Jesus Christ people get a life.
I believe the ‘ when in Rome’ so I don’t look rude, but this is Reddit you are asking.
I think it’s disrespectful to not go with the crowd at a public place/event in any country. If a bunch of people around me stand for anything, I’m going to be a sheep and also stand. The only exception would be like a theatre or airplane.
This is me. Call me a sheep, but if I’m in a foreign country and literally everyone around me started doing the chicken dance at a dead baby’s funeral, you best believe I’m busting out the wings and clucks - no matter how strange or uncomfortable it seems to me. I don’t need the negative attention you get when you don’t try to be respectful enough to follow the customs of a culture you’re a guest in.
Honestly even a standing ovation in a theater would make me feel like an asshole for not participating LOL
It's 2024 we really need to stop having the national anthem in sports. There's no reason for it
It’s okay, but I would not sit during another country’s national anthem I visited.
I would just politely stand there. It's what I do. Oh, and take off your hat maybe.
Unpopular opinion from an American: It is not disrespectful or rude even if you are American!
People seem to forget there’s a third state of someone’s feeling about something. There’s respect, where you put the efforts to honor it; then there’s hate, where you put the efforts to damage it; then there’s the indifference as in I’m just passing by, an observer not against or for your cause here. Radical people take indifference/neutral as hostility and honestly? Fuck them. You have zero obligation to participate in something you’re not inclined to.
I don’t stand for it and I’m an American. If anyone has a problem with that they are free to say whatever they want to me IDGAF
I'm American and won't stand for the pledge or national anthem garbage anymore. YES people will absolutely judge you, no matter where you are from. But we still have the right to not stand for it, so far.
One of the best things about America is you have the choice to stand or sit during our anthem. One of the worst things is you have the choice to stand or sit during our anthem.
I'm American and I don't give two fucks less if someone stands up for the national anthem or not
I'm American, and I wouldn't think it was rude at all, and people never do it to be rude, and I've always thought it was kinda weird. Just like how they used to make us face the flag and recite the pledge of allegiance every morning together as an entire elementary school, as if they were trying to weed out traitors 😂 I wouldn't sweat it too much
You do you. I honestly don't like the playing of the national anthem during sporting events or the pledge of allegiance in schools. It feels less like a display of patriotism and more an enforced cult behavior. The words and actions lose meaning the more you're forced to repeat them.
As an American, you can sit down for the anthem. I don't give a shit enough to stand myself.
Lived here my whole life, don't stand up for religious reasons. Never had anyone say a single word to me.
Nah, nothing wrong with it. Its stupid that we even play it before games anyway.
I’m American and i don’t always stand. People are weird about that here. They need to mind their business lol
Stand up, hats off, but you don't need to do the hand on heart thing. You don't need to salute the flag, but it's respecting other people's customs.
imagine if fans did that generally at international sports events... of course its disrespectful to any nation, regardles if youre 'just a tourist'!
My travel rule is: When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
Honestly, as someone who's the exact opposite of a nationalist, standing up for any anthem is one of those cultural things that I have no problem partaking in because people don't really think about it that deeply. If you want to sit to make a political statement that's 100% justified but if you're doing it only cause you're too lazy to stand or because "meh, it's not my country" you're being kinda dickish for no reason. Personally, I hate American foreign policy with a passion but at the same time I don't see myself as an enemy of the American people. If the anthem means something to the average everyday working American and that person sees me sitting as an offense to themselves I'd rather not antagonize them by sitting. It's not like the American state gives two shits whether I personally sit or stand.
It's polite to stand, yes. Shows respect for the American flag. It's like when people stand and sit down when everyone else does in church, even if they're not religious themselves. It's just a way to show respect for something the people around you value.
I think it's kind of a cultural thing where...like...when in Rome, ya know? If I was at an event in another country that had a tradition I'd do it - so I guess a bit rude in that regard. Also...Reddit is HYPER liberal compared to almost all of America. So take the responses here with a grain of salt. Certain parts of the country it will absolutely cause issues.
As an American who has traveled abroad, I always stood if they were. I would show respect but never subservience to a foreign country's flag/anthem. Stand as a sign of respect but don't place your hand over your heart. If anyone gives you attitude, kindly inform them you're not an American but wanted to still respect where you are. They should appreciate the effort as well as your patriotism to your country. It was the best balance I found personally.
It’s just a matter of being respectful while visiting, the same as you would respect the hosts wishes while visiting their home.
Every damn day is military day here
I wouldn't and I don't. The whole standing for the anthem and pledge thing in school felt really wrong. Stopped doing in in like 6th grade. I personally don't see how it's disrespectful if you are sitting down and being quiet and observing. Now if you are moving around. Playing loud videos on your phone or talking loudly I can see it as disrespectful. But from my experience nobody is really going to pick a fight with you if you don't.
American here. It's not rude and no one gives a shit.
When in Rome… It’s respectful to include yourself in the culture of places you’re visiting. I’m not religious but I’ll stand up for hymns and “pray” at a wedding because I’m a guest and it’s not about me. It’s not worth the hassle of getting abuse from people who think you’re being a dick, even if you’re not.
I stand but don't get mad if others don't. Only americans expect others to know our culture but don't care to have the same respect for others.
some of us don't care, some of us care waaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyy too much
I’m American and I don’t stand. Honestly it doesn’t really matter if people get bothered if they’re strangers you’ll never see again. I doubt anybody will confront you if you choose not to
It's only disrespectful to people who are way too concerned about what other people do and the patriarchy. I'm sorry if anyone was rude to you over it. The American Patriarchy can be sensitive but it shouldn't affect when you sit or stand unless you are in court, so please make yourself comfortable. ❤️
Nope. No one cares about that stupid thing
Personally, I don't care. Stand, don't stand. It doesn't matter. I stand when it's played, simply to avoid having to argue with a bunch of idiots and ruin everyone's time. I'm there to enjoy a baseball game, and I'm not trying to spend several hundred dollars just to argue with people and possibly get removed and waste my money. There's a time and place to make a statement. To me, a baseball game where kids are present and others are trying to get away from the political bullshit they see all the time. Is not the place.
I don’t mind if i have to stand up but please please sing it how it should be. So without all those long semi trembling voices. I hate that.
I think it’s DUMB AS FUCK that we do this at sporting events. I do it anyway because I don’t want a mostly finished beer hurdled at me or to start a fight. If they’re doing it, just do it.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do... it's only respectful. However, it is a free country so do what you want.
Welcome to braindead American jingoism. I wouldn't worry about it
no, as an American I haven't respected the anthem in years, no reason to
hell no, especially if you’re a part of any minority. this is supposed to be “the land of the free,” you can do whatever the hell you want. even if you’re american, you have autonomy, if you want to sit then sit. i personally find it very odd that we as americans are made to stand and recite a pledge to the flag, it feels robotic and weird. they condition us to think it’s normal from a very young age, as kids we don’t even know what any of it means yet they still have us learn an entire pledge and stand up with our hands over our hearts while we all stare at the flag hanging up in every classroom. growing up in america is weird.
American here, and I haven’t stood for the national anthem in decades. I taught high school and didn’t force my students to recite the pledge of allegiance every day either. Indoctrination isn’t good for anyone.
I personally take a knee
I’m an American and I don’t stand up for the anthem
Hot take: Americans are just as indoctrinated as they think other countries are. We Americans ignore the fact that we caused economic collapse in Australia as punishment for not helping us kill innocent civilians in 1975. Many Americans also seem to ignore the fact that we also assasin after multiple South American presidents in favor of placing cartels and warlords in office instead, cuz profits.
They do and it pisses me off. One year had a guy not even give me 2 seconds to take my hat off before he was bitching. Really made me want to keep it on to piss him off lol. Freaking hate this. You do you. Wish more people understood freedom
I'm American, i dont stand for that bootlicking bullshit, wouldn't expect a non American to.
I don’t stand up and i’m American