After spending the 11th of September learning about the history of the Star Spangled Banner in class, I have a newfound knowledge of the entire work of music. Prior to learning about the song in class, I was unaware that there was more than one verse to the song. After learning of and listening to the third verse, it is understandable why America has attempted to cover up the underlying tone of racism and segregation in the song by only leaving the one verse.
Upon hearing the third verse written by Francis S. Key, I was rather shocked to listen to the lyrics. The song that I had proudly stood up for and sang at various events was backed by racism, inequality, and hatred. My first thoughts circled around the thoughts of how our country allowed such a work to be given the status of our National Anthem and how it was accepted by people. However, I was quickly more concerned over the fact that this song is still accepted at such a high level today. It is 2018, where protests are held over cops shooting unarmed colored men, or people ruining their clothes because a company endorsed somebody who stood up for equality. It is 2018, where the land of the free and the home of the brave still boasts of its racism in its national anthem. Why has this not been changed? Who finds that such a song is the music of America, a country that strives for equality and togetherness?
My conclusion from the lack of change in such a topic is to wonder if we have truly changed as a country at all. From nearly 200 years ago, when the wealthy had slaves and slavery was welcomed in America, to 2018 where we are a country far from unified, have we really changed our ideals? Or have we painted ourselves as a country who prohibits racism while really staying true to our ancestors from hundreds of years ago. With the power music can bring, we as a country must stand up and force change with such a controversial anthem to reach the point where we can truly be a country with the people, no matter their race, religion, sex, or creed, together as one unified country.
I remember reading and watching about that in the class a few days ago. Honestly I find it really disappointment it third stanza or verse it started talking about slaves. I never even knew that at all. If it wasn't for that class I probably still would've knew about it truly because I never actually took the time to read the whole thing only the first verse. It's suppose to be about freedom and how they won then it got turned to slaves. I really enjoyed reading what you wrote btw.
ReplyDeleteI was actually taught about the anthem in high school so I had heard the third stanza prior to class last week.
ReplyDeleteI'll play devil's advocate: Wouldn't the fact that we don't sing the third verse be a good thing. That we accept that it is inappropriate and distasteful?
Also, this isn't my attempt to cause tension, but genuine curiosity, what would be your solution to the anthem? Adopting a new anthem?
nice post. -Ariana
This honestly was a really well written post. I completely agree with you that everyone ignoring the third stanza is extremely sketchy, and as someone who had never heard the third stanza before class, it was extremely mind blowing to me.
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