Jalynn Reeter English 101 Summary Response October 6, 2016
Patriotism: More than Singing The national anthem, having been played over the years, has shown patriotism, but there are now more supportive ways people could be showing it than singing a song. During WWI, “The Star Spangled Banner” first became a tradition at sporting events by being played at the 7th inning stretch at Game 1 of the 1918 World Series (Gregory par. 4). Today, many entertainment events like award shows do not play the national anthem prior to the event. Why sing it for the most part only at sporting events? Mark Clague says, “It defines sports as patriotic” (qtd. in Gregory par. 5); although, Gregory says “The Star Spangled Banner” has now lost its purpose being played every day. The national anthem has just become good propaganda. Gregory says that raising money through tickets, instead of having performers sing the national anthem, could make money for many organizations that would be more helpful to the American people than singing or playing the national anthem every game. With as many teams there are, and the amount fans that go to the games, people could make millions of dollars. Finally, Gregory thinks that maybe sporting events shouldn't play the national anthem before every game.