Some grassroots conservatives are angry about another subject, the current state of immigration and some of the related cultural concerns. I bring this subject up only because an interesting story is developing that reflects or projects the fears and concerns by many in this country.
The New York Times carries the story about the Star Spangled Banner now being sung in a Spanish version. Conservative columnist Michelle Malkin, unfortunately calls it "The Illegal Alien Anthem." Some critics argue that rendering the song in Spanish is a rejection of assimilation into the United States. Some Hispanics disagree with the new version.
None of this happens in a vacuum. The song is scheduled to debut the week Congress returned to debate immigration reform. The anthem in Spanish is entitled - "Nuestro Himno." Adam Kidron, president of Urban Box Office, the New York-based entertainment company that launched the project, says that the anthem is intended to be a statement of solidarity for the movement that has drawn hundreds of thousands of people to march peacefully for immigrant rights in Washington and cities across the country.
This recent development is just another chapter in the ongoing debate. I have to wonder, the other day when little Susie sang the Star Spangled Banner to me she did so in English. If she sang it to me in Spanish, would I be offended? Would you?
9 comments:
If it were a direct translation, it would be cool. I'd put the lyrics up on my site and add an MP3 link for all to download. But they altered it. The song amounts to socialist propaganda with music. Not cool. I don't like being told what to think. Sorry.
I am so mad my hands are shaking. Invading our country by the number of 12 million. Taking our jobs. Demanding our rights. The LA mayor demanding an end to US soverity. Now they change the national anthem to fit them. Anyone that approves of this is a traitor to this country!!!
I do understand how altering the lyrics to make a political point can be offensive. Certainly anyone advocating an end to US sovereignty in the Southwest is way off base. Did the LA mayor really say that that? I'll be the first to denounce that. I'd be interested to see his statement. If you have it please point it out to me.
I enjoy listening to the Star-Spangled Banner in English. When I use to play sports and we would sing the national anthem before the games, I would get chills. It happens to me anytime I watch a sporting event live. It is just a great feeling!
However, I think these people are within their 1st amendment right to express their opinions. The constitution says that we have a 1st amendment right to speak our minds; unfortunately, it does not say that it needs to be in English or any other specific language.
As far as having a direct translation, it would almost be impossible. The Spanish language is a beautiful language. For some reason, when songs are sung in Spanish, you get a different feeling. Try church songs and you’ll know what I mean! Again, unfortunately, if we translate the song word by word, it probably would not make sense. As long as the general meaning is the same and the translation is accurate, the song should be just as beautiful as it is in English.
Would I be offended? No. I understand the meaning of the national anthem and I absolutely love it the way it is. However, these people have a constitutional right to express their opinions and that is what they are doing. Actually, I think it is a good idea so that those who do not understand the English language learn to appreciate the meaning of what our country stands for—the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Here is one definition of the word anthem: anthem >noun (1) an uplifting song associated with a group or cause, especially a patriotic one adopted by a country as an expression of national identity.
I think it is fair to say that this is a group seeking national identity by singing the national anthem of the country they wish to become a part of, so why not let them do it in their native language?!
--Little Buddy
I never thought I'd agree with Stace Medellin, I was wrong. He doesn't like the reworded anthem either.
"However, I think these people are within their 1st amendment right to express their opinions. The constitution says that we have a 1st amendment right to speak our minds; unfortunately, it does not say that it needs to be in English or any other specific language."
Then let me express my rights by saying imigrate correctly into this nation and follow the laws, learn english and defend our boarders..
Or.. Go home!
It's just proof that immigrants make this country better by broadening our culture and translating our values and our ideals for more people in the world to hear. Think that people in the U.S. are mad? Imagine how jealous the leadership of Latin American countries must feel - hearing people born in their own countries singing the anthem of a foreign land. U.S. nationalists should be proud...
Anon. 4:35...I couldn't agree with you more. I also think these people should follow the rule of law.
But let's be careful here and ask yourself, who is breaking the law? it goes back to supply and demand. If employers stop hiring illegals (demand), the illegals will stop coming (supply).
The real lawbreakers are the employers that are hiring these immigrants. Believe me, immigrants just want to work and send money back to their families. Many of them want to come work and go back home. Not all of them want to stay by their free will. They have to stay because nothing better awaits for them back home.
Bottom line, we have a broken system. I agree, we should secure the border first, penalize the corporations second, implement a new identification system to prevent fraud third, and find a reasonable way to legalize the 12M immigrants that are here illegally.
After we do all of this, the U.S. government should invest in Mexico to create more jobs and universities for the emerging middle class so that we can effectively slow down migration.
--Little Buddy
http://greenjunkbox.blogspot.com/2006/04/to-walk-or-not-to-walk.html
In the US you can say what you want. It is our First ammendment rights. Now! Translating the anthem is a HUGE lack of respect. One must respect the culture of the country you are living in.
Can you imagine trying to pull this in China? The US is a wonderful society of tolerance and liberty. Why do we as Hispanics push it?
Bill O,
How do the legally immigrate? Tell me! The border is CLOSE to low wage, unskilled and much needed Mexican labor. Tell me? Tell me?
You ancestor came at a time when all you have to do was show up to Ellis Island and you were in.
I say nay on the anthem!
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