I’m not really understanding the strong feelings this song is bringing out on either side, to be honest.
I don’t think the problem’s the song so much as it is that too many ignorant people think it should be treated as if it were the national anthem and who get very, *very *ugly in their behaviour when it isn’t treated in the same way as the national anthem.
It’s a manifestation of the “I’m visibly more patriotic than you, and I’m going to make you act as if you were as patriotic if I have to beat you into it” attitude that seems to be becoming more prevalent.
This, in turn, is another aspect of the pressure society brings to conform to what they consider to be the right way. It’s less virulent than the type of attitude sported by groups like Operation Rescue and the Westboro cult, but it’s also practiced by many more people.
TL;DR version: People who are idiots want to force you to be the same kind of idiot they are, and they’re using this song as a small wedge. Why do you hate America?
You know, colonial, you don’t have to press “enter”, constantly – the software will automatically wrap your sentences for you. Otherwise, your typing looks really weird.
That’s OK. He’s really weird.
For that reason alone, it should remain our national anthem.
The main problem I have with the national anthem is that those who DO sing it almost always try to be waaaaay too dramatic. Like the guy who sings for the Boston Bruins. He sounds absolutely ridiculous. (I THINK it’s the Bruins). Dude, it’s the national anthem, NOT Gilbert and Sullivan.
What
Do
You
Mean?
Okay, this has to win the thread!
I dunno what to tell you - I just tried the link again and got Robot Chicken’s “Terrorism” sketch, which is free of Asians girls and porn.
Yea, but people are criticizing the song itself, not just that people are being boorish about standing during it. We’re getting:
“A mediocre tune with cheap lyrics and no worry”
“I also think “God Bless America” is just a bad song, especially when it’s Kate Smith’s rendition”
“I will not grant respect to an imaginary sky king no matter how nice the song is.”
"It’s a horrible damned song "
And going beyond just the “I don’t like the song” thing,
“the song sucks shit”
It is creeping north of the border. Last summer an American dragon boat crew took the stage at a Canadian race and sung the Canadian national anthem. They actually knew the words.
What they didn’t know is that most Canadians do not know the words. We just happily hum along.
Probably hockey fans 
Either that or they remember it from an episode of the Simpsons
Seriously though - the Canadian national anthem is a pretty good tune. I like it.
Said Justice Kennedy: “It is poignant but fundamental that the flag protects those who hold it in contempt.”
True, GBA was kind of an underrated platform, but I’m not sure that a Japanese gaming system is what makes us Truly American.
On-topic, God Bless America is a mediocre song. It’s not great. It’s not awful. It’s also not the national anthem.
Anyone who gets bent out of shape over what someone does or doesn’t do during the playing or performance of a song needs to get a life. Seriously; it’s a song. If you want to stand? Fine, good for you. Don’t want to stand? Fine, good for you. Want to get all ragey over the dude three rows down at the ballgame? Fuck off, moron.
Standing at attention (either rubbing one’s nipple or not, depending on one’s nationality), and singing or listening to national anthems, is a gentle coercion of the masses. Want to watch a hockey game? Stand at attention for the national anthem.
We have a national womens basketball team here. Can I refuse to stand until they agree to play in “shirts and skins” mode?
Its this one, isn’t it?
They do both at Phillies games. “God Bless America” first, often by a local musician. I take my hat off (if I’m wearing one) and sing along. I think it’s nice. I also sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” with the standard hand flourish at the “one, two, three strikes you’re out” part.
During “God Bless America” and the SSB, no worries–I notice countless people who leave their hats on and finish their hot dogs. College girls who have placed their ponytails through the back of their caps just so in particular are not going to stand on ceremony and mess up their hair, I have found. The mob doesn’t go after them with pitchforks.
This.
Next thing you know people will be demanding we put our hands over our hearts for “Proud To Be An American”. :rolleyes:
The key thing is to time your movements so that both at the time of the National Anthem and at the time of GBA, you are getting nachos and beer. Or walking into the restroom. There, no angst.
ETA:
No can do, I already put them over my ears.
(Geez have I despised that masterpiece of maudlin since the very first time I heard it…)