Trashing the National Anthem

[VYFan]

On West Mall and everywhere else, I like to champion the idea of not getting "offended" over every little thing--I mean, grow up, people.

So, while it's tacky for OU to chant "Boomer Sooner" during our school song, I think, "oh well, this is kind of like going to a melodrama anyway, so we need villains to boo and throw popcorn at."

Still, it offends me for the OU fans to scream out "Sooner" right on top of the NATIONAL ANTHEM. What about the color guard, and the military in attendance and in our memories? What about the singer, who was doing a good job delivering a heart-felt rendition of the anthem? What about the AMERICANS in the stands, with hats off and right hands on our hearts to signify that something is more important than a football game or a college?

Please discuss seriously--no "OU Sucks" simplicity; I just want to know whether this is a real issue or no big deal whatsoever.

 

[Bill in Sinton]

The news had a story about a brave soldier who was killed in Afganistan. He was from Oklaoma. They should have known better.

 

[Statalyzer]

Yes, it's a low-class move by OU fans. And yes, this was my opinion of screaming your own team cheer over the Anthem long before I knew that Sooners did it.

 

[Leland01]

It's not all Sooner fans that do it, but it's enough and they yell it loud enough to overpower the voices of those that don't.

It actually has been argued over in the press up here and officially and publicly "discouraged" by OU administration and coaches (by that I mean they've made it clear it's inappropriate and asked that it not be done in the press up here). However, loud and vocal jackasses that think they're being clever tend to drown out a more respectful majority).

 

[BHud]

You can't teach class. My 10 yr old daughter frequently makes me weep with pride, and today was no exception. We were at the Victory Plaza party, and as it got near the end sooner fans began ripping up the leftover stack of burnt orange foam fingers. After saving the remaining burnt orange fingers,(we have about 30 in the house now...) she began the job of cleaning up the mess made by the ripping up of said foam fingers. She picked it up, put in the trash can, walked thru the group of drunk sooners, and said, quietly yet firmly, I guess they don't teach you how to behave in public up north, do they? Shook her head, and came back and sat down. I wanted to help her...but I really enjoyed her serving out a lesson in class. Yeah....she pretty much rocks. She also asked me two questions: 1. if we can sit thru this kind of a whoopin, why cant they stay to cheer their team on? and 2...why is aggy here?

 

[longhorn_melissa]

Let's not go casting the first stone...

A few years ago at DKR during the A&M game the entire stadium was yelling "Texas Fight" during their school song.

That said, I think the "home of the sooners" is very disrespectful to our men and women in uniform. I wonder if they've even reflected on that line of the anthem and realize what it's saying. If they have, that's pretty awful.

 

[ShinerTX]

If we discuss the National Anthem, I'd like to ask a favor. On Saturday before the OSU game, the Texas ROTC will bring out the colors for the Natioal Anthem. Could you please turn your attention toward them? These guys are REAL military in training. i think they deserve our respect, as does the flag.

 

[geezerhorn]

mellissa,

Ever been to the tacklebox for a game with aggy? They wrote the book on disrespect for opposing team songs, which I understand does not give Hornfans the right to commit the same offense at our stadium, I just see why it was done.

Having said that, it is hardly throwing stones in a glass house to point out the offense to ALL U.S. citizens and specifically military personnel by the toothless, classless hoards from our north which is neither amusing nor cute.

From our seat yesterday I heard just such an individual from blowu tell someone near him to take off his hat......just before screaming SOONER at the end of the anthem. I think that pretty much sums up what these knucleheads stand for.

 

[HornHuskerDad]

Showing respect for the Flag and the National Anthem requires class, and we know that is a trait lacking in the Gooner nation.

HHD

 

[I_Live_In_OK]

I agree with the gist of OP, and I don't do it.
This is a long-debated topic on the OU boards.

It is surprising to note that a majority of military servicemen have posted that they either 1) don't have a problem with it, or 2) actually participate in it. It doesn't mean it's right, but take it for what it's worth.

 

[BevoJoe]

BHud: that was totally cool and a double

for your daughter!

Sooner fans have absolutely nothing else going for them except OU football and to get drunk and obnoxdious in a real city. Their food stamps usually run out early and they go home.

 

[lhbruleshalftime]

With freedom comes responsibility - you have rights, including the freedom to be a jackass to anyone about anything in the good ol USA, but the responsibility to put that "right" aside (at least some of the time) and contribute in a positive way. Goes for life as well as football fandom.

 

[blonthang]

Reminds me of Billy Simms at the Heisman awards ceremony a couple of years ago (Bradford/Colt/Tebow).

He, I think must have been under the influence of, ahem, maybe a little cough medicine or something.

He periodically yelled out "Boomer" or "Sooner"; what he didn't realize was everyone in the theatre was laughing and wincing at him.

School pride is one thing. Some people go a bit too far.