When I was young we were taught to have respect for our National Anthem. We always stood on attention when it played and we sang it with pride and affection. Over the years that hasn`t changed. In fact, I often cry when it plays because I miss my country and people. I am living in a foreign country but I am still South African and will always be.
People in general are proud of their anthems. I don`t think I have ever met a person who told me otherwise. There is something about an anthem that brings people together. When I listen to the anthem of another country I treat it with the same respect and dignity as I would treat my own.
Since we have been in Russia I couldn`t help to notice how many times the Russian Federation anthem plays on National Television. It is a beautiful and haunting anthem. I don`t know the words but I always feel a sadness coming over me when I listen to it. It reminds me of soldiers singing inside a submarine. Don`t ask me why but I have that vision.
I decided to find a video clip on Youtube and I found this one which I will share with you. I glanced at the comments and to my surprise and horror I saw so many hate speech regarding the anthem. Why would people turn something beautiful into something political? I cannot understand it and I cannot tolerate it. Frankly I am upset. It is very disturbing that people would say horrible things about the country and it`s people.
This world would be a better place when people start to respect each other.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMZfXN1UOpw]
No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.
NELSON MANDELA, Autobiograph
We love ours for sure but I couldn’t speak for other people… I’m curious why…
Melissa, this is a topic that most people don`t want to discuss. It always turns political and I guess most people sit on the side line and watch how it develops. It is human nature to find fault with other people, their cultures,religion,political views etc. There is nothing wrong in expressing your opinion but so it with respect without hurting other people in the process.