Mass social expressions of patriotism are sketchy enough in my opinion. Mass social expressions of patriotic / civil religion? That's just bad theology and bad nationalism.
Maybe if, instead of a slightly-sloshed seventh inning stretch tune, people would see it a bit more realistically if the words were being solemnly intoned as a prayer by a minister down on the field, faithfully repeated on pain of scowls by everyone up in the stands. Because that's what it really is, only set to music.
Americans seem unique in requiring social events to be so ceremonially festooned with both nationalistic and religious brouhaha. Not quite sure why that should be.
(h/t +Les Jenkins)
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Why I sit out ‘God Bless America’
Take this song out of the ballgame.
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One more thing to hate the Ynakee’s about since they introduced this post 9/11, and yes, I sit down during it or go to the bathroom, or get beers.