Hopkins-Calzaghe: National Anthems Banned

[hardmanbrit]

It's not like they boo the American national anthem because it's the horrible Americans.. They boo everybody's national anthem.

There's a respect problem in that part of the world. It's not everyone, but it's number too large.

An American talking about respecting other nations.

What irony!

[hardmanbrit]

Besides, I have been to fights across the world involving British fighters and there has only been one occasion where a minority of idiot fight fans (British) have booed another national anthem.

That was the Hatton fight.

I was extremely ashamed but it was the evening and many people were drunk so sadly you are always going to get a few morons trying to spoil it for everyone.

[Chunk..]

And the point of having National Anthems at boxing fights is??????????

[NeXt In Line]

Maybe Hopkins comes out to the national anthem as his music now?

[RisAri0]

They should play the winner's anthem at the end of the fight. There would be nothing better than to see Hopkins waiving the red, white, and blue with the national anthem playing while Calzaghe is on the ground unconscious...

whoa...thats a good idea, although it would most likely cause an uproar and quite a stir.. but talk about extra motivation for both fighters

[sparked_85]

And the point of having National Anthems at boxing fights is??????????

yeah no point.

If I was Joe Calzaghe I would come out to born in the USA.

That is an anti-american song, completely went over Floyd's head.

[edgarg]

****ing hell. You could get shot for that in Britain. And quite right too.

That's the worst thing about anthems being sung in the US: The people singing should consider it to be an honour to be asked to represent their country. Instead they seem to consider it an opportunity to put something on their resume and show off their vocal talent. If they just got up there and sung the anthem I would say "Good show, very patriotic" but they actually approach it more like this:

"Oh say can you see ee ee ee ee ee ee ee EE EE EE ee EE ee EE ee EE...
In the er eh er ehe dawn's earlyieieie lah ah ah eh ah ah eh ah t"

JUST ****ING SING IT LIKE YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO!

When they do anthems in Britain the anthems are played by a band, not sung by a minor celebrity. They should be sung by the sportsmen in the contest and by the crowd. Any boos from the other team are drowned out by patriotic singing on the part of the people who have paid to watch, not the ****** who has been paid to butcher the anthem.



How it should be done.

This is one of the most COMMON-SENSE letters I've read in recent years. Not only because I agree with him 100% (I was a pro musician for years. Have (had) perfect pitch, and these would-be Ella Fitzgeralds drive me NUTS) but because it degrades the Anthems-which are supposed to infuse and elicit spontaneous outbreakings of patriotism and "sing-along".

[RisAri0]

yeah no point.

If I was Joe Calzaghe I would come out to born in the USA.

That is an anti-american song, completely went over Floyd's head.

I for one don't believe its an anti-american song... it's against the way the Vietnam war was conducted n the way veterans were treated when they came back home I believe... but maybe Floyd knew that?...hard to believe I know lol but u never know...

[edgarg]

It's a shame the Americans won't get to hear 'Land of My Fathers' because its a fantastic anthem sung with real national pride. The Welsh care about their anthem in the same way the Americans do. On balance, however, I think it best to avoid the Hatton situation, where a minority of idots disrespected the anthem of the host country - its just so rude, like being invited into someones house then wiping your arse on their curtains.

I'm not sure that Wales has a LEGITIMATE National Anthem, which is only usual for a "nation" sovereign country. I believe that Wales, at most, although proud and very tough people, were, at most, a Principality,conferred by one of the early English (Norman) kings, (maybe Richard 2 or thereabouts). I recall Llewellyn ap Gryffud as being a famous prince, who ruled Wales at one time, before the permanent English conquest. Since England lost it's Empire, the Home countries (Scotland and Wales) have initiated movements to break away, to be independent, although economically this would be a disaster, So they have a sort of autonomy. The Welsh National party revived or chose a sort of National Anthem some years ago. I think it's called "Land of our Fathers", a VERY old local song, and a big vocal choir favourite for many years. Nobody's heard a REAL Choir or brass band, if they haven't heard a Welsh male choir, and one of the old colliery bands. Every village had them and they were all world class. Some special Welsh gift I think. I don't think an American crowd would boo this!! And it the Star Spangled Banner was sung properly, (say like Kate Smith would have) I'm sure the British and Welsh (barring soccer hooligans) would be equally as respectful.

[sparked_85]

I for one don't believe its an anti-american song... it's against the way the Vietnam war was conducted n the way veterans were treated when they came back home I believe... but maybe Floyd knew that?...hard to believe I know lol but u never know...

haha.

A brilliant boxer, but no way can you give him credit for thoughtful contemplation on this. haha.

******. There must be million more obvious pro america songs.