Now this is just disrespecting Britain...

Might help if the national anthem weren't 'God Save the Queen' but something else. It's a hideous dirge and anyway the true meaning of it is really not at all pleasant. However I agree with you, WO - if you are accepting citizenship of a country then you should buy into it. When I ran a marathon in the US the runners all sang The Star Spangled Banner, I had been told about this so I had learned the words and I sang it too. It's a basic respect.

Originally Posted by Ed

Might help if the national anthem weren't 'God Save the Queen' but something else. It's a hideous dirge and anyway the true meaning of it is really not at all pleasant. However I agree with you, WO - if you are accepting citizenship of a country then you should buy into it. When I ran a marathon in the US the runners all sang The Star Spangled Banner, I had been told about this so I had learned the words and I sang it too. It's a basic respect.

Exactly, I'm no royalist either but at the end of the day it is our anthem. I may not agree with the sentiments of the national anthem of the country I want to live in, but I would accept that it is their anthem and, if lucky enough to be accepted as a citizen, would stand when it's played at my citizenship ceremony.

[dizzyblonde]

Originally Posted by jimmy4237

Speak in constant english in France, and you're almost certainly going to be called ignorant...and be ignored most of the time..

You certainly do. When I first visited her village, Jet invited all 15 of her nieghbours round for her husbands 40th. None of them would speak to us at first, until I opened my mouth and asked somebody something in French. They looked at me oddly and started reaming off the answer at a rate of knots. Of course I asked them politely to slow down as I was a little rusty, then one by one, they all joined in conversation with me .....low and behold they all could speak fluent English, but only let slip after making sure I'd got half way. They give you a whole load more respect for at least trying, and will even help you along when you really make the effort.

Originally Posted by Ed

Might help if the national anthem weren't 'God Save the Queen' but something else.

+1

I'm not a royalist...but then I wouldn't quite call myself a republican either.

Now, that Swing Low, sweet Chariot song gets my vote!

Originally Posted by Kinvig

+1

I'm not a royalist...but then I wouldn't quite call myself a republican either.

Now, that Swing Low, sweet Chariot song gets my vote!

No, I think this is a better view of things:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwsUWcK-PzY

[CheGuevara]

Citizenship ceremony or not, if I was in another country (even visiting) and their national anthem was playing at an event I was attending, I would absolutely stand. Same as bowing your head when you're invited for dinner in a home where grace is said - you show respect to your hosts, even if you might not share their beliefs.

In 12 months time I will have the option of applying for citizenship here, and if I choose to apply, and I'm granted it, I would respect any ceremony as an honour and a privilege.

Originally Posted by CheGuevara

Citizenship ceremony or not, if I was in another country (even visiting) and their national anthem was playing at an event I was attending, I would absolutely stand. Same as bowing your head when you're invited for dinner in a home where grace is said - you show respect to your hosts, even if you might not share their beliefs.

+1 - understanding and respect go a long way whichever country you find yourself in.

As an aside, are we not subjects rather than citizens?

I haven't met an immigrant yet that will sit around on the dole... unless they're a Kiwi or a Brit. Those from disadvantaged countries simply are some of the hardest working individuals I have ever met and there is a continuing trend amongst employers to take on immigrant or imported labour to fill positions.

ive never stood for or sang the national anthem. Why is the English anthem also the British anthen, i just dont get it. And whenever its on the tv i mute it because its boring, dull and exceedingly boring

Originally Posted by maff

ive never stood for or sang the national anthem. Why is the English anthem also the British anthen, i just dont get it. And whenever its on the tv i mute it because its boring, dull and exceedingly boring

It certainly is boring, dull and exceedingly boring; but it is not the national anthem of England because they don't have one (neither does Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland). The only anthem in law is that of the United Kingdom - God Save The Queen