With the latest brouhaha over the student in Taiwan and his interpretation of the National Anthem, so close to the upcoming 50th National Day celebrations, I got to wondering just how much respect anyone of the public really shows for the national anthem.
When we were at school, we were taught that when the national anthem played, you were to stand still as a mark of respect. Never mind that you might be crossing the school field under the hot midday sun, you had to stop, stand still (get heatstroke in the process) until it finished, then move on. Fortunately for us, our anthem is quite short.
Because of training at school, I would automatically stand still whenever I hear the national anthem being played. But what about times when you are sitting down? Would you stand up when you hear the anthem? Why I ask this is because the television stations have taken to playing the national anthem at all hours of the day. If there’s 3 minutes to kill between programmes, they might well play the national anthem. What do you do then? Do you stand up to respect the anthem? I don’t. 
Here’s 2 scenarios in public where I have experienced the national anthem being played and no one bothered to stand up or take notice of it:
Scenario #1
At a mamak shop. The big screen television was tuned to a local channel and the national anthem blared out from the television. This was about 9pm. Not a single diner in the crowded place batted an eyelid. Everyone went on chatting, eating and generally ignoring the anthem. Needless to say, no one stood up unless it was to go to the toilet to to get more food. It could have been just another song on MTV for all anyone cared.
Scenario #2
I was at Merdeka Square, coming up the stairs from the carpark below the square. There was a National Day rehearsal going on, and the police band was practicing the anthem. In the presence of so many military personnel, I felt I’d better show some respect, so I stopped on the stairs. My head was just level with the ground, and to my surprise, most of the pedestrians were nonchalantly walking around, crossing the road, and generally behaving like nothing was amiss.
So, what is your reaction upon hearing the National Anthem being played?
Some other Related posts:
- Ogos 31 (August 31)
- Phantom of the Opera - I want!
- Pavilion Kuala Lumpur - a new shopping mall
- Independence Twit (twit)
- Stormy weather ahead
11 comments ↓
I’m afraid the last time I actually heard the national anthem was the one done by the student in Taiwan!
It’s embarrassing for me to say that I’m one of those who do nothing when the anthem’s played *gulp*
Er.. the last time I heard it was when I was still in school and my immediate reaction (then) was to screech to a complete standstill, no matter what I was doing or where I was. And yes, even if I was in the middle of the school field under the hot midday sun.
hmmmm… I’d stand still. at least I paid my respects to the anthem, even if the others didn’t!
ooops, showed respect, I mean! and in a mamak stall, hey if I were with my friends, I’d get them to stand up too!
I will stand up when i hear negaraku song playing… and then sit back down when i realise nobody is standing ^^. bcos it looks awkward to be the only one standing in mamak stall.
Can most belt out Negaraku in full?
I used to be able to sing Negaraku by heart, but now… I guess I just don’t pay attention to it b’cos no one does!
We are all being hypocritical. What is being taught in school remains in school because adults do not practice what they preach. When I was a student, I was taught to respect the Negaraku and stand absolutely still when it is being played. Otherwise, I would be subject to disciplinary action.
However, as I grew older, I realised that the world out there does not play that part. Even some politicians could be seen being bored when they have to listen to the national anthem being played, let alone be enthusiastic about it.
My point is this:-
It is time we all take a closer look at ourself and see whether we practice what we preach. If we don’t, it is better we shut up than to make a fool out of ourselves.
Patriotism and respect for one another takes more than just standing up straight when the national anthem is being played. It involves a total lifestyle - of contributing to the country, observing the laws of the country and treating each other with equality and dignity.
p/s: PB, my comment is directed towards certain groups of people who are “up in arms” (well, almost) over the Negaraku-ku episode (*wink). I’d wanted to put up a post on this bunch of hypocrites but this will do. Am too busy with work today
Tine: I hear it quite often. Not sure why but most times its on tv so I feel a bit silly standing up in my own home.
Cheesey: Ah yep! The good ol’ days of school.
May: I would stand still if walking, but not if I was in a mamak or something.
littlepolaris: welcome! haha you could pretend you were going to order a drink
Tummythoz: I can! *waves madly* but I bet the politicians can’t!
Rinnah: Sad isn’t it? Lead by example I say!
Pablo: whoah! Seriousnya!
But i get ya. I’m starting to wonder what the fuss the 50th merdeka day thing is all about.
Woohoo!
Merdeka Day is my wife’s birthday. So, it always brings a special meaning to us
You have to pay respect to it. Just in remembrance of those that fought the British so you could be free from colonization. When I hear the American national anthem I reflect upon the sacrifices others have made so I can stand there in freedom.
Now I would not stop what I am doing if I randomly encounter the national anthem. Though honestly I probably should. Though over here they only play the national anthem on tv at the start and end of the television day. Before a sporting event and on patriotic occassions
Now if I heard the Malaysian anthem and I know it is (I have not heard it yet) your anthem. I will be respectful of the country I am visiting and treat it just as I would the American anthem.