Here is an article about why it may be time for a new National Anthem due to the reference to slavery in the lyrics and the fact that Francis Scott Key was a slaveowner:
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/...023741108.html
Here is a quote from the article that quotes historian and scholar Daniel E. Walker:
Quote:
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“The 53-year-old in me says, we can't change things that have existed forever. But then there are these young people who say that America needs to live up to its real creed,” Walker tells Yahoo Entertainment. “And so, I do side with the people who say that we should rethink this as the national anthem, because this is about the deep-seated legacy of slavery and white supremacy in America, where we do things over and over and over again that are a slap in the face of people of color and women. We do it first because we knew what we were doing and we wanted to be sexist and racist. And now we do it under the guise of ‘legacy.’”
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I never liked the "Star Spangled Banner" because it is not an American song. It is an English song with lyrics re-written by an American. Plus, it's hard to sing.
"Lift Every Voice and Sing" is a suggestion. It's a nice song, but it's a bit complicated. It would take a while for everyone to learn it.
Another suggestion was "Imagine". Great song, but lyrics aren't right for a National Anthem. "Imagine there's no Heaven. It's easy if you try. No Hell below us. Above us only sky."
I know evangelicals who will not say the word "Hell". One I know personally says "h-e-double-hockey-sticks" rather than say the word.
"This Land is Your Land" is another suggestion. Native Americans argue that this land was not made for you and me. To them, this land was taken from me by you.
"God Bless America" has been suggested. It's ok, but it sounds more like a show tune than a national anthem.
Maybe a new National Anthem should be commissioned with submissions made my many artists? Then the songs will vetted and finally voted on.
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