The Kansas City Chiefs and the National Anthem

In between discussions about training camp, Dwayne Bowe and Priest Holmes, I figured I would throw out a topic that many opposing fans criticize the Kansas City Chiefs for- singing "Home of the Chiefs" at the end of the national anthem instead of "Home of the Brave". Personally, I think it shows disrespect to the national anthem and what it stands for to change the actual words of the song. Plus, in this day and age, it has to be considered an especially egregious faux pas to denigrate anything patriotic. I have zero historical knowledge on why this practice started but I certainly wouldn't mind seeing it end this season.
I know I'm on the opposite side of the fence than a lot of Chiefs fans on this issue. I've attached a poll so make sure you click through to vote. I get the same rush yelling out "Brave" that I do when I yell out "Chiefs". We're better than that and should have the class to stop this unnecessary tradition.
0 recs |
21
comments
Comments
Not to get all Howard Zinn on you, but...
It wasn't even made the 'National Anthem' until 1931, and while I'm not unamerican by any means this boy-scout overly patriotic reverence for a song seems silly. The "home of the Chiefs" is a positive tradition that is by no means intentionally disrespectful.
I'd feel differently if this was a discussion of the flag, but it's not, it's a song. Complaining about the "home of the Chiefs" is tantamount to getting upset about Jimi Hendrix's version at Woodstock.
I don't know what kind of propaganda swilling Statist would be offended by equating knee-jerk patriotism with perhaps an even sillier version of NFL fandom, but I do know one thing. I think Chris might be finding some common ground with Kige Ramsey...
by Official Arrowhead Pride Parade on Aug 1, 2007 9:47 AM CDT 0 recs
It may not
Intentional or not, I believe it to be disrespectful. Am I going to picket against this? Not at all. It's a frequent point of criticism for the franchise and I think we can do better.
by Chris on
Aug 1, 2007 9:50 AM CDT
up
0 recs
The Neo-Tea Party
Sic Semper YAhDoodis!
by Official Arrowhead Pride Parade on
Aug 1, 2007 9:55 AM CDT
up
0 recs
Look at the name of this network
by Chris on
Aug 1, 2007 9:58 AM CDT
up
0 recs
The O's
I think this concern is overblown. It's the end of the National Anthem. People yell out "play ball" or "[Opposing team] sucks" in the quiet of the anthem in all sorts of sports venues. Chiefs fans are by large respectful and patriotic throughout the National Anthem, and finish it off with a Chiefs flourish!
I for one will always sing the Chiefs version.
by tbwhall on
Aug 1, 2007 11:01 AM CDT
up
0 recs
I read a few
I'm not really concerned about it. I'm more curious as to what those poll results are going to look like and to try to gauge (albeit a very small sample) the feelings of Chiefs fans.
by Chris on
Aug 1, 2007 11:16 AM CDT
up
0 recs
The week after 9/11
by primetime 07 on Aug 1, 2007 10:01 AM CDT 0 recs
Hmm
I love this country and I think most Chiefs fans do to but I love what this country is supposed to stand for more than its symbols, if that makes sense. It's kind of hard to explain because I know that these things are important to many people so we should show respect by standing, etc.
What I like about yelling "Chiefs" is it's a unique tradition to KC and displays our love for our football team and the pride we have in KC and Arrowhead by comparing it to the original words in the song. To me the fact that we are enjoying a football game in a free country is more inspiring than standing silently until the last note has been sung. But, I do understand why many don't feel that same way.
by Pauli on Aug 1, 2007 1:54 PM CDT 0 recs
Wow...
by arrowheadaddict on
Aug 1, 2007 2:10 PM CDT
up
0 recs
I know what you're saying
by Chris on
Aug 1, 2007 2:16 PM CDT
up
0 recs
History and feelings
It gives me a rush every time hearing the whole (or 90%) of the stadium yell "Chiefs!" If you remove your hat, stand with your hand over heart and sing the national anthem, you're not unpatriotic. Can't you show love for your country and your team at the same time?
by Kent on Aug 1, 2007 2:18 PM CDT 0 recs
It gives me a rush too
by Chris on
Aug 1, 2007 4:31 PM CDT
up
0 recs
what a joke
ROSEANNE!!!
i wanted to include a picture, but couldn't figure that out and didn't wanna waste my time posting an ugly person's picture on the internet.
by kcisbetterthanstlateverything on Aug 1, 2007 2:55 PM CDT 0 recs
CHIEFS FAN FIRST
by i drink herms koolaid on Aug 1, 2007 3:38 PM CDT 0 recs
Technically...
Arrowhead it's a free country, love it or leave it.
by Official Arrowhead Pride Parade on Aug 1, 2007 4:23 PM CDT 0 recs
changing the arrowhead anthem
by bankmeister on Aug 1, 2007 6:51 PM CDT 0 recs
i agree with everyone else...
i remember reading a quote from rod smith saying that, in his first game ever in arrowhead stadium his rookie season, hearing the "home of the CHIEFS!!!" freaked him out. he said something like "it felt like 70,000 people were chasing after me yelling at me"...
i think it would be a shame to take such a thing away for fear of offending a vast minority.
by rockchalk on Aug 1, 2007 7:34 PM CDT 0 recs
Come on
by iguy2000 on Aug 1, 2007 11:41 PM CDT 0 recs
Damn
by Chris on Aug 2, 2007 6:28 AM CDT 0 recs
Heap On
And planning for the new season, I MUST be in there in time for my kids to hear it!
Cheers!
by tailgateandwin on Aug 2, 2007 11:45 AM CDT 0 recs









