Freshman government and politics and international business major
I have only lived in the great state of Maryland for half a year, yet I have still found it to be a welcoming and wonderful place to live. Sure, I unabashedly boast that my home state of Minnesota is God’s country, but Maryland is right up there in just about every aspect, save one: Orioles fans who yell “Oh” during the national anthem.
This, of course, is situational. There is a time and place for this practice, and that time and place is not at Terrapins sporting events. It is at Oriole Park at Camden Yards during an Orioles game, plain and simple. I can distinctly remember my first sporting event at this university, watching the men’s soccer team at Ludwig Field and cringing when the students around me gave a garish yell during “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
As I have become a regular at football and basketball games, that cringing reaction has remained as sure as the Crew’s raucous leading of the crowd in this tradition.
Tradition in itself is very important. It provides a solid foundation that makes life easier or more enjoyable because it is something you can always fall back on — a constant in life that holds meaning. In sports, traditions allow fans to come together and share in a form of solidarity as they show their support for a team.
However, there comes a time when traditions lose their significance and relevance; in this instance, the Orioles’ “Oh” does not belong at events that are not associated with the Orioles. It is an inappropriate distraction that should be used in an extremely limited capacity.
“The Star-Spangled Banner” has always held a certain reverence in The U.S. We take off our hats, place our hands on our hearts — sometimes even bow our heads — and listen with respect as it is performed. When it is played, I can almost feel the pride I have for my country welling up inside of me, and I am sure I am not alone in this regard.
It is the most pervasive and uplifting symbol of what this nation is founded on: being the land of the free and the home of the brave, a place of opportunity and hope for millions of people. Because of this, it holds a special place in our ceremonies, as well as in our national psyche.
The national anthem is presented with decorum, and therefore demands decorum in return. Doing so shows respect for our armed forces, government and nation. Also, the national anthem was penned by Francis Scott Key in Maryland, so in a way it shows respect to this state.
Although I am sure this tradition gives unending pleasure to Orioles fans or those who like to find release through meaninglessly loud vocalization, it doesn’t really add anything to the game day experience at this university. Express your pride for the team by remaining respectful during the national anthem and cheering loudly after the fact. If these reasons don’t suffice, forgo the yelling in deference to whoever is singing, because I can only imagine how distracting that would be.
Danny Dvorak is a freshman government and politics and international business major. He can be reached at ddvorak@terpmail.umd.edu.
