Many Americans have a negative image of journalists and it is one that is growing in believability and acceptance every day, especially as the New Media begins to attract more and more attention from the American people. This image of the aloof, even anti-American, journalist is becoming rote with more people all the time. Sadly, the journalists themselves seem to be uninterested in countering this appalling public image, imagining themselves above being considered mere Americans. On this subject, a recent op ed by Mark Fitzgerald of Editor & Publisher warns journalists that perception is often truth and that the penchant that journalists have for not standing proudly and patriotically during the National Anthem does not help their image any -- good advice that will be roundly ignored by journalists the country over.
Fitzgerald starts off with a bit of an untruth of his own, though I am not accusing him of knowingly perpetrating a falsehood. Saying that "There's no cheering in the press box," Fitzgerald goes on to describe journalists are perennially uninvolved and aloof from the subject of which they report. At some level this may be correct. Certainly when journalists, notoriously left-wing, cover conservatives and Republicans there is no cheering. But, as the recent example during the 2008 National Democratic Convention shows, when it is left-wing, journalists have no problem at all cheering. One need not forget the fawning the media lovingly handed to Bill Clinton to prove the cheerleading they are apt to, either.
Still, that quibble aside, Fitzgerald has a great point about how the unpatriotic attitude of journalists damages their profile. Worse, it makes people doubt journalist's work simply because their word isn't trusted not to be coming from an anti-American perspective.
In general, Fitzgerald finds the reticence for cheering or showing emotion while covering a story a good thing, as do I. But he finds on instance of this blasé act "irritating." He discovered this annoyance during the political conventions every four years.
I'm talking about the press corps' irritating habit of remaining seated during the playing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the start of each night's session.
I've only covered a couple of conventions from the inside of the hall, but inevitably, the vast majority of reporters in the press boxes remained seated as the national anthem is played. I cringed every time I saw this dopey tradition followed.
Fitzgerald has certainly stumbled upon a truism with this observance, though he seems confused by it just the same.
I'm not entirely sure what accounts for this rude behavior, this pretense that being a journalist somehow exempts us from acting as Americans when [sic] for this brief ritual.
(Note: I think he meant "even" instead of "when." I am sure "when" is a typo.)
Fitzgerald, naturally not wishing to think ill of his fellows, though, is sure that this refusal to display a patriotic reaction to the National Anthem does not reflect a "lack of patriotism in the press." However, that might seem rather more like unsupportable, wishful thinking instead of real truth.
Finally, indulging in some pointless snarking, Fitzgerald scolds his comrades in ink as well as the last three presidents -- on second thought it was probably a slam on presidents just to make his pals seem more at ease with his criticism.
If we can rise for the likes of the past three Occupants in Chief, who each in his way sorely tested the respect due the presidency, then surely we can stand for the flag of our fathers and "The Star-Spangled Banner."
I have news for you Mr. Fitzgerald. The past 40 years of journalism has "sorely tested" the respect the American public have for journalists far more than it has taxed its respect for any president. Collectively, far more Americans distrust the press than they do presidents. Petulantly remaining seated during the National Anthem is no aberrant display of the Press Corps' anti-Americanism. It is part and parcel of it.
Still, good on you Mr. Fitzgerald for scolding your pals just the same.
(Photo credit: Editor & Publisher)
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
PLEASE RISE FOR THE NATIONAL ANTHEM...
September 1, 2008 - 08:02 ET by danybhoyThis is not rocket science people, if I am at an event, usually a sporting event, & the P.A. guy says to "please rise for the national anthem...", I do. I will add that it's not just the American anthem. I have stood for the old Soviet anthem at a Minnesota NorthStars-CSKA hockey game, Canada's anthem at BlueJays baseball games & numerous NHL games, & the Swedish anthem for a hockey game with the University of Minnesota Gophers vs a Swedish Elite League club, & also at a Davis Cup tennis event. I even heard the anthem for Purto Rico at a soccer match. I STOOD FOR THEM ALL.
When you are at a function/event where the national anthem is played, show some damn respect. That is just the right thing to do.
"...it's still We The People, Right?" Megadeth
And if those same
September 1, 2008 - 08:09 ET by motherbeltAnd if those same journalists were at any of those events, they would probably stand for both (you can't stand for one but not the other) because not to would be "disrespectful" to the foreigners who where there.
MOTHERBELT...
September 1, 2008 - 08:37 ET by danybhoyFunny you should mention the foreigners who where there. I went to a soccer game at the Metrodome on November 11(my birthday, BTW), the Minnesota Thunder (USL)hosted the LA Galaxy(MLS) & the man himself...David Beckham.
Since the game was on Vet's Day, the pregame consisted of the "Star Spangled Banner", "God Bless America", a color guard, & they recognized the military past & present out of the almost 30,000 in attendence. I noticed who applauded, as well as those who did not. Most of the foreigners did not. I saw almost none of the black muslim fans applaud(most of them are from Somalia,so I am assuming they are muslims) during any of the pregame program. That told me more then they will ever know, & will effect how they will be judged by me in the future.
"...it's still We The People, Right?" Megadeth
Don't you love it? When we
September 1, 2008 - 10:01 ET by motherbeltDon't you love it? When we go to their countries, we have to respect their customs. When they come to our country......we have to respect their customs.
Our own media probably would not have applauded, thinking that our soldiers are mercenaries and war criminals....
And don't you dare judge them harshly in the futur, you bigot!! They have every right to disrespect this country where they found sanctuary!
<sound of duct tape being ripped off roll>
One day at a Blue Jays game
September 2, 2008 - 07:53 ET by UnsaneOne evening I found myself in Toronto for a Blue Jays game and even though I was in a restaurant, when I heard they were about to play the Star-Spangled Banner, I stood at attention and placed my hand over my heart. This apparently shamed the Americans there, for once they realized what I was doing and why, I heard the shuffling of feet and the downing of forks and spoons and so forth. Quite amusing to me, I must say.
I did remain standing for "Oh Canada" but sans the hand over the heart. Sorry, I won't do that for I am not a Canadian. :-)
Whoever casts a vote for Obama-Biden is nothing more than a common thief. Whoever fails to vote against them is nothing more than a moral coward.
I always stand for the
September 1, 2008 - 08:25 ET by misterbee241I always stand for the anthem. I am a Virginian, but when I was at a rodeo in Texas some years back, I stood when they played The Yellow Rose Of Texas because I respect Texas, Texans and their history and their contributions to America.
Sitting it out
September 1, 2008 - 08:06 ET by Mica the MagnificentPlay the national anthem, MSM reporters sit.
Play God Bless America, MSM reporters sit.
Have Obama enter the room, they'll instinctively jump up and cheer.
That's because they soiled
September 1, 2008 - 08:28 ET by misterbee241That's because they soiled their pants when he entered because they were ecstatic to be in the presence of the Messiah. You gotta stand up so you can unstick and shake it down a little bit.
Before too long, they'll
September 1, 2008 - 09:05 ET by KStormBefore too long, they'll kneel.
If we can rise for the
September 1, 2008 - 08:06 ET by motherbeltIf we can rise for the likes of the past three Occupants in Chief, who
each in his way sorely tested the respect due the presidency, then
surely we can stand for the flag of our fathers and "The Star-Spangled
Banner." (emphasis added)
Mr. Fitzgerald say this, and then insists that the fact that they won't extend the same courtesy to the flag and national anthem does not reflect a "lack of patriotism in the press."
Then exactly what does it reflect, Mr. Fitzgerald?
Excellent, mb!
September 1, 2008 - 09:16 ET by ThalpyExcellent, mb!
Respect
September 1, 2008 - 08:24 ET by rick007The reason the press is so behind Odunby is they are both of the same mind set. "I AM therfore I AM!"
The press has no respect for anything, even national security because "THEY ARE THE ONES"
I Agree
September 1, 2008 - 08:27 ET by capavI was thinking the same thing when I watched Chuck Todd of the great MSNBC continue his reporting while the national anthem was being played in the backround at the Democratic Convention. He didn't even blink. It really annoys me when I'm at a sporting event and people don't stop in their tracks when the anthem is played. They continue walking around with their beer, yukking it up. I have seats that I have to go up stairs to get to. I stop and that forces people behind me to do the same. I stop on the floor, too. Sometimes people take note of it and do the same from guilt. Others could care less.
It doesn't matter,
September 1, 2008 - 08:41 ET by Ole_SargeI'd rather a traitor show his or her turncoat side, than to "fake it" for the cameras.
It's all of them, even FoxNews, that do it.
Ole_Sarge stole my
September 1, 2008 - 08:48 ET by DelsaThunder!
I too would rather these so called reporters stay on their butts rather than stand in some sort of show.
To heck with them!
Pictures! Pictures please.
September 1, 2008 - 09:02 ET by JWFWe excoriated Sen. Obama for the very same action.
If you are live on air, wrapped up in wires, shut up and put the camera on the flag, stage, or audience.
If you are not on camera at the time, show respect and don't forget it is the law.
I want names and pictures.
Don't forget, as veteran, we defend the constitution, but most of our rituals and customs center around the flag.
And all those overseas bases, we honor the host countries flag and national anthem. Even if journalist feel themselves aligned with communists or socialists or marxists, you respect the flag and national anthem of the country you are currently breathing in.
and for those of us who
September 1, 2008 - 09:19 ET by Cape Conservativehave spent time on a military base, when colors are raised or lowered, if you are driving you pull over and stop! At least that was the rule long ago and far away when I was there.
Whenever the flag passes by, it should be respected! And mega dittos re: the National Anthem!!!!!
GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!
CC, I was
September 1, 2008 - 16:11 ET by JoeBobCC,
I was recently at Patuxent Naval Air Test Station, and it's still the practice.
JoeBob
Without recognizing the ordinances of Heaven, it is impossible to be a superior man. - Confucious
It's because they are
September 1, 2008 - 09:34 ET by MidAmericaIt's because they are 'Citizens of the World'.
"Journalists"
September 1, 2008 - 10:48 ET by iveseenitallSo many of today's "journalists" are the result of our wonderful educational system. Even before they were indoctrinated in college, they were allowed to show disrespect for the flag in high school. Many of you have seen kids talking and laughing while the pledge was being recited, only to see their "liberal" teacher do nothing about it, or worse still, also ignore the pledge. Disrespect is a way of life for the ever-juvenile "liberals". Obama's no different. He and his wife are cut from the same cloth. As the Rev.Wrong would cheer, it'll be "God Damn America" if Barry, the Dems, and the media take over completely. Sound the alarm and get as many people to vote for McCain/Palin as you can.
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"
Hmmph!! I just thought they
September 1, 2008 - 12:39 ET by RESTLESS 1Hmmph!! I just thought they were so busy checking there work, making sure it was down the middle and completely free of bias, that they didn't have time to stand. I may have been wrong.
"This
liberal would be all about socialize -- uh, uh, would be about
basically taking over and the government running all of your companies."-Maxine Waters 2008
Patriotic examples---
September 1, 2008 - 12:52 ET by misterbillI am just back from a reunion of shipmates from Korea. Marines and sailors from my old ship, the USS Wisconsin were there. We had a memorial service on Saturday morning for those of our shipmates who have gone before us. I was assigned to place flowers in the wreath for two of my old shipmates. God bless them! Throughout the ceremony, I felt a tingle and a thrill at having been one of those who risked their lives to serve out country's need. When it was my turn, (twice), to walk up to the wreath, the strongest feeling of love for my country coursed through my heart and body. You don't know them and you never will--JJ Sullivan and Herb Donzelli--may you rest in peace.
This reunion renewed in me my great love for this country. My desire to see it maintain its sovereignty is as strong as ever. At each of the services and at the dinner, there was a number of tributes, prayers and events that included military music and our national anthem. I saw men, old and some infirm, some with loving families to assist them, stand from their wheelchairs, their braces, their tired old knees and hold a hand salute for the entire anthem.
Almost every voice lifted and joined in singing the anthem. Every voice knew the words. One of my good friends, Tom, with braces on both knees, (recent surgery), and back problems, stood, holding on to the back of a chair to pay honor to his country.
This country is full of self-loathing pseudo-intellectuals who sneer at and despise America. They judge events in America's past in light of our current knowledge. That is nonsense!
They are rewriting history and they make Americans the villains in every case. Then they sit and thumb their noses at us. They somehow, assume this insult to the courteous rites of respect for our nation is a brave or distinguished act. It is not. It is the act of cowards.
One of our guest speakers was a one-star Marine general. I am sorry, I could not hear his name. He told us that less than 1% of young Americans have any interest in serving this country.
I am a spiritual man. Every day, I thank my Lord for all I have received. That includes the gift of being born and raised in America. If we do not think it is worthy of tribute and , in the extreme, fighting and perhaps dying for it, we will lose it. I am glad I will not be around to see it.
Bless you misterb...and a
September 1, 2008 - 12:55 ET by bigtimerBless you misterb...and a big Amen to your wonderful post.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Absolutely
September 1, 2008 - 17:10 ET by JWFThank you sir.
Thank you
September 1, 2008 - 17:59 ET by Warner Todd HustonThank you for your service, Mrbill.
misterbill
September 1, 2008 - 18:02 ET by BlondeThank you for your service.
And for being a fine American, and a fine gentleman.
I'm so glad you had a great time.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
For misterbill
September 2, 2008 - 07:41 ET by UnsaneWe've had our disagreements, misterbill, but I'm no idiot. I know that when my father did three tours in Korea, and when I wound up doing one of my own, that we were really taking the torch, or the baton, or whatever you wish to call it, from you and the guys you attended that reunion with.
As far as I am concerned, all of you were the guys who did the heavy lifting. We just made sure that your efforts were protected and defended.
I read of the efforts of yourself and other Korean War veterans in the history books and thus look upon all of you with great awe and respect.
I don't know if you know this or not, but while I was in Korea I visited the Korean War Museum in Seoul (which covers ALL of Korean history), and found that the walls outside contain plaques of everyone who lost their lives from various countries as well as Korea during the war from 1950 to 1953. That includes every single American, all names broken down by state.
Whoever casts a vote for Obama-Biden is nothing more than a common thief. Whoever fails to vote against them is nothing more than a moral coward.
FTA: Still, that quibble
September 1, 2008 - 12:54 ET by TennDonFTA: Still, that quibble aside [about cheerleading...]
I beg to differ. THis is not a quibble it should be a reason to fire evey one of these presstitutes!
Tennessee Tarheel
aka, Granpaparazzi
I've also seen security
September 1, 2008 - 13:11 ET by air conservativeI've also seen security personnel at football games not stand, same with concessions people. Also, how whould we have pictures of Obama not putting his hand on his heart if no one photographed it because they were standing. In fact how do YOU know they weren't standing if you were looking at the flag? While were at it, how about combat reporters just standing around with cameras rather than picking up a gun and fighting for their country? The media are liberal, I wouldn't go so far as to say they aren't patriotic. When you are working, you're working. Further, I'ev often wondered, does a person standing for the national anthem automatically represent love of country and vice versa? Is it possible to fake it? If I taught my three year old to do it, would he automatically love his country? Yes, this is all taking it to the extreme, but sometimes I feel like there is umbrage among our side that is the equivalent of the PC crowd on the left. I'm sure people will disagree.
Lil bit, just a lil bit, tiny bit.
September 1, 2008 - 17:20 ET by JWFdoes a person standing for the national anthem automatically represent love of country and vice versa? First of all, it is the law. Second, no that's it, it is the law.
Security people, ok, allowed to do their job. Concessions, no, do the best you can to stand and face the flag without setting the place on fire. Taking pictures as a photographer allowed. Don't interfere though. Combat photographers, not a fair comparison, they are expressly forbidden to pick up a gun.
No one is asking for love, it is called respect. Respect for the symbol of the United States and all who have died for her.
Yes, journalists sitting at a convention, should follow the law and show respect. As I said, only the guy wired up, live on camera, is exempted, but the camera should pan off him.
It may be the law, but, to
September 1, 2008 - 20:56 ET by air conservativeIt may be the law, but, to play devil's advocate, it is an old law, and I'd be surprised if anyone has ever been tried on it. If congress considered it so important it would have updated it in the 90's immediately when American's with Disabilities passed, exempting those who cannot stand, such as the elderly. Further, the fact that it is law DOES NOT infer love of country. Look, I love this country and am offended by people who don't respect the anthem, but when I step back and look at it objectively I can see how things like the anthem and pledge are symbols - NOT necessarily a genuine affirmation. If reporters began standing, would you then be satisfied that they now loved their country? Is that all it takes? I remember learning the pledge when I was five, and our teacher explained to our class what each stanza meant. We were at no age to be able to comprehend its meaning and significance, but we remembered it by rote and repeated every day... like loyal Americans!
Schools in.
September 2, 2008 - 03:28 ET by JWFIt may be an old law, yes, but not as old as the Constitution or laws against murder. Not a valid argument sir.
It is called the Flag Code and is almost as old as the Constitution, it is one of the earlier laws put on the books. No, there are no penalties for violating this law. There were never any associated with it and attempts to apply penalties by Congress have been shot down by the Supreme Court on 1st amendment principles.
Please, disabled people are exempted from standing, not nice at all that argument.
Sir, you seem to be confusing love of country with duty.
This is the law and your duty as a citizen is to first, know this law, read up on it, Flag Code, and second follow this very simple law.
Did I mention that the flag is the symbol of this country and hundreds of thousands have died for it. That is it right there, no need for love or patriotism talk. It is about respect.
Pledge of Allegiance, you are on your own. Sorry you had to memorize that. Must have been difficult. I too had to memorize the Pledge and am much saddened by this.
The pain of memorizing the Pledge :-)
September 2, 2008 - 07:46 ET by UnsaneLong long ago, back in the early 1980s, my parents used to buy new pencil boxes every year for me when I went to elementary school. One of them had the Pledge of Allegiance written inside the lid. Man, all those big words were just so hard and painful to learn! :-)
Whoever casts a vote for Obama-Biden is nothing more than a common thief. Whoever fails to vote against them is nothing more than a moral coward.
Pledge Police:
September 2, 2008 - 10:42 ET by j. frank wilsonTuesday, August 26, 2008 3:06 AM
By JEANNE PHILLIPS
Dear Abby: Would you please tell your readers that not reciting or participating in the Pledge of Allegiance doesn't mean that someone is a "bad American"?
For religious reasons, I can't say the pledge. I sit quietly while it's recited, but, unfortunately, others can't keep quiet about my silence. They make a scene and begin interrogating me -- especially at sporting events. Others have better manners but still insist that I stand in "respect" -- but standing is participating.
I have been punched, kicked, cursed at and spat upon, often in front of my children. People scream about their war records or their soldier relatives. Well, I have kin "over there," too. Please don't assume that nonparticipants are bad people. They might even be Canadian.
-- Silent Supporter,Benson, N.C.
Perhaps the best thing would be if folks would just mind their own business and worry about themselves - rather than going around telling others how to act.
Dear Mica
September 2, 2008 - 10:49 ET by Mica the MagnificentMy religion requires me to punch, kick and spit upon people who do not stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. I must also make sure I do this in front of their relatives and children. Am I a bad person?
Answer:
These a**holes should just hide in the bathroom until the Pledge is over if their religion forbids it.
I'd give them an extra kick or two just for forcing you take the time to kick their a**.
Your own hatred of America is quite plain
September 2, 2008 - 11:41 ET by UnsaneThis from a poster who passionately, deeply, intensely hates the United States of America. I am surprised you haven't taken shots at misterbill up above - doubtless, in your eyes, you hate him for preventing "social justice" from reaching the South Koreans courtesy of Kim Il-Sung.
And why does frank hate America? Because this country isn't a coddling, pampering, babying Nanny State in the mode of, say, France and Sweden.
Don't come in here whining about how I don't know you either, frank - you make your contempt for American plain and simple with posts like this one. And you confirmed your Socialist tendencies by posting in support of Obama the other day (Friday if I am not mistaken).
And let me guess: after posting something that you know is incendiary, and getting responses such as mine, you are going to sit on the ground and piously cry and howl about how everyone on NB is picking on poor wittle frankie for no reason at all!!! WAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Long day ahead, I'll see how it goes here later on tonight...
Whoever casts a vote for Obama-Biden is nothing more than a common thief. Whoever fails to vote against them is nothing more than a moral coward.
Unsane:
September 2, 2008 - 13:01 ET by j. frank wilsonI certainly see your point. Why should anyone here in America be free to practice their religion? Real Americans just don't put up with that, do they? Only in a "Nanny State" (apparently your favorite term - interesting choice, that) can people freely follow the tenants of their particular religion. And we sure can't have that here! Real Americans just won't stand for it...
And why would anyone not vote for McCain & Palin? Who wouldn't want four more years of what we've had for the past eight? Of course, there is that McCain campaign commercial that suggests during the past two Bush terms things haven't been all that great in Washington - but that's certainly not the Republicans fault, is it?
Dear Abby: Would you please
September 2, 2008 - 11:44 ET by bassndudeDear Abby: Would you please tell your readers that not reciting or participating in the Pledge of Allegiance doesn't mean that someone is a "bad American"?
Yes it does. That is exactly what it means. Or either your not a real American at all.
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
And I'm Sick Of Morons That DO!
September 3, 2008 - 22:23 ET by The7SticksI have had it with these morons that think that the only way you show your patriotism is to wave a piece of plastic that is stamped with our national symbol and posting ribbons on the back of cars. I'm not impressed! And that goes to for Lakers flags as well, which is even more irritating! The people who put these things on their cars are so stupid they probably couldn't tell if the flag was designed by Betsy Ross or Britney Spears.
And I damn well never stand up for the national anthem, whether it's American, Swedish, British, German, Khazikstanian, whatever! I just don't feel like it. Besides, I never could get through the second verse of the Star-Spangled Banner, anyway. I'll put my hand over my heart for the American national anthem, but I will not stand because I just got my tush comfy in my seat and I ain't giving it up!
I like to show my patriotism..
September 3, 2008 - 22:38 ET by HillbillyKingby unmercifully heckling those that don't stand for the National Anthem.
Hey 7 I got an incomin message for ya. (h/t Sergeant Rock)
If you make people think they're thinking, they'll love you; But if you really make them think, they'll hate you.
Don Marquis 1878-1937
Um...
September 3, 2008 - 23:18 ET by Warner Todd Huston7dicks, you say you're "not impressed."
Um, is there any reason why we should care what "impresses" you?
7Dicks
September 4, 2008 - 18:48 ET by RESTLESS 1Good one WTH, and I think we know where the extra six are. :)
"This
liberal would be all about socialize -- uh, uh, would be about
basically taking over and the government running all of your companies."-Maxine Waters 2008
Gosh darn it. Did I write
September 4, 2008 - 19:35 ET by Warner Todd HustonGosh darn it. Did I write "dicks" instead of "sticks"? I just hate it when I make those sorts of mistakes!
;)