h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

*Hasn't read the B/log*
I Stand.

Has a matter of respect, and courtesy for the country whose national anthem is being , I will always stand
Even though I find God Save The Queen , totally uninspiring

I go to Christian funerals/weddings because I am invited. I don't let religion bar me from social events. But I am not Christian, therefore I will not partake in something just to placate others. Not when it is meaningless to me. It's called being honest.

When I was in a cinema in Thailand we had to stand as they played the Thai national anthem while showing a picture of the king. I suppose we wouldn't have been arrested if we hadn't and it was essentially a pointless gesture because it means nothing to me, but it was showing respect for the culture in which I was staying.

IN the situation of post one, I feel you should stand. You don't need to look at the flag or put your hand on your heart. But you should be polite in this situation. A child's performance isn't the best place for political statements.

I haven't read any b'log. I am trying to make dinner!!!

If it was at a childs school awards evening, then I'd be tempted to stand, esp if the children were too young to interpret sitting as a politcal act

If the school is open to rational debate then raise the issue at a suitable time with staff and parents

If its not, then you'll risk ostracising the child from the teachers and their classmates

I think I'd put my higher duty to my friend and their child first and stand. If it were really that important to me I wouldn't go at all. I might be tempted to put in a behind the scenes protest at some point, though. You know, start a discussion about how appropriate it really was. Gotta stop people from being complacent. At a football match, or anywhere where it would be 'embarrassing' only to myself I'd sit - but then nobody would really care then I expect.