National anthems: Patriotism, propaganda, and protest

Brought to you by [Quartz Obsession] National anthems September 29, 2017 Oh say, can you see? --------------------------------------------------------------- National anthems are supposed to be rousing ballads of unity, sung in schools, sporting events, [children’s beauty pageants]( and [movie theaters](. But ever since the rise of the nation-state, they’ve also been contentious symbols of national identity. The [controversy]( over US football players kneeling during “[The Star-Spangled Banner]( began in 2016, when then-49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick [began protesting]( police violence against minorities. Then, two weeks ago, US president Donald Trump [denounced Kaepernick in inflammatory terms]( prompting a heated debate about free speech and national unity, which will continue into this weekend’s NFL games and beyond. by the digits [4:]( The number of national anthems without official lyrics. Spain has argued over which words to add for years. [4:35:]( amount of time it took Aretha Franklin to sing the US national anthem before a football game in Detroit last year—double the average length, and possibly the longest rendition ever. [158:]( The number of stanzas in Greece’s national anthem, “Hymn to Liberty,” penned by Greek poet Dionysios Solomos and believed to be the [world’s wordiest anthem](. [6,000:]( The number of slaves rescued by the British in the battles that inspired “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Composer and slaveholder Francis Scott Key included a lyric warning they would find “[no refuge]( in the “land of the free.” Attention! China's new rules --------------------------------------------------------------- [Earlier this month China enacted a new law]( against disrespecting its anthem, “March of the Volunteers.” Performing “distorted” or “mocking” renditions is now a crime punishable by up to 15 days in detention. The law, which also extends to Hong Kong and Macau, also requires people at public events to stand as the anthem is played and bans the song’s use as background music and in ads, funerals, and other “inappropriate occasions.” Brought to you by Samsung Doodle interlude: 🍝 edition --------------------------------------------------------------- Is that lengthy pre-meal photoshoot really necessary? Why yes it is, it turns out. According to the Journal of Consumer Marketing, taking time to visually relish your meal builds anticipation, making that first bite taste better. So whether or not you consider yourself a #foodie, try snapping a few pics to boost your own enjoyment.[Find out what else the Galaxy Note8 can do]( wwgts?[Screen Shot 2017-09-28 at 10.11.07 AM] pop quiz Which of these are not actual lyrics from national anthems? “When I see old glory waving, I think of all the brave men, who have fought and died for what it is right and wrong”“O mother! The fragrance from your mango groves makes me wild with joy, Ah, what a thrill!”“Tremble, tyrants and you traitors, The shame of all parties, Tremble!” Correct. This is Johnny Cash’s "Song of the Patriot." Incorrect. France sings about tyrants and traitors while Bangladesh pays homage to mango groves. If your inbox doesn’t support this quiz, find the solution at bottom of email. industry secrets How do you write a national anthem? --------------------------------------------------------------- Crafting a new national anthem is a pressure-filled job: You need to communicate a national identity, stir up pride, and make it catchy enough that people sing it repeatedly without rolling their eyes. Maybe that’s why the practice [has stirred up accusations of plagiarism](. It took [seven years]( for Germany to decide what its new national anthem would be after the end of World War II. “South Sudan Oyee!”—the national anthem of the world’s youngest nation—was selected by a committee and its melody chosen in a “[Sudanese-style X Factor talent show.]( When South Africa was trying to craft its image as a democratic nation after apartheid, it looked to one of the [continent’s oldest freedom songs]( “Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika.” The revision included Afrikaans, the lingua franca of the apartheid regime. The composer of Bosnia’s national anthem was a Serb who entered his song on a whim, hoping the winnings would help pay off a hotel bill. His was picked and the resulting [controversy nearly ruined his life](. take me down this 🐰 hole! Alex Marshall, who wrote the book [Republic or Death! Travels in Search of National Anthems,]( keeps a [fascinating blog]( about the politics of national anthems. [Click here for an anthem-inspired Spotify playlist.]( 🌈 the more you know! Record setters --------------------------------------------------------------- The oldest known national anthem melody belongs to the Netherlands. “Wilhelmus” was [composed around the 1570s]( and became the Dutch national anthem in 1932. Japan, which has one of the world’s [shortest]( national anthems, holds the honor for oldest lyrics—”Kimigayo” is based on a poem [dating back to the 10th century](. watch this! Did you know that Francis Scott Key borrowed the tune for “The Star-Spangled Banner” from a British drinking song? talk to us Do you think the national anthem should be played before sporting events? [Click here to vote]( Bring on the patriotic fervor.Start the game already.Only if Aretha is singing it. the fine print In yesterday’s poll about [the tulip bubble]( and which bubble we should cover next, 31% of you said La Croix. (One of you wrote “the kneeling phenomenon, another Trump distraction.”)🤔 Today’s email was researched and written by [Jackie Bischof](. Images: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports (Cleveland Browns). Giphy. The correct answer to the quiz is “When I see old glory waving, I think of all the brave men, who have fought and died for what it is right and wrong”. Enjoying the Quartz Obsession? [Send this link]( to a friend! Not enjoying it? No worries. [Click here]( to unsubscribe. Quartz | 675 Avenue of the Americas, 4th Fl | New York, NY 10011 | United States Share this email