The American Adventure Etiquette

[Aseros]

This happened around 2 years ago, I was just wondering whether I done the right thing. As you all know in the American Pavilion at World Showcase is 'American Adventure'. Near the start of the show you have a group of people sing the American National Anthem. Being British I saw no reason to 'stand' for this, and it seemed other people in the audience did not stand either.

Now, when somebody close by realised I wasn't standing they got a little offensive towards me for not standing for the national anthem, I tried to explain I was English but he said I have to stand anyway as a mark of respect.

Now I am just wondering, should I have stood? What is the correct etiquette? I know that Florida is in America, but no other world showcase countries showcase their national anthems in such an obvious way. With the amount of multinational guests visiting Disney World you would think that it wouldn't be thrust on you in such a way that the situation would become awkward, which it was at that point.

I am in no way being critical of the American National Anthem, I just want to know what I should have done, and if anybody else has ever felt awkward during the national anthem in that pavilion.

 

[Figment43]

I'm guessing you're talking about the Voices of Liberty in the lobby? I don't recall the National Anthem being part of the actual show in the theater.

I don't know the official etiquette for this, but I'm guessing the polite thing to do would be to stand, even if you don't place your hand over your heart. That's what I would do if I were in any other country and I heard their National Anthem being played. When in Rome... (or in this case, America)

 

[Aseros]

I'm guessing you're talking about the Voices of Liberty in the lobby? I don't recall the National Anthem being part of the actual show in the theater.

Yep, sorry I meant the preshow in the lobby!

 

[DebbieB]

I would say you should stand. When they play both the Canadian and US national anthems at a hockey game, everyone stands for both.

 

[robinb]

I'm probably in the minority, but since it's not your national anthem I don't see why you should stand. I would not stand for your anthem if it was played in Epcot.

 

[*TheWigs*]

I would stand to show respect for any national anthem or flag service...it's not like I DIS-respect them. ...And that's what you show by not standing.

 

[always]

I don't think you don't have to stand. It's not an official event or anything.

 

[kathie859]

I found this information online and it's what I thought was the proper thing to do when hearing another country's anthem.


Anthems of Other Countries
It is common for other countries' national anthems to be played in the United States, especially during sporting events when participants represent different countries (e.g., the Olympics). During the playing of another country's anthem, the National Flag Foundation states that U.S. citizens should face the guest country's flag and stand at attention. Civilian males should remove their hats.

Read more: What Is the Proper Etiquette for the National Anthem? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_5919351_proper-etiquette-national-anthem_.html#ixzz1w7zBqvn1

 

[North of Mouse]

I would stand to show respect for any national anthem or flag service...it's not like I DIS-respect them. ...And that's what you show by not standing.

This! I would always show my respect for any other country when in that country It's the courteous thing to do - otherwise, without saying a thing, it's like "saying" you don't respect them.

 

[Damien2213]

I'm probably in the minority, but since it's not your national anthem I don't see why you should stand. I would not stand for your anthem if it was played in Epcot.

Epcot is not in a foreign Country it is a theme park in the United States of America. You can't treat the American part like the other represented Countries. While I don't think it is necessary to do it in all the Showcases you are physically in America the whole time you are at Disney World. If I was in England/Britain I would show their Country the proper respect. There is no international law concerning this just don't expect to not be hassled if you do this. Here it is seen as a sign of disrespect. I don't know how other Countries look at it. Considering you are a guest if you don't live here I would think one would want to show a sign of respect and goodwill but that is just my two cents.

 

[GreenDog]

Assuming you are not a troll - it is incredibly disprespectful not to stand during the National Anthem. I would stand for yours simply out of the mutual respect and relationship our nations have for one another as allys. Its beyond comprehension that you would not realize that as you were sitting there. Which, quite frankly, is why I don't believe this story.

 

[bdoyledimou]

I found an example that you can use -- as noted earlier, how Americans respond to other nations National Anthem.

http://youtu.be/IlHNOq8k46A

 

[katiemely]

I agree with PP that if I were in your country I would show some respect and stand during your natoinal anthem. By not standing you are being disrespectful.

 

[minnie mum]

No matter what country you are in, or who's national anthem is being played, it is a customary sign of respect and courtesy to stand while that anthem is being played. As far as I am aware, none of the other countries in the World Showcase play their national anthem at any time, so the situation only occurs here in the American Pavilion.

OP: if you were home in England , I am sure that you would not be happy to see foreign visitors sitting while God Save the Queen was being played at at a public event.

 

[Figment43]

I found an example that you can use -- as noted earlier, how Americans respond to other nations National Anthem

Oy! You can't really judge the rest of America based on the behavior of some hockey fans.

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

I believe that you are supposed to stand for any national anthem out of respect for the country.

I vaguely recall my mother making me stand for other country's anthems when she took me to the gymnastics championships when I was 10.

 

[juliebug1997]

I would say you should stand. When they play both the Canadian and US national anthems at a hockey game, everyone stands for both.

I agree.

 

[Polydweller]

No matter what country you are in, or who's national anthem is being played, it is a customary sign of respect and courtesy to stand while that anthem is being played. As far as I am aware, none of the other countries in the World Showcase play their national anthem at any time, so the situation only occurs here in the American Pavilion.

OP: if you were home in England , I am sure that you would not be happy to see foreign visitors sitting while God Save the Queen was being played at at a public event.

Agree. Politely standing is the right thing to do in any country in the world. And in international events like the Olympics everyone stands for the national anthem of any country. That's the etiquette standard.

 

[crazycatlady]

Everyone, including me and my American family, stood at Le Cellier when the Canadian CMs sang their National Anthem right before the restaurant opened for lunch last October. I never considered not standing and showing respect to the people of an allied country.

 

[ajh88]

I found an example that you can use -- as noted earlier, how Americans respond to other nations National Anthem.

http://youtu.be/IlHNOq8k46A

I watched the video 3 times and never heard anyone booing? Maybe I'm losing my hearing...none of the people they showed in the video seemed to be doing anything but standing (I suppose a few were talking, but there are those who talk during the anthem of their own country). And if there was booing, I am not sure that I would hold that up as a classic example of Americans responding to the anthems of other nations.

As a hockey fan, Blues fan, (and fan of Canada in general also - trying to convince DH we should vacation in Jasper, AB), I submit this example of Canadians being at least equally disrespectful...

We can cherry pick examples of respect and/or disrespect all day, but IMHO, it is disrepectful not to stand for the national anthem of ANY country when it is being played.