nilesarthur:

First of all, do not get me wrong. I think the Timbers Army is great. Tifo display was great, from what I saw of it. They’ve succeeded in getting the whole stadium involved on a level only Seattle can match. They’re probably in the top two or three best supporters groups in the country, if not at the top.

But I need to get something off my chest about the national anthem thing. 

Last year, Bob Ryan said the Timbers Army singing the national anthem was a disgrace because they were making a mockery of The Star-Spangled Banner. Called it “A big civic joke.”

Last year, I scoffed at him. This year, I sort of get what he’s saying.

The Timbers Army national anthem thing is really self-serving. What’s the point of throwing up the scarves? Why are they all still wearing hats? I count about 20 people, just in MLS/ESPN’s video, wearing their hats (the video includes the PA guy reminding the fans to remove their hats.)

I love actual patriotism, and I love the natural emotion, that pride and awe you feel when you see the flag and you feel each word of this beautiful, inspirational war poem making an impact on you. I cry when I hear the National Anthem performed, every time, without fail. I actually always try to sing along (albeit at an almost hushed voice), and usually lose it by the bombs bursting in air. Because being a part of this country means a lot to me.

The Timbers Army’s song rings hollow. It doesn’t make the impact on me that the anthem usually does. Why? Because I know they’re not singing for love of country, and not even for love of the Timbers. They’re doing it for themselves. Why throw your scarves in the air? Why do anything that would distract people’s attention away from that star-spangled banner, that still waves, nearly 200 years after Francis Scott Key eagerly waited to see it through the dawn’s early light?

Also, am I hearing things, or did they say “And the home of the Timbers” at the end? That’s just icing on the cake.

You do have a point.

I do think it’s a well-intended gesture, but in some ways it does become more about the Timbers Army and the club than the United States itself when they perform it.