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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to never sing along with God Save the Queen?

293 replies

LovleyRitaMeterMaid · 09/11/2014 12:28

The fact I never sing it comes up now and again and today was one of those times, at our local remembrance day parade. Right at the end the minister said 'and we'll now sing our national anthem'. I can't recall God Save the Queen being part of it,before but regardless I just stand and don't song. I don't make a big thing of it, I just don't sing.

Simiraly the Edinburgh tattoo it was sang, I stood alongside everyone but didn't sing.

I don't make a big fuss and thankfully I'm not at any events where it's sang

Dh says it's rude. I say she's not my queen, I wish her no ill but I will not sing that song.

OP posts:
Lucyccfc · 09/11/2014 15:46

I too would prefer Land of Hope and Glory to be our anthem, but it's not and we have GSTQ.

I am patriotic and love England and will always stand up and sing GSTQ with pride. My DS has known the words since he was 2 and he loves it.

If other people don't wish to sing it, that's fine with me, as long as it's respectful.

Snapespotions · 09/11/2014 15:46

I don't sing it if I can help it. I don't believe I'm God and I don't approve of the monarchy, so it would be a bit hypocritical for me to sing it.

Itsfab · 09/11/2014 15:52

I stand and I sing and if I was anywhere in the world and they were playing and singing their National Anthem I would do the same there even though it wouldn't be my monarch or anthem. It is about showing respect imo.

YANBU to not sing. You are being a bit rude imo.

Andrewofgg · 09/11/2014 16:08

Shirley and others the status of British subject has meant nothing since 1948. In that year we became citizens of the United Kingdom; in 1983 we became British citizens. "British subject" means only "citizen of a Commonwealth country", a status without rights or obligations in the UK, and modern legislation does not use the expression. Look at your passport; it's not used.

So if the thought of being a "subject" depresses you, cheer up; you aren't!

BoneyBackJefferson · 09/11/2014 16:24

I am curious as to why you felt the need to announce this?

YABU to post this in AIBU as you obviously don't want to know if you are or not

BackOnlyBriefly · 09/11/2014 16:25

Someone tell Charles that. I suppose it's not really his fault, but the way he was brought up, but he clearly thinks he is something special and we are his inferiors.

It's true that it makes little difference in practical terms, but you know sometimes principles are important.

Comingfoccacia · 09/11/2014 16:29

Bum crunch

WyrdByrd · 09/11/2014 16:43

Yanbu.

I have very little time for the royal, but the utmost respect for our servicemen.

I also stand but don't sing.

Pollyteacakes · 09/11/2014 16:48

If we had a decent national anthem, I always think "Land of Hope and Glory" more appropriate I would sing along, but the one we have is just terrible. Why should we sing about the queen being "saved". Aren't we all worthy of "saving". YANBU.

Adarajames · 09/11/2014 17:08
ZingOfSeven · 09/11/2014 17:40

pumpkin

all those fallen soldiers,they probably all sang the National Anthem and meant it.

you could sing it for them, they will truly live on then

Original poster
LovleyRitaMeterMaid · 09/11/2014 17:40

Is this a new mumsnet phenomenon? Starting a thread which results in discussion and people sharing opinions is all of a sudden an'announcement' and 'declaring publicly'.

When I'm at something where the anthem is played I stand but don't sing. I don't stand on a soap box, just my feet.

I have utmost respect for our war veterans, I was showing that respect at the war memorial this morning.

I'm not going to start belting out god save the queen, my view on the monarchy is one I've held for a long time. It's not me being controversial or provocative.

I appreciate the comments and it's really interesting to hear other points of view.

It's interesting to hear someone who has actively chosen to swear allegiance to the Queen to gain citizenship. Choice being the key point! I still maintain I don't have a queen, I have no need or desire for one and no say in having one. There's no element of choice in the set up and that's why it's irrelevant to me.

She's still not my queen though!

OP posts:
Bunbaker · 09/11/2014 17:45

Oh yes she is Grin

Original poster
LovleyRitaMeterMaid · 09/11/2014 17:46

Zing statements like that are pointless and you're trading on tragedy to make a point. You can't possibly decide what those thousands of war veterans felt about the monarchy!

OP posts:
LilAnnieAmphetamine · 09/11/2014 17:48

Sorry but I don't really see the point of national anthems- never felt my chest swell anyway when I hear one.

So arguing over what song it is to be goes over my head.

raltheraffe · 09/11/2014 17:52

I do not sing it as I am a republican and I do not recognise her as my queen.
In our local authority they have brought it into schools as a rule for all kids to sing this song. My son has not started school yet, but he will not be standing for the anthem and will not be singing it.
Oh and as for the DM headline today "Unprecedented Applause for Courageous Queen". There is nothing courageous about turning up and placing a wreath when you happen to be the most heavily guarded citizen of the UK.

RobinHumphries · 09/11/2014 18:03

Using your arguments Rita, I don't have an appendix. I have no need or desire for one and no say in having one. However just as you do have a Queen, I have an appendix.

I'm so glad that you are going to allow your son to make his own mind up as to what he will do raltheraffeas.

ZingOfSeven · 09/11/2014 18:06

Lovely Rita

I can't decide and I didn't. I assume they did because of the documentaries I watched they tend to talk about how they fought for King and Country and it's that patriotic spirit that comes through.

So yes, I assume they would've proudly sang the NA and it meant a lot to them.

ZingOfSeven · 09/11/2014 18:07

Robin so do you have an appendix or not?Confused
Grin

Bunbaker · 09/11/2014 18:09

I would be interested to know how many other parents feel so strongly about their children not learning the national anthem raltheraffe. Like religion, I think children should be given the opportunity to see both sides of the argument.

LilAnnie your post is very depressing. Do you not have any nationnal pride when we achieve something? I felt so proud watching the 2012 Olympics. I bet the athletes felt proud when they heard the national anthem.

raltheraffe · 09/11/2014 18:12

I doubt many parents feel as strongly as I do. Until my son is old enough to make an informed choice I will be making the decision on his behalf. Once I feel he understands what Royalty is if he wants to cover himself in Union Jack bunting and buy decorative plaques of these lot, he is welcome to.

scousadelic · 09/11/2014 18:14

Whether we like it or not this country is a monarchy so, short of a revolution, she is queen to all of us. I am not enormously fussed about the monarchy but I stand and I sing as I think The Queen and Prince Philip have done their duty for this country, although I suspect I might feel differently when Charles comes to the throne

My concern is that, while we are all entitled to stand for our individual beliefs, the country is being diminished by the lack of national cohesiveness it engenders. We might sneer at Americans being so gung-ho and patriotic but I think our country loses out by people choosing not to take part in these things which demonstrate national pride.

raltheraffe · 09/11/2014 18:14

If he wants to sing the Sex Pistols version though, I will strum along on the bass.

Behoove · 09/11/2014 18:15

By that time you will have him brainwashed though Hmm

usualsuspect333 · 09/11/2014 18:16

I don't believe in God and wish the Monachy didn't exist,so no I don't sing it.