To not want ds singing the bloody national anthem every day at school?

[lecce]

I am reeling about this and would love some opinions.

Last night the dc and I were taking it turns to play songs on Youtube, when ds1 (7, Yr 3) announced he wanted 'Land of Hope and Glory' for his next choice . I was stunned - I didn't even know he'd heard of it. In the interrogation that followed, it transpired that his class has been singing 'God Save the Queen' every day before home time. It has no relation to their current topic, which is India, of all things... Mention has been made of 'loving our country' and that, as 'we are English' we should know these lyrics.

On Friday, those who had completed their art work early were given the lyrics of 'Land of...' (not ds - never have I been so happy about his lack of artistic talent) but, apparently, they will all be 'doing' it soon.

I absolutely do not want my children singing these nationalistic, jingoistic lyrics every day. I don't want the school promoting this kind of cheap patriotism to them, either. This is not what education is about.

Is this Gove's fault? I am a teacher (sec) and have heard nothing about this particular type of brainwashing. AIBU to kick up a stink about this?

I object to the National Anthem, I'm a republican. I wouldn't want my children singing it on a daily basis.
I do not like what passes for patriotism these days, in the guise of Britain First and UKIP, so yes, I'd be ashamed if my children got all patriotic and parroted jingoistic nonsense.

Well said, Hakluyt. when I asked my grandads about their experiences in WW2 they both said that what they were fighting for was not England or Our Way of Life; they were fighting for their mates. None of whom wanted to be there any more than they did.

Ahem, we appreciate this is a zombie thread but peace and love yes?

Good lord- did someone report this? Why on earth?

Stroppiness from the pre-grave bits innit Hakluyt

Sod that.

Neither of us are English, my kids aren't either yet we live here. Yeah... another way to marginalise them . Would want them singing pro monarchist crap either.

Do your kids not identify as English at all? DH and I are both English but live in the Netherlands and DS describes himself as English and Dutch. Off topic, but I'm interested in how kids work these things out!

YANBU.

I was surprised when we moved to Canada and I realised Oh canada was played every morning over the loudspeaker, with everybody frozen where they were and staying silent. I remember talking with colleagues at the time, and many found that outdated, and said in other provinces where they grew up this was not common practice.

Even a corny song like lennon's Imagine would be a better choice. I believe a healthy amount of affection for the place you live and work is fine, but we, as modern societies have long crossed the fine line- this obsessive concern with borders and nationalities has led to nothing but misery and violence.

I wouldn't like this.
"Land of Hope and Glory" is the one with a good tune but awful lyrics: "wider yet and wider may thy bounds be set,
God who made thee mighty make thee mightier yet".
I live in Wales-"Mae hen gwlad fy nhadau" is very stirring but I wouldn't want kids singing it every day. I'm English btw and wouldn't want them singing GSTQ in Engalnd either.
Dislike jingoism and flag-waving-it belongs at Rugby matches.