Thurston Dining’s Patriotic Playlist
By Bronwyn Metz
Staff Writer
Have you caught yourself, enjoying some soft-serve ice cream, humming along to the famous lines, “broad stripes and bright stars” at Thurston Dining Hall? I have, multiple times in fact. I find it humorous how the playlist jumps from Doja Cat to Neil Diamond to the ole’ patriotic tune ‘The Star-Spangled Banner.’
Do I believe that Thurston Dining is trying to indoctrinate GW students? No. Nevertheless, it is an interesting prospect to explore.
In schools across the United States, students, teachers, and staff, begin their days standing up, turning to the American flag and stating the Pledge of Allegiance. As college students, we no longer observe such rituals in our daily lives. Similar to the pledge, the national anthem is an expression of loyalty to the nation, which instills a sense of communal patriotism. Furthermore, both are representative of American national identity and the values for which our nation stands. The song celebrates the bravery and resilience of the American people, who fought to defend the country and its freedom.
While the Star-Spangled Banner can inspire a sense of national pride, it is also important to recognize that the song can be interpreted as a tool for exclusion and indoctrination. The ceremonial playing of the national anthem at public events, such as sports games and rallies, can reinforce a particular vision of American identity that excludes certain demographics. This is best exemplified by the third controversial line, “no refuge could save the hireling and slave.” Some Americans may feel as if the song pressures them to conform to what it means to be American: a narrow definition which can be harmful to people that might not “qualify” at the time in which the anthem was written.
The significance of the Star-Spangled Banner and the debate surrounding its use in education and politics is multifaceted. This source of inspiration and pride should not be used to enforce a particular ideology or exclude marginalized communities. Ultimately, there is a lot of room for productive discussion and debate.
Furthermore, I encourage readers and avid dining-hall goers to listen closely and observe. If you do hear the tune, ask yourself, what was the intention behind adding the song to the playlist? Was it to invoke the pride represented in the pledge? Or is it just a musical preference? I’ll leave it up to you.
Bronwyn Metz is a first year majoring in International Affairs.
