National Anthem of People's Republic of China
Three Principles of the People,
The foundation of our party.
Using this, we establish the Republic;
Using this, we advance into a state of total peace.
Oh, you, warriors,
For the people, be the vanguard.
Without resting day or night,
Follow the Principles.
Swear to be diligent; swear to be courageous.
Obliged to be trustworthy; obliged to be loyal.
With one heart and one virtue,
We carry through until the very end.
In 1943, "Three Principles of the People" officially became the national anthem of the Republic of China (Taiwan). The National Anthem, contributed by Kuomintang (KMT) members, is also a patriotic piece asking the people to appreciate the democracy of their new nation. The Anthem’s three principles also tell the people what virtues they should have. They teach this anthem in elementary schools, and they sing it during graduation and flag-raising ceremonies. I personally sang it when I was young, but never got its meaning.
March of the Volunteers
National Anthem of People's Republic of China
Arise! All who refuse to be slaves!
Let our flesh and blood become our new Great Wall!
As the Chinese nation faces its greatest peril,
All forcefully expend their last cries.
Arise! Arise! Arise!
Our million hearts beat as one,
Brave the enemy's fire, March on!
Brave the enemy's fire, March on!
March on! March on! On!
The “March of the volunteers” is very patriotic and is about having the people fight for their own country. Tian Han wrote it during 1934, Republic of China era for a play. It was one of many songs that were promoted secretly among the population as part of the anti-Japanese resistance. This song became the national anthem just days before the founding of the People's Republic of China. I would say it definitely portrays the time period well. The people no longer want to be governed by a communist government, and they adopted this anthem as part of the reform.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
United States & Ukraine
The anthem for India has a more pious feel to it. It seems as if it is all about giving praise to some kind of Gods. It doesn't describe much about India itself or its values. The Bengali national anthem on the other hand is very detailed in its description of Bangladesh and everything that its land has to offer. It paints a very fruitful (no pun intended) and vivid picture of Bangladesh.
Ukraine National Anthem
Ukraine's glory has not yet perished, nor has her freedom
Upon us, young brothers, fate shall smile once more.
Our enemies will vanish, like dew in the morning sun,
And we too shall rule, brothers, in our own land.
CHORUS x2
We'll lay down our souls and bodies for our freedom,
And we'll show that we, brothers, are of the Cossack family.
United States Anthem
O! say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
O! say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
In the both the anthems of Ukraine and the United States it seems as if the two countries were involved in a great struggle at the time their anthems were written. After further research I had discovered that Ukraine was indeed involved in a struggle for its independence against the Bolsheviks during the Bolshevik Revolution. Ukraine tried to remain an independent state, but to no avail. As a result this anthem was banned under the Soviet regime. Both anthems seem very optimistic during their struggle. This can be seen in the United States anthem where it states that despite the bombardment and the rockets their flag emerged erect, signifying that they have not lost. The optimism can likewise be seen in Ukraine's anthem where they sing about how their glory and freedom have not yet perished. In the line "fate shall smile once more" it looks as if Ukraine seems very optimistic and hopeful towards the future. Both anthems carry with it lots of patriotism which is essential during a time of war, as is evident with the history of these nations and the time when these pieces were written.
Ukraine National Anthem
Ukraine's glory has not yet perished, nor has her freedom
Upon us, young brothers, fate shall smile once more.
Our enemies will vanish, like dew in the morning sun,
And we too shall rule, brothers, in our own land.
CHORUS x2
We'll lay down our souls and bodies for our freedom,
And we'll show that we, brothers, are of the Cossack family.
United States Anthem
O! say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
O! say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
In the both the anthems of Ukraine and the United States it seems as if the two countries were involved in a great struggle at the time their anthems were written. After further research I had discovered that Ukraine was indeed involved in a struggle for its independence against the Bolsheviks during the Bolshevik Revolution. Ukraine tried to remain an independent state, but to no avail. As a result this anthem was banned under the Soviet regime. Both anthems seem very optimistic during their struggle. This can be seen in the United States anthem where it states that despite the bombardment and the rockets their flag emerged erect, signifying that they have not lost. The optimism can likewise be seen in Ukraine's anthem where they sing about how their glory and freedom have not yet perished. In the line "fate shall smile once more" it looks as if Ukraine seems very optimistic and hopeful towards the future. Both anthems carry with it lots of patriotism which is essential during a time of war, as is evident with the history of these nations and the time when these pieces were written.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Russian Federation vs USSR
Although it may seem to be same country, Soviet Union and Russian Federation are two different countries to me. It can be clearly seen in the differences of their anthems. The national anthem of Soviet Union makes a considerable push toward communism and the importance of Lenin in teaching and leading Russian people. People in today’s world see communism as something evil and as something that is predestined to fail as a political structure. But if communism would be looked at on its own, I think there is nothing bad with such management. It was just proven that it did not particularly work for Soviet Union. Anthem of Soviet Union talks about the union of the republics since USSR valued the territory and the different ethnicities it had. After fall of the Soviet Union, there was not much said in the national anthem about “other” pieces of the country since most got disconnected to their own countries.
In the USSR anthem, the reader can clearly see that Lenin is compared to the sun which shows the way to go. It is also said that he is making people get up for the “right thing”, he inspired people for the right actions. This clearly was written by Lenin or someone to whom he paid. However, in the Russian Federation anthem, there is no one person that stands out. There is no president or influential person’s name mentioned. It focuses on nature, the concept of unified country, and its people. To me sounds less bias, something that Russian people can relate to. I am glad the anthem does not speak of some particular person, some particular ethnicity or religion. It is also a little shorter than the one of USSR, so it is more concise and more to the point.
In the USSR anthem, the reader can clearly see that Lenin is compared to the sun which shows the way to go. It is also said that he is making people get up for the “right thing”, he inspired people for the right actions. This clearly was written by Lenin or someone to whom he paid. However, in the Russian Federation anthem, there is no one person that stands out. There is no president or influential person’s name mentioned. It focuses on nature, the concept of unified country, and its people. To me sounds less bias, something that Russian people can relate to. I am glad the anthem does not speak of some particular person, some particular ethnicity or religion. It is also a little shorter than the one of USSR, so it is more concise and more to the point.
Haiti and Venezuela National Anthem
Tagore National anthem for both India and Bangladesh that are two countries from the same continent are actually different. In Bangladesh Anthem, the author focuses more on the nature of this country talking about the season; it shows the beauty of the country. Also, love and beauty are very expressed in this Anthem. However, India’s Anthem, on the other hand it is the contrary; nature is used as a key to Victory which is the main point of this Anthem.
Haiti National Anthem
For our country,
For our forefathers,
United let us march.
Let there be no traitors in our ranks!
Let us be masters of our soil.
United let us march
For our country,
For our forefathers.
For our forebears,
For our country
Let us toil joyfully.
May the fields be fertile
And our souls take courage.
Let us toil joyfully
For our forebears,
For our country.
For our country
And for our forefathers,
Let us train our sons.
Free, strong, and prosperous,
We shall always be as brothers.
Let us train our sons
For our country
And for our forefathers.
For our forebears,
For our country,
Oh God of the valiant!
Take our rights and our life
Under your infinite protection,
Oh God of the valiant!
For our forebears,
For our country.
For the flag,
For our country
To die is a fine thing!
Our past cries out to us:
Have a disciplined soul!
To die is a fine thing,
For the flag,
For our country.
Venezuela National Anthem
Glory to the brave nation
Which shook off the yoke,
Respecting law, virtue, and honour.
(repeat chorus)
"Off with the chains! Off with the chains!"
Cried the Lord, cried the Lord,
And the poor man in his hovel
Implored freedom.
At this holy name, there trembled
The vile selfishness that had triumphed.
At this holy name, at this holy name, there trembled
The vile selfishness that had triumphed.
(repeat)
CHORUS
Let's cry out aloud, let's cry out aloud:
Down with oppression! Down with oppression!
Faithful countrymen, your strength
Lies in your unity;
And from the heavens
The supreme Creator
Breathed a sublime spirit
Into the nation.
And from the heavens, and from the heavens
The supreme Creator
Breathed a sublime spirit
Into the nation.
(repeat previous two lines)
CHORUS
United by bonds, united by bonds,
Made by heaven, made by heaven,
All America exists
As a Nation;
And if tyranny
Raises its voice,
Follow the example
Given by Caracas.
And if tyranny, and if tyranny,
Raises its voice,
Follow the example
Given by Caracas.
(repeat previous two lines)
CHORUS
Both of these national Anthem have something in common which is Freedom. They both are war-based; however they approach it differently. Haiti Anthem proves a patriotic part. They wanted Union and solidarity within the soldiers and the country as a whole “United let us march, Let there be no traitors in our ranks”. Nature was mentioned to be fertile in order to give them courage. They’re very proud and not of afraid to die for the Flag and the country “For the flag, For our country To die is a fine thing!” They wanted to be an example for the generation to come and be as strong and patriot as they were “They Let us train our sons. Free, strong, and prosperous” Unity is the valuable aspect shown in this Anthem. Haiti National Anthem is called “La Dessalinienne” which honors the founder of Haiti, Jean-Jacques Dessalines. The anthem was selected as a result of a competition in 1903, the winning selection was adopted on the juncture of Haiti's centennial, January 1, 1904. Haiti National Anthem has two versions the french and creole version because they're the two native languages spoken. I believe that this anthem truly represents Haiti..
Venezuela National Anthem shows that it’s swollen with pride because it starts with “Glory to the brave nation”. Faith played a big role in getting their independence "Off with the chains! Off with the chains!" Cried the Lord, cried the Lord,”. They see themselves as a role model to other countries fighting for their freedom “And if tyranny Raises its voice, Follow the example Given by Caracas”. I believe that GOD is the valuable aspect shown in this Anthem. The anthem was composed by Vicente Salias and later the music was recreated by Juan José Landaeta and finally it came to be adopted on 1881. It was in May 25, 1881 that Antonio Guzman Blanco, who was the then President of the country, passed a declaration whereby this song was officially accepted as the National anthem of Venezuela. The title of the Anthem is “Glory to the brave nation”. I believe that this anthem represents Venezuela.
Monday, November 9, 2009
United States National Anthem from the Modern Perspective
I think that the United States perfectly represent the our culture today in modern times. We currently live in an age wher we are fighting two wars and or overall national moral is low. Our country has gone through hardships and sacrifices over the past eight years since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 and as the national anthem states even after the wars and the attacks our fly is still here flying high and proud and the symbolic representation of our freedom and our bravery as a nation who will noy submit to terrorist or stand for injustice in the world.
Iceland and United States national anthem
ICELAND-Our country's God! Our country's God!We worship Thy name in its wonder sublime.The suns of the heavens are set in Thy crownBy Thy legions, the ages of time!With Thee is each day as a thousand years,Each thousand of years, but a day,Eternity's flow'r, with its homage of tears,That reverently passes away; Iceland's thousand years!, ;:Eternity's flow'r, with its homage of tears,That reverently passes away.
UNITED STATES-Oh, say! can you see by the dawn's early lightWhat so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming;Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there:Oh, say! does that star-spangled banner yet waveO'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,In fully glory reflected now shines in the stream:'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh, long may it waveO'er the land of the free and the home of the brave
These two national anthems emphasis deeply passion for the land by their people .The Icelandic national anthem is more of in the religious aspect and the United State national anthem is more o patriotism and fighting for ones one cause. The Icelandic National anthem during an age of relative peace and at a time when the Icelandic people where deeply involved in looking into the troubles of their own nation. In contrast the United States national anthem was written at a time of war when moral was seeming low and the young U.S. was fighting what seemed to be a second war of independence from the British. The two national anthems express deeply passionate feelings towards the land for which its citizens love.
UNITED STATES-Oh, say! can you see by the dawn's early lightWhat so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming;Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there:Oh, say! does that star-spangled banner yet waveO'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,In fully glory reflected now shines in the stream:'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh, long may it waveO'er the land of the free and the home of the brave
These two national anthems emphasis deeply passion for the land by their people .The Icelandic national anthem is more of in the religious aspect and the United State national anthem is more o patriotism and fighting for ones one cause. The Icelandic National anthem during an age of relative peace and at a time when the Icelandic people where deeply involved in looking into the troubles of their own nation. In contrast the United States national anthem was written at a time of war when moral was seeming low and the young U.S. was fighting what seemed to be a second war of independence from the British. The two national anthems express deeply passionate feelings towards the land for which its citizens love.
Freedom and the main purpose in life!
Argentina
Hear, mortals, the sacred cry:
"Freedom! Freedom! Freedom!"
Hear the noise of broken chains,
see the noble Equality enthroned.
Their most honorable throne have opened
the United Provinces of the South.
And the free ones of the world reply:
"To the Argentine people, cheers!"
"To the Argentine people, cheers!"
And the free ones of the world reply:"
To the Argentine people, cheers!"
And the free ones of the world reply:"
To the Argentine people, cheers!"
May the laurels be eternal
the ones we managed to win,
the ones we managed to win.
Let us live crowned in glory...
or let us swear in glory to die!
Or let us swear in glory to die!
Or let us swear in glory to die!
Ecuador
Oh homeland, we greet you a thousand times!
Glory be to you!
Your breast overflows joy and peace
And your radiant face
brighter than the sun shining we see.
The worthy sons of the soil
Which magnificently adorns Pichincha,
They always declared you as their sovereign lady
And shed their blood for you.
God observed and accepted that sacrifice,
And this blood was the prolific seed
Of other heroes who amazed the world,
And in turn, of thousands arising around you.
The Argentinian and Ecuadorian Anthem have a lot in common. It is interesting to see how both anthems try to represent the struggles these countries went through to reach freedom. These two anthems are based on war and patriotism. The lyrics of the Argentinian Anthem are burningly independentist and anti-Spanish, as the country was at that time fighting for its independence from Spain. For example, the opening of the anthem "Freedom! Freedom! Freedom! Hear the noise of broken chains," this part clearly represents how Argentina was fighting for its freedom and how proud they felt of gaining it. In addition, the chorus of the Anthem "Let us live crowned in glory.. or let us swear in glory to die!" this part shows how Argentinian people felt how freedom was the glory they wanted to achieve , otherwise, they would have preferred to die with pride.
The Ecuadorian Anthem, also communicates how freedom was the main purpose for Ecuadorian people at that time. It represents how the soldiers of this country fought and offered their blood to have a free land. The second verse of the anthem "They always declared you as their sovereign lady and shed their blood for you." is a good representation of how Ecuadorians felt proud of shedding their blood in order to have a free life. Same as Argentina, Ecuador also fought against Spain to conquer freedom.
On the other hand, the differences in these two anthems is how each represents each country's culture. Argentina's Anthem seems more to represents how pride and victory predominates is this country. Whereas Ecuador's Anthem's represents how religious, love and peace is the main purpose in life for ecuadorian people.
In conclusion , both Anthem promotes freedom, pride and love for one's country.
Hear, mortals, the sacred cry:
"Freedom! Freedom! Freedom!"
Hear the noise of broken chains,
see the noble Equality enthroned.
Their most honorable throne have opened
the United Provinces of the South.
And the free ones of the world reply:
"To the Argentine people, cheers!"
"To the Argentine people, cheers!"
And the free ones of the world reply:"
To the Argentine people, cheers!"
And the free ones of the world reply:"
To the Argentine people, cheers!"
May the laurels be eternal
the ones we managed to win,
the ones we managed to win.
Let us live crowned in glory...
or let us swear in glory to die!
Or let us swear in glory to die!
Or let us swear in glory to die!
Ecuador
Oh homeland, we greet you a thousand times!
Glory be to you!
Your breast overflows joy and peace
And your radiant face
brighter than the sun shining we see.
The worthy sons of the soil
Which magnificently adorns Pichincha,
They always declared you as their sovereign lady
And shed their blood for you.
God observed and accepted that sacrifice,
And this blood was the prolific seed
Of other heroes who amazed the world,
And in turn, of thousands arising around you.
The Argentinian and Ecuadorian Anthem have a lot in common. It is interesting to see how both anthems try to represent the struggles these countries went through to reach freedom. These two anthems are based on war and patriotism. The lyrics of the Argentinian Anthem are burningly independentist and anti-Spanish, as the country was at that time fighting for its independence from Spain. For example, the opening of the anthem "Freedom! Freedom! Freedom! Hear the noise of broken chains," this part clearly represents how Argentina was fighting for its freedom and how proud they felt of gaining it. In addition, the chorus of the Anthem "Let us live crowned in glory.. or let us swear in glory to die!" this part shows how Argentinian people felt how freedom was the glory they wanted to achieve , otherwise, they would have preferred to die with pride.
The Ecuadorian Anthem, also communicates how freedom was the main purpose for Ecuadorian people at that time. It represents how the soldiers of this country fought and offered their blood to have a free land. The second verse of the anthem "They always declared you as their sovereign lady and shed their blood for you." is a good representation of how Ecuadorians felt proud of shedding their blood in order to have a free life. Same as Argentina, Ecuador also fought against Spain to conquer freedom.
On the other hand, the differences in these two anthems is how each represents each country's culture. Argentina's Anthem seems more to represents how pride and victory predominates is this country. Whereas Ecuador's Anthem's represents how religious, love and peace is the main purpose in life for ecuadorian people.
In conclusion , both Anthem promotes freedom, pride and love for one's country.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Two Divergent Anthems
Many countries in our modern world have implemented national anthems that portray and represent their countries as a whole. Unlike the United States of America, Ukraine has a national anthem that does not encourage the same aspects of life. Thus, I am considering these two national anthems as opposites. Ukraine is a country that had a long and brutal history being under the USSR regime which made life inconvenient and sometimes even unbearable. Having been written in 1863, it has many references toward becoming a free country and becoming unison, something that the communist regime wanted to accomplish. The anthem made sure to stress the importance of the rivers and mountain ranges along the countryside, all of whom the people of Ukraine desperately relied on. There national anthem shows great optimism towards future freedom and independence, and the fact that Ukraine’s glory will be known and appreciated by the rest of the world. Something that has yet to become widely noticed. The national anthem was written using idealist theories that hoped and prayed for the best. During that time Ukraine was in a bad financial and political position, and sadly it still is today. Somehow, the anthem does indeed represent the beliefs and ideologies that the people in Ukraine still hold. They always think that one day something better will come and their lives will in turn be much easier.
The United States national anthem was written in 1814 during an important battle at sea. It can easily be determined that our national anthem stresses freedom and patriotism as its most valuable concern. However, it was made when our country was desperately fighting for freedom and everyone was willing to help. Now unfortunately our country does not have that same mindset, our people take everything for granted; they just do not understand how long and hard it took to fight for our freedom. Our national anthem no longer represents our society as it did fifty or so years ago, it is truly a devastating site that definitely needs new blueprint.
The United States national anthem was written in 1814 during an important battle at sea. It can easily be determined that our national anthem stresses freedom and patriotism as its most valuable concern. However, it was made when our country was desperately fighting for freedom and everyone was willing to help. Now unfortunately our country does not have that same mindset, our people take everything for granted; they just do not understand how long and hard it took to fight for our freedom. Our national anthem no longer represents our society as it did fifty or so years ago, it is truly a devastating site that definitely needs new blueprint.
Passively aggressive VS agressively passive.
Canada
O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
Cuba
Hasten to battle, men of Bayamo,
For the homeland looks proudly to you.
You do not fear a glorious death,
Because to die for the country is to live.
To live in chains
Is to live in dishonour and ignominy.
Hear the clarion call,
Hasten, brave ones, to battle!
The Canadian and Cuban national anthems have a lot in common. From my reading, I found that both national anthems were war based, but their approaches couldn’t be more different. When reading the Cuban national anthem, I couldn’t help but notice how aggressive it was. Off the bat the opening lines command for battle. Where death and self sacrifice is glorious and rewarded. A life in chains is dishonor for country and citizens alike. In order to further promote this, the lines in the anthem command that we “citizen or reader” do not fear death, for it is glorious, because to die for country is to truly live. The love for one’s country isn’t a choice. It is commanded. Prurely duty, there is no thought, personal feeling or objectivity when it comes to the matter. As a citizen, it was expected. I think this totalitarian approach has a lot to do with the Cuban history of communim. It’s not about the individual, but the good of the whole. The speaker in the anthem seems to be someone of authority or power. Someone militant who has the authority to engage in war. This is also a subliminal message to the people of Cuba to allow themselves to be led by an authority figure rather than take things into their own hands or thinking. Although similar, Canada takes a totally different approach.
The Canadian national anthem is much more passive, although it also demands love of country of it’s citizens. This anthem speaks of pride in one’s country and specifically speaks of maintaining the freedom which it has obtained. It seems that the reason for war in Canada is for the sake of defending it’s own freedom. To me it seems to communicate to the reader that the love of one’s country is duty but also organically, a true love. Like the love of a child or family. something that must be protected. It is not communicated from an authority perspective. The operative words throughout the whole anthem is “We”. The anthem comes form the perspective of the people rather than the leader. The people feel duty to their country and they command it from one another. This is a reflection of Canada’s democratic/ constitutional monarchy. The power of the people to choose. In the end, The similarities are that both promote defense of one’s country, command respect, loyalty and seem to be military in approach.
British and Jamaican
Jamaica was once apart of the British commonwealth, until they gain their Independence in 1962. This was when they adopted the anthem " Jamaica Land we Love".
Both the British and Jamaican anthems have religious forms. They both are asking God for guidance and Protection. The Jamaican anthem is asking for guidance and protection for it's nation. This anthem do represent the values of this country. As for Britain, their anthem only focus on their queen their leader. The whole anthem talks about keeping the queen safe, as if, if she was to die, the country would die along with her. the British people cherish their queen and the anthem represents that. There is great value in the queen.
The USA anthem speaks about fighting for freedom. This anthem was written when we literally fought for the freedom we have to day. But has time went on, the same freedom we fought for is being taken away. we are not as free as we were anymore. there is a lot more censorship due to the patriotic act. As for our soldiers that go to war, as brave as they are, when they return, they are treated like any other citizen, sometimes worst. The time when they were respected is now long gone. The US anthem does not represent the US of this time.
Both the British and Jamaican anthems have religious forms. They both are asking God for guidance and Protection. The Jamaican anthem is asking for guidance and protection for it's nation. This anthem do represent the values of this country. As for Britain, their anthem only focus on their queen their leader. The whole anthem talks about keeping the queen safe, as if, if she was to die, the country would die along with her. the British people cherish their queen and the anthem represents that. There is great value in the queen.
The USA anthem speaks about fighting for freedom. This anthem was written when we literally fought for the freedom we have to day. But has time went on, the same freedom we fought for is being taken away. we are not as free as we were anymore. there is a lot more censorship due to the patriotic act. As for our soldiers that go to war, as brave as they are, when they return, they are treated like any other citizen, sometimes worst. The time when they were respected is now long gone. The US anthem does not represent the US of this time.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Independence counts!
After reading the anthems of Ireland and Brazil, I realized how many nations had to fight for their freedom. Revolutions happened everywhere. Ireland fought for freedom from the iron fist of Britain, where as, Brazil fought for their freedom from Portugal. Their songs both sing the triumphs they had to overcome.
Ireland's anthem was written in 1907 and Brazil's was created in 1822. The Irish title is translated into "The Soldier's Song." This song was used for marching soldiers throughout the continuous up raging wars that came before and after the Independence of Ireland. The chorus states "No more our ancient sire land shall shelter the despot or the slave." In Brazil's anthem they say "If with strong arm we have succeeded in winning a pledge of equality," They are both cries of breaking free of being enslaved from another country.
The differences in these two anthems is the masculinity in both. Ireland's seems more powerful with strength and revolt, whereas, Brazil is more in tune with the nature of the island and the beauty of the land. For example, Ireland has more reference to the cannons, " 'Mid cannons' roar and rifles peal, we'll chant a soldier's song." Brazil seems more of a prayer to it's land for letting it survive, "O land adored above all others 'tis thee Brazil, beloved fatherland, Brazil!"
The Anthem of the U.S.A is a proud moment of our country, and I believe it represents how we have become a free nation of independence from Britain. Saying that, I do not see it as a fair representation of our nation today. We have let too much power fall into the power elite of the corporate and upper class community, that I do not think we are all in this together and most of our freedom comes with restraints. I feel there is a big change that needs to be held in our country, because I do not think a l0t of people have a great chance to survive. It has been observed that some of our poverty is worse then other countries. This is not acceptable, we are too busy taking over other areas that we are not focusing on educating and taking care of our own. I believe there should be another anthem constructed to open the eyes of our sleeping America that does not see how capitalism has really stripped our society of our equality.
Ireland's anthem was written in 1907 and Brazil's was created in 1822. The Irish title is translated into "The Soldier's Song." This song was used for marching soldiers throughout the continuous up raging wars that came before and after the Independence of Ireland. The chorus states "No more our ancient sire land shall shelter the despot or the slave." In Brazil's anthem they say "If with strong arm we have succeeded in winning a pledge of equality," They are both cries of breaking free of being enslaved from another country.
The differences in these two anthems is the masculinity in both. Ireland's seems more powerful with strength and revolt, whereas, Brazil is more in tune with the nature of the island and the beauty of the land. For example, Ireland has more reference to the cannons, " 'Mid cannons' roar and rifles peal, we'll chant a soldier's song." Brazil seems more of a prayer to it's land for letting it survive, "O land adored above all others 'tis thee Brazil, beloved fatherland, Brazil!"
The Anthem of the U.S.A is a proud moment of our country, and I believe it represents how we have become a free nation of independence from Britain. Saying that, I do not see it as a fair representation of our nation today. We have let too much power fall into the power elite of the corporate and upper class community, that I do not think we are all in this together and most of our freedom comes with restraints. I feel there is a big change that needs to be held in our country, because I do not think a l0t of people have a great chance to survive. It has been observed that some of our poverty is worse then other countries. This is not acceptable, we are too busy taking over other areas that we are not focusing on educating and taking care of our own. I believe there should be another anthem constructed to open the eyes of our sleeping America that does not see how capitalism has really stripped our society of our equality.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
One Man of Two Nations
Rabindranath Tagore (1861 – 1941), a Bengali speaking Indian was the first Asian Nobel Laureate. Two of his poems were later on accepted as the national anthems of both Bangladesh and India. Looking at the demographic and historic background of both
countries, that could hardly be a surprise. Language, otherwise known as the mother-tongue, more than citizenship is a main factor in determining the identity of an individual. We are apt to accept views from people with whom we share the same language.
Bangladesh national anthem was written in 1906 at the time when the British artificially divided the Bengal into two halves based on religion. The predominantly muslim part is today’s Bangladesh. Tagore, a Hindu remained on the other side, India. He was an Indian, a Bengali speaking Indian. Tagore was against the partition and he wrote that song to keep on the flame of unity among the Bengali people. Part of the poem was officially adopted as the national anthem in 1972 after the country attained independence. In this poem Tagore emphasized on the natural beauty, richness and innocence of the land. One can smell the strong scent of patriotism and a sense of longing all through out the poem. It’s like a mother who was on the verge of loosing her one and only son to a faraway land.
Tagore wrote India’s national anthem at a later date in1911 during the British colonial rule but was officially adopted as national anthem in 1954. In fact it was written at the time of the coronation of King George V. Some think that the poem was written in praise of the British Monarch. Others however disagreed and said it was written in praise of God.
Whatever the truth is the poem unlike the Bangladesh anthem which focused on beauty and love for the land, India’s anthem focused praise on a higher being – the dispenser of India’s destiny. One common trait found in both poems is the rallying call of unity. Tagore used land as the rallying call in the Bangladesh anthem whereas India invokes the praise of the great ruler, the benefactor.
countries, that could hardly be a surprise. Language, otherwise known as the mother-tongue, more than citizenship is a main factor in determining the identity of an individual. We are apt to accept views from people with whom we share the same language.
Bangladesh national anthem was written in 1906 at the time when the British artificially divided the Bengal into two halves based on religion. The predominantly muslim part is today’s Bangladesh. Tagore, a Hindu remained on the other side, India. He was an Indian, a Bengali speaking Indian. Tagore was against the partition and he wrote that song to keep on the flame of unity among the Bengali people. Part of the poem was officially adopted as the national anthem in 1972 after the country attained independence. In this poem Tagore emphasized on the natural beauty, richness and innocence of the land. One can smell the strong scent of patriotism and a sense of longing all through out the poem. It’s like a mother who was on the verge of loosing her one and only son to a faraway land.
Tagore wrote India’s national anthem at a later date in1911 during the British colonial rule but was officially adopted as national anthem in 1954. In fact it was written at the time of the coronation of King George V. Some think that the poem was written in praise of the British Monarch. Others however disagreed and said it was written in praise of God.
Whatever the truth is the poem unlike the Bangladesh anthem which focused on beauty and love for the land, India’s anthem focused praise on a higher being – the dispenser of India’s destiny. One common trait found in both poems is the rallying call of unity. Tagore used land as the rallying call in the Bangladesh anthem whereas India invokes the praise of the great ruler, the benefactor.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
The old and the new
I believe a person’s citizenship doesn’t reflect the love he has for a place of residence or his feelings for the country. Which is why I think one person that has spend extensive time in more then one place is more then capable of accurately representing two different countries it can even be more then just two. I think home is where the heart is and if you was able to have your heart in more then one place that you should be able to feel the pride, joy and sorrow of whatever place your heart belong to or has at one time belong to.
In Tagore Bangladesh National Anthem he is talking more about the spiritual and the natural beauty of the country. Describing the land and the how different seasons affect it and how in any season there is beauty to the country. From what I learned the Anthem was written in “1906 during the British partitioning of Bengal which was a great time of unrest for the nation”. Which kind of makes sense to keep people at ease to remind people that even if there is some uncertainty just look at the land and enjoy what it has to offer. While the last line plays into the theme of the unrest that is going on when it says that “ if sadness, Oh mother mine, casts a gloom on your face, my eyes are filled with tears!” I feel what he is saying that there that if the British come and mess up the beauty of this country is going to become dark all the beauty the nature has giving this country is going to disappear and people will lose all the joy in life and there country. From my vision of Bangladesh and from the description that the anthem gave me I think it does represent the culture for which it was written from the beauty of the land to sadness of it being taken over by the British.
Tagore India National Anthem is different from the Bangladesh because while the Bangladesh National Anthem spoke more of the natural side of the country talking about physical things like blossom fields, trees and banks of rivers the India once is more of a religious theme to it. While a small portion of the anthem describes the natural beauty of India what stand out the most to me is “ ruler of the minds of all people” and “ they pray for your blessing and sing thy praise” both of does lines express a religious feeling to the anthem. Because India holds a great variety of ethnic groups song like that was a great way to unite the country because it spoke of a universal spirit. The anthem was officially adopted two days before the republic was declared which is perfect to combine all the different people that were part of that country. As in the Bangladesh National Anthem I believe that the Indian National Anthem also represents the culture for which it was written for because it united the many different people that was about to create there own nation.
I believe that Americans are still very patriotic but I don’t think the anthem really represents the culture anymore. While you still have a lot of people who have the America flag raised from their windows. I think today’s culture is more interested in raising stock market prices and the next reality tv personality to obsess over. While I am writing this in a middle of a war I think most of the nation is more worried about the housing market and what new trend Paris Hilton will come up with. So while the Star Spangled Banner lyrics are beautiful I don’t know if the are as profound as the day the poem was written.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Beautiful View, Beautiful Mind.
Tagone used two different value concepts in creating the national anthems for two countries – for India, it is a religious approach; for Bangladesh, it is a patriotic expression. It should be not a controversial issue because India and Bangladesh were one nation before. In Tagone’s mind, these two countries have people hold the same religion and same natural view, as he described in the Bangladesh’s national anthem, should not be differenced by the political reason. In India’s national anthem, it mentions Bengal as one of the blessed districts by the “dispenser of India’s destiny”. Developed at 1906, “My Bengal of gold” is a poem for urging people get together. He praised how beautiful Bengal is. The mango grove, full-blossomed paddy fields, and the banyan trees, are all over Bengal and India. His tears were for the war of Bengal’s breakdown. His sadness was the hurt of the country he loved.
The United States national anthem is war-based. It sings in a praise of American solders’ glorify. It also emphases American’s motto: “In God is our trust.” This sprite is still alive in most American’s hearts. For freedom, people are willing to give up everything including their lives. That is why America named the United States-the states made Federal, not federal made the states. Also, I am amazed the positive attitudes American remain as usual in the down times. This spirit should never expire in the U.S. culture. Today, the United States as the most influence country in the world, I believe exaggerating how we embracing the diversity and all the advantages of people’s innovation can be the points to the new national anthem.
The United States national anthem is war-based. It sings in a praise of American solders’ glorify. It also emphases American’s motto: “In God is our trust.” This sprite is still alive in most American’s hearts. For freedom, people are willing to give up everything including their lives. That is why America named the United States-the states made Federal, not federal made the states. Also, I am amazed the positive attitudes American remain as usual in the down times. This spirit should never expire in the U.S. culture. Today, the United States as the most influence country in the world, I believe exaggerating how we embracing the diversity and all the advantages of people’s innovation can be the points to the new national anthem.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Haiti/Dominican Republic
Haiti
For our country, For our forefathers, United let us march. Let there be no traitors in our ranks! Let us be masters of our soil. United let us march For our country, For our forefathers. For our forebears, For our country Let us toil joyfully. May the fields be fertile And our souls take courage. Let us toil joyfully For our forebears, For our country.
For our country And for our forefathers, Let us train our sons. Free, strong, and prosperous, We shall always be as brothers. Let us train our sons For our country
And for our forefathers. For our forebears, For our country, Oh God of the valiant!
Take our rights and our life Under your infinite protection, Oh God of the valiant!
For our forebears, For our country. For the flag, For our country To die is a fine thing!
Our past cries out to us: Have a disciplined soul! To die is a fine thing, For the flag,
For our country.
Dominican Republic
Brave men of Quisqueya, Let us sing with strong feeling And let us show to the world
Our invincible, glorious banner. Hail, O people who, strong and intrepid, Launched into war and went to death! Under a warlike menace of death, You broke your chains of slavery. No country deserves to be free If it is an indolent and servile slave, If the call does not grow loud within it, Tempered by a virile heroism. But the brave and indomitable Quisqueya Will always hold its head high, For if it were a thousand times enslaved, It would a thousand times regain freedom.
The Haitian and the Dominican national anthem are both war based anthems. This is not surprising seeing as both countries have fought violently to declare their independence. These two countries are also neighbors because they share geographical locations, however there themes are different.
The Haitian anthem has a religious side to it. God is mentioned throughout the anthem as a way of saying that they are righteous for willing to die for their country. The mentioning of God also displays faith which coincides with the country’s culture today where religion plays a major part of these people daily lives. The anthem places a strong emphasis on unity which I think was done on purpose to reflect that without unity their independence might not have been possible. The Haitian anthem also pays homage to their ancestors and I think again this is because their ancestor fought to free them. The Haitian anthem idolizes the Independence that they had gain approximately 100 years before the anthem was written. This anthem I think was written specifically to reflect the country’s independence that it fought so hard to attain.
The Dominican Anthem also reflects their independence, but this anthem takes a very aggressive and brash approach. Claiming that it didn’t matter how many times they were enslaved, they had the courage and strength to once again be free. You can also feel the self pride that they have about themselves for having achieved such a daunting task of obtaining freedom. However while the Haitian anthem appeals to religion and unity this anthem focuses mainly on how strong their people are for having achieved freedom. I don’t think the Dominican Republic anthem accurately reflect Dominican’s culture today because the country has a very diverse culture and war like aggression is not one of them.
For our country, For our forefathers, United let us march. Let there be no traitors in our ranks! Let us be masters of our soil. United let us march For our country, For our forefathers. For our forebears, For our country Let us toil joyfully. May the fields be fertile And our souls take courage. Let us toil joyfully For our forebears, For our country.
For our country And for our forefathers, Let us train our sons. Free, strong, and prosperous, We shall always be as brothers. Let us train our sons For our country
And for our forefathers. For our forebears, For our country, Oh God of the valiant!
Take our rights and our life Under your infinite protection, Oh God of the valiant!
For our forebears, For our country. For the flag, For our country To die is a fine thing!
Our past cries out to us: Have a disciplined soul! To die is a fine thing, For the flag,
For our country.
Dominican Republic
Brave men of Quisqueya, Let us sing with strong feeling And let us show to the world
Our invincible, glorious banner. Hail, O people who, strong and intrepid, Launched into war and went to death! Under a warlike menace of death, You broke your chains of slavery. No country deserves to be free If it is an indolent and servile slave, If the call does not grow loud within it, Tempered by a virile heroism. But the brave and indomitable Quisqueya Will always hold its head high, For if it were a thousand times enslaved, It would a thousand times regain freedom.
The Haitian and the Dominican national anthem are both war based anthems. This is not surprising seeing as both countries have fought violently to declare their independence. These two countries are also neighbors because they share geographical locations, however there themes are different.
The Haitian anthem has a religious side to it. God is mentioned throughout the anthem as a way of saying that they are righteous for willing to die for their country. The mentioning of God also displays faith which coincides with the country’s culture today where religion plays a major part of these people daily lives. The anthem places a strong emphasis on unity which I think was done on purpose to reflect that without unity their independence might not have been possible. The Haitian anthem also pays homage to their ancestors and I think again this is because their ancestor fought to free them. The Haitian anthem idolizes the Independence that they had gain approximately 100 years before the anthem was written. This anthem I think was written specifically to reflect the country’s independence that it fought so hard to attain.
The Dominican Anthem also reflects their independence, but this anthem takes a very aggressive and brash approach. Claiming that it didn’t matter how many times they were enslaved, they had the courage and strength to once again be free. You can also feel the self pride that they have about themselves for having achieved such a daunting task of obtaining freedom. However while the Haitian anthem appeals to religion and unity this anthem focuses mainly on how strong their people are for having achieved freedom. I don’t think the Dominican Republic anthem accurately reflect Dominican’s culture today because the country has a very diverse culture and war like aggression is not one of them.
Dominican & Panamanian Anthems
Dominican & Panamanian Anthems!
By the time the Dominican anthem was created (1900), 66 years had passed since its liberation from the Haitian domination. In our history our country is allocated more than once as a colony. We had to fight more in several occasions against bigger countries that controlled our economy, our politics, and our social environment. This is why the basis of our anthem is patriotism. Emilio Prud’Homme established liberty as a principle. Liberty for us is what equality is for North Americans. We haven’t been colony for any other country since our Independence; however we’ve had some dictatorial governments, which have broken this important principle.
I do think this anthem truly represents Dominicans because as many of you may have noticed, Dominicans are characterized for being very attached (and some of them proud) of being Dominicans. And that’s the whole sense of the anthem, demonstrate our unity & freedom.
The Panamanian Anthem also resembles the principle of liberation. I guess that since latin American countries have been victims of foreign domination, once they become free they feel the need of shouting to the world: WE ARE FREE!! And more than that, they want to encourage their citizens to value what previous generations did for today’s country. They don’t want the history to be forgotten. The blood spilled by the fighters must be valued & appreciated. There is something that called my attention about this anthem:
“Ahead, with spade and stone-mason's hammer!
To work, without more delay!
In this way we shall be the honour and glory
Of this fertile land of Columbus.”
The writer knew about the richness of Panama’s Land. And he didn’t hesitate to encourage people to work and fight for a better economy. And indeed Panama has grown much & become very powerful of the best resource they have: their geography, the Panama Canal. So this anthem does reflect what this country is based upon.
By the time the Dominican anthem was created (1900), 66 years had passed since its liberation from the Haitian domination. In our history our country is allocated more than once as a colony. We had to fight more in several occasions against bigger countries that controlled our economy, our politics, and our social environment. This is why the basis of our anthem is patriotism. Emilio Prud’Homme established liberty as a principle. Liberty for us is what equality is for North Americans. We haven’t been colony for any other country since our Independence; however we’ve had some dictatorial governments, which have broken this important principle.
I do think this anthem truly represents Dominicans because as many of you may have noticed, Dominicans are characterized for being very attached (and some of them proud) of being Dominicans. And that’s the whole sense of the anthem, demonstrate our unity & freedom.
The Panamanian Anthem also resembles the principle of liberation. I guess that since latin American countries have been victims of foreign domination, once they become free they feel the need of shouting to the world: WE ARE FREE!! And more than that, they want to encourage their citizens to value what previous generations did for today’s country. They don’t want the history to be forgotten. The blood spilled by the fighters must be valued & appreciated. There is something that called my attention about this anthem:
“Ahead, with spade and stone-mason's hammer!
To work, without more delay!
In this way we shall be the honour and glory
Of this fertile land of Columbus.”
The writer knew about the richness of Panama’s Land. And he didn’t hesitate to encourage people to work and fight for a better economy. And indeed Panama has grown much & become very powerful of the best resource they have: their geography, the Panama Canal. So this anthem does reflect what this country is based upon.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Tagore Anthems
I feel it is possible for a writer to accurately represent two different countries. You don’t need to be a citizen of that country to understand the culture, way of life and mood of the place. All a person has to do is stay in that place and know what is going on there to write about it.
The Indian Nation considers the people to be the most valuable thing. The anthem refers to people in different states of India and their feelings towards their country. The references to the pride the people have for their country is clear. The anthem was written December 27, 1911. I can’t say whether this anthem accurately represents India, but it does capture the pride this country feels for their homeland.
Bangladesh national anthem gives a sense of love and unity. The words flow very nicely together giving the anthem a very calming reassuring tone. The nation holds valuable its people and national pride. The idea of unity happiness and love is very prevalent. The anthem was written in 1906 during a difficult period, the Partition of Bengal. The anthem reflects the pain of what was happening and the future the country was trying to move towards.
The Indian Nation considers the people to be the most valuable thing. The anthem refers to people in different states of India and their feelings towards their country. The references to the pride the people have for their country is clear. The anthem was written December 27, 1911. I can’t say whether this anthem accurately represents India, but it does capture the pride this country feels for their homeland.
Bangladesh national anthem gives a sense of love and unity. The words flow very nicely together giving the anthem a very calming reassuring tone. The nation holds valuable its people and national pride. The idea of unity happiness and love is very prevalent. The anthem was written in 1906 during a difficult period, the Partition of Bengal. The anthem reflects the pain of what was happening and the future the country was trying to move towards.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico
Anthem of the Dominican Republic
Brave men of Quisqueya, Let us sing with strong feeling And let us show to the world Our invincible, glorious banner. Hail, O people who, strong and intrepid, Launched into war and went to death! Under a warlike menace of death, You broke your chains of slavery. No country deserves to be free If it is an indolent and servile slave, If the call does not grow loud within it, Tempered by a virile heroism. But the brave and indomitable Quisqueya Will always hold its head high, For if it were a thousand times enslaved, It would a thousand times regain freedom.
Anthem of Puerto Rico
The land of Borinquen, where I was born, is a flower-garden of magical brilliance. An ever-clear sky is its canopy, and the waves sing lullabies at its feet. When Columbus reached these beaches, full of awe he exclaimed, "This is the lovely land that I seek."Borinquén is the daughter of the sea and the sun. the sea and the sun. the sea and the sun. the sea and the sun. the sea and the sun.
These two anthems of theses to different countries are very different. The Dominican Republic focuses more on freedom and how it praises those who fought the enslaved. And no matter how many times or how long the Dominican Republic will be enslaved it will over and over again regain it's freedom. The Puerto Rican anthem focuses more on how beautiful it's land and beaches are and how Columbus was able to reach this land and describe how lovely it is. It doesn't mention anything about freedom or it's people, unlike the Dominican Republic and our national anthem. But then again maybe the Puerto Rican anthem can also be projecting how proud the people are that their land is so beautiful and this can also symbolize unity.
I think that the Dominican Republic anthem represents it's culture and it's history. A former president of the Dominican Republic named Rafael Trujillo who ran presidency till his death was a dictator. He had so much power and according to my "family stories" he used his power using terrorizing the Dominican and Haitian people. He would send his troops so kill thousands of Haitians so that they will not be able to interfere or try to enter the Dominican Republic. This period was so devasting for these people. The Dominican people assissnated Trujillo and still till this day his stories are still told. I think that for that period around the 1930 and on this anthem reflects how opressed these people were and how they fought for their freedom. And this is why they will keep fighting to regain their freedom.
Brave men of Quisqueya, Let us sing with strong feeling And let us show to the world Our invincible, glorious banner. Hail, O people who, strong and intrepid, Launched into war and went to death! Under a warlike menace of death, You broke your chains of slavery. No country deserves to be free If it is an indolent and servile slave, If the call does not grow loud within it, Tempered by a virile heroism. But the brave and indomitable Quisqueya Will always hold its head high, For if it were a thousand times enslaved, It would a thousand times regain freedom.
Anthem of Puerto Rico
The land of Borinquen, where I was born, is a flower-garden of magical brilliance. An ever-clear sky is its canopy, and the waves sing lullabies at its feet. When Columbus reached these beaches, full of awe he exclaimed, "This is the lovely land that I seek."Borinquén is the daughter of the sea and the sun. the sea and the sun. the sea and the sun. the sea and the sun. the sea and the sun.
These two anthems of theses to different countries are very different. The Dominican Republic focuses more on freedom and how it praises those who fought the enslaved. And no matter how many times or how long the Dominican Republic will be enslaved it will over and over again regain it's freedom. The Puerto Rican anthem focuses more on how beautiful it's land and beaches are and how Columbus was able to reach this land and describe how lovely it is. It doesn't mention anything about freedom or it's people, unlike the Dominican Republic and our national anthem. But then again maybe the Puerto Rican anthem can also be projecting how proud the people are that their land is so beautiful and this can also symbolize unity.
I think that the Dominican Republic anthem represents it's culture and it's history. A former president of the Dominican Republic named Rafael Trujillo who ran presidency till his death was a dictator. He had so much power and according to my "family stories" he used his power using terrorizing the Dominican and Haitian people. He would send his troops so kill thousands of Haitians so that they will not be able to interfere or try to enter the Dominican Republic. This period was so devasting for these people. The Dominican people assissnated Trujillo and still till this day his stories are still told. I think that for that period around the 1930 and on this anthem reflects how opressed these people were and how they fought for their freedom. And this is why they will keep fighting to regain their freedom.
Anthems Trinidad and Guyana
Trinidad
Forged from the love of liberty
In the fires of hope and prayer
With boundless faith in our destiny
We solemnly declare:
Side by side we stand
Islands of the blue Caribbean sea,
This our native land
We pledge our lives to thee.
Here every creed and race finds an equal place,
And may God bless our nation
Here every creed and race finds an equal place,
And may God bless our nation.
Guyana
Dear land of Guyana, of rivers and plains,
Made rich by the sunshine, and lush by the rains.
Set gem-like and fair, between mountains and sea,
Your children salute you, dear land of the free.
Green land of Guyana, our heroes of yore,
Both bondsmen and free, laid their bones on your shore.
This soil so they hallowed, and from them are we,
All sons of one mother, Guyana the free.
Great land of Guyana, diverse though our strains,
We are born of their sacrifice, heirs of their pains.
And ours is the glory their eyes did not see,
One land of six peoples, united and free.
Dear land of Guyana, to you will we give,
Our homage, our service, each day that we live.
God guard you, Great Mother, and make us to be
More worthy our heritage, land of the free.
I picked the Trinidadian and Guyanese anthems because of their similar background in the Commonwealth. Both countries have an English speaking African/ Indian Majority. The landmasses are located in the Caribbean Sea the only difference in the two landmasses are that Trinidad and Tobago are islands versus Guyana which is contained part of South America. However they have different anthems like sister countries Bengal and India. Guyana's anthem is comprised of a concentration of the violent freedom of their countries and the blessings of their lush country. Trinidad's anthem consist more of Unity, Liberty, and Equality.
It is strange that both countries have very different anthems yet they are very similar in background. Looking further detail into both countries histories there is a reason as to why there are strong differences in the anthems. Trinidad and Guyana became independent states in the 1960s. They are considered the beauties of their respective areas. Yet the violence involved in Guyanese anthem is related to the fight for freedom but it is not because of their secession from the British Empire rather it is because of the indentured states which basically enslaved the mass population, not to say that Trinidad is not comprised of the same population but the difference is this indentured state lasted longer in Guyana. Also there is constant border disputes with rival Suriname. The Guyanese population does consist of a violent past, many elections held in the state were comprised of violent riots. Upon further inspection of the Trinidadian anthem, one can see that it seeks unity not just between the people but between the two island states that make up the country, something that Guyana does not have with its neighboring states.
While both states seek and maintain their freedom Trinidad keeps a harmonious anthem versus Guyana who has a war based anthem. The societal place of an anthem keeps the population united and proud. It is interesting to see to neighboring states sharing the same difference in characteristics as the Indian and Bengali anthems. These two anthems are both beautiful and representative of their respective countries.
Forged from the love of liberty
In the fires of hope and prayer
With boundless faith in our destiny
We solemnly declare:
Side by side we stand
Islands of the blue Caribbean sea,
This our native land
We pledge our lives to thee.
Here every creed and race finds an equal place,
And may God bless our nation
Here every creed and race finds an equal place,
And may God bless our nation.
Guyana
Dear land of Guyana, of rivers and plains,
Made rich by the sunshine, and lush by the rains.
Set gem-like and fair, between mountains and sea,
Your children salute you, dear land of the free.
Green land of Guyana, our heroes of yore,
Both bondsmen and free, laid their bones on your shore.
This soil so they hallowed, and from them are we,
All sons of one mother, Guyana the free.
Great land of Guyana, diverse though our strains,
We are born of their sacrifice, heirs of their pains.
And ours is the glory their eyes did not see,
One land of six peoples, united and free.
Dear land of Guyana, to you will we give,
Our homage, our service, each day that we live.
God guard you, Great Mother, and make us to be
More worthy our heritage, land of the free.
I picked the Trinidadian and Guyanese anthems because of their similar background in the Commonwealth. Both countries have an English speaking African/ Indian Majority. The landmasses are located in the Caribbean Sea the only difference in the two landmasses are that Trinidad and Tobago are islands versus Guyana which is contained part of South America. However they have different anthems like sister countries Bengal and India. Guyana's anthem is comprised of a concentration of the violent freedom of their countries and the blessings of their lush country. Trinidad's anthem consist more of Unity, Liberty, and Equality.
It is strange that both countries have very different anthems yet they are very similar in background. Looking further detail into both countries histories there is a reason as to why there are strong differences in the anthems. Trinidad and Guyana became independent states in the 1960s. They are considered the beauties of their respective areas. Yet the violence involved in Guyanese anthem is related to the fight for freedom but it is not because of their secession from the British Empire rather it is because of the indentured states which basically enslaved the mass population, not to say that Trinidad is not comprised of the same population but the difference is this indentured state lasted longer in Guyana. Also there is constant border disputes with rival Suriname. The Guyanese population does consist of a violent past, many elections held in the state were comprised of violent riots. Upon further inspection of the Trinidadian anthem, one can see that it seeks unity not just between the people but between the two island states that make up the country, something that Guyana does not have with its neighboring states.
While both states seek and maintain their freedom Trinidad keeps a harmonious anthem versus Guyana who has a war based anthem. The societal place of an anthem keeps the population united and proud. It is interesting to see to neighboring states sharing the same difference in characteristics as the Indian and Bengali anthems. These two anthems are both beautiful and representative of their respective countries.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Old School Anthems
In the two national anthems of India and Bangladesh written by Rabindranath Tagore, we see many differences. In the national anthem written for Bangladesh, we see Tagore use very descriptive words, to show us how beautiful this country must have been. Tagore makes it seem as if this country is like no other. Its creation was better than any other ever made. It seems he compares the beauty of Bangladesh to the beauty of gold. We can see that the people who lived in this country held its beauty most valuable. This anthem was said to be created around 1905, during the time when Bengal as being separated into two by the British government based on religion. I believe that this anthem was suited to what the people believed their country was.
In the National anthem of India, it came off as more of a war based anthem. It talks about a great ruler who will lead them to victory. Although the poem very beautiful for those of us who do not know better the anthem seems to be war based. But as i found out, the poem written around 1911 happens to be about god.But now if we go back and analyze the anthem again, we see the many references. It speaks about praying. I think this anthem suits the people of the country because they people of India are known to be very religious.
As we see the 2 national anthems written by the same man, but very different in their own ways. A very respectable thing Tagore did was address each anthem to the people of the country. National Anthems are meant for the people to show what they are proud about of their country and for them to show how proud they are.
In the National anthem of India, it came off as more of a war based anthem. It talks about a great ruler who will lead them to victory. Although the poem very beautiful for those of us who do not know better the anthem seems to be war based. But as i found out, the poem written around 1911 happens to be about god.But now if we go back and analyze the anthem again, we see the many references. It speaks about praying. I think this anthem suits the people of the country because they people of India are known to be very religious.
As we see the 2 national anthems written by the same man, but very different in their own ways. A very respectable thing Tagore did was address each anthem to the people of the country. National Anthems are meant for the people to show what they are proud about of their country and for them to show how proud they are.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
National Anthems
The author Tagore successfully created Bangladesh national anthem which described the beauty of this country. Even though he was not a citizen in that country, through his words, we can feel how beautiful the country is and how happily people enjoy their lives. He described the beauty of the country in which God brought a happy life to all people. For instance, in spring, people can enjoy the skies and mango groves growing up. In autumn, they enjoy the beauty of nature with full- blossomed paddy fields, banyan trees, and the Bank Rivers. All these natures make this country become more beautiful and peaceful. He used each word very descriptive and creative in which we can imagine the whole picture about this country. In contrast, when he wrote the India national anthem, he focused on the religion rather than the beauty of this country because India was one of the most influentially religious countries in which people always believed in God and praised for God. He draw the picture of India by introducing the geographically locations in this country such as the hills of Vindhyas and Himalayas, Yamuna, Ganga, and Indian sea. Indians were always proud of their country, and they prayed for the peace no matter what their destiny was. We can say that Tagore was successfully in creating the national anthem for these two countries since through his words, we can imagine how beautiful these countries are, and how happily people lived there.
Lao and Jamaica in some ways are very different in their religions, geographical locations, and people. However, what they have in common is the patriotic. In each nation anthem, people are proud of their country in which they always protect it from any other countries intending to harm them. They praised for their prosperity, freedom and happiness. Although both national anthems have the similarity in the way they are proud of their country, these anthems are different in the time historical period when they were written. For Laos national anthem, it was composed in 1941 when this country was still under France control. Later in 1953, this country was recognized the independence by France. The anthem was written to indicate that Laos was an independent country in which all people have their own freedom. Later 20 years, the Jamaican anthem was adopted upon independence in 1962. The Joint Committee of the Houses of Parliament approved the national anthem in 1962 when Jamaica got its independence from the Britain. I don’t think that national anthems of Laos and Jamaica truly represent the culture of each country. These anthems were written as if they indicated the independent of these countries in the world. Since they Laos and Jamaica were the colonists another country at that time, they wanted to have their voices of freedom and independence as a separate nations. Through these anthems, we don’t really see anything such as family, religion, and language relating to the culture. So, these anthems mostly show the pride of all citizens and the independence of these countries.
Because I wasn’t born or grew up in the United States, I didn’t really know about the American Culture. What I know about the culture of a country was all about its religion, language, custom, or people. In the United Sates national anthem, I don’t feel that it accurately represents American culture today. The anthem indicated the land of free and the home of brave. It represents the independence of the country and people have the freedom and proud of their country. Words in the anthem didn’t relate much about the religion, language or anything relating to the culture.
United States is the land of many opportunities
Many immigrants came here to better their lives
However, it is not easy for them to fit in this economy today
The economy is going down and unemployment increases
People are seeking their jobs and lots of people were fired
It affected many countries in the world
We hope that United States will recover its economic
People will have a happy live and stable job.
Lao and Jamaica in some ways are very different in their religions, geographical locations, and people. However, what they have in common is the patriotic. In each nation anthem, people are proud of their country in which they always protect it from any other countries intending to harm them. They praised for their prosperity, freedom and happiness. Although both national anthems have the similarity in the way they are proud of their country, these anthems are different in the time historical period when they were written. For Laos national anthem, it was composed in 1941 when this country was still under France control. Later in 1953, this country was recognized the independence by France. The anthem was written to indicate that Laos was an independent country in which all people have their own freedom. Later 20 years, the Jamaican anthem was adopted upon independence in 1962. The Joint Committee of the Houses of Parliament approved the national anthem in 1962 when Jamaica got its independence from the Britain. I don’t think that national anthems of Laos and Jamaica truly represent the culture of each country. These anthems were written as if they indicated the independent of these countries in the world. Since they Laos and Jamaica were the colonists another country at that time, they wanted to have their voices of freedom and independence as a separate nations. Through these anthems, we don’t really see anything such as family, religion, and language relating to the culture. So, these anthems mostly show the pride of all citizens and the independence of these countries.
Because I wasn’t born or grew up in the United States, I didn’t really know about the American Culture. What I know about the culture of a country was all about its religion, language, custom, or people. In the United Sates national anthem, I don’t feel that it accurately represents American culture today. The anthem indicated the land of free and the home of brave. It represents the independence of the country and people have the freedom and proud of their country. Words in the anthem didn’t relate much about the religion, language or anything relating to the culture.
United States is the land of many opportunities
Many immigrants came here to better their lives
However, it is not easy for them to fit in this economy today
The economy is going down and unemployment increases
People are seeking their jobs and lots of people were fired
It affected many countries in the world
We hope that United States will recover its economic
People will have a happy live and stable job.
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