Anthems and Their Truths

I believe it is possible for a person to accurately represent two different countries. There are many ways a person would be able to do this. One way would be to do extensive research, which would include extensive interviews with many citizens. Additionally, the person would be able to really understand a country if he or she were to live in that countries for quite some years. I believe that these two scenarios would result in a person being able to give an accurate description of the country and its views/beliefs.
The two anthems written by Tagore for Bangladesh and India are very similar in my opinion. Both anthems include descriptions of the country’s physical features; either it be the blue skies and various trees of Bangladesh or the hills of India. One difference that I did notice was that while Bangladesh’s national anthem was strictly about the country’s natural physical features, India’s national anthem gave many references to previous rulers and leaders. With this in mind, it becomes obvious that the two anthems were written by a person that wasn’t a citizen or fully familiar with the two countries. Mentioning a place’s physical attributes are something a person can be acquainted with in one trip. Furthermore, mentioning a country’s key leaders is knowledge that can we acquired through books and not necessarily knowledge that is acquired from residing in a place.
Two anthems that I have read were Aruba’s and Poland’s. These two countries are on opposite sides of the world and I was curious as to how their anthems would differ. After reading the two I have realized that these two anthems differ greatly. Aruba’s anthem emphasizes the countries beauty and peacefulness. Which I believe is very accurate since I have visited there myself. The people are all friendly which is mentioned in the anthem. It is obvious that the anthem is trying to portray the country as very idealistic. I feel like this anthem can represent the country at any moment in time. It is very general by just describing the country’s physical attributes and the tendencies of its citizens.
Poland’s national anthem however, is quite different. It is war-based and emphasizes that Poland and its people will persevere and not let themselves be taken over. This becomes understandable since there have been many attempts to conquer Poland throughout history. It was a song that was sung by many Polish soldiers to keep them fighting even though Poland was almost wiped off the map. After the battles and Poland being reformed the song became the national anthem because of the strength it had during the war. This however, doesn’t describe the country as it is now. Poland is no longer fighting for existence, so even though it is a great reminder of perseverance and struggle to come up on top, they are no longer at war. On the other hand, perhaps an anthem that brings these types of feelings to its citizens is what they aim for.
One similarity that I did find between these two anthems is its patriotism. Both anthems use strong language to express their love for their countries. This is exactly what an anthem is supposed to do.
When it comes to our country’s nation anthem I do not believe that it accurately describes our country and it’s people. The anthem is written about our victorious war for independence. Yes, we are currently fighting in a war right now but that war is not for our independence. Additionally, the rockets and cannons described in the victory war don’t even apply in today’s time where we are capable of using nuclear weapons, and airplane missiles. I believe we should have an anthem that describes our country better as it is today. An economic powerhouse, and a “freedom” country where people escape from their own countries to achieve freedom here.

Extra Credit:
America the beautiful, America the powerful
All types of people intermingling and colorful.
Land of endless possibilities, no need for strife
People are happy with no other life.
Walk through the country and hear the laughter
We are strong and those in need we look after.
Land of the intellect, land of the greatest
We can be rude but we are also the sweetest.