National Anthems

Tagore's National Anthems
I think to write a national anthem one has to be from that particular country or have lived there for so many years that she identifies with that country. I think it is possible to understand a nation's people by interviewing them and doing scholarly research but I think to truly feel a deep emotional connection one's life has to be intertwined with that nation. I think Tagore's Bangladesh and Indian national anthems are very different. The Bangladesh anthem is very sentimental. There are many emotional words like "love", "heart", "sweet", "affection", "tenderness", "sadness", and "tears." He also focuses on the landscape of Bangladesh. He creates a picture of the nation. Also, by referring to Bangladesh as "mother" he creates a emotional connection to the nation. Mothers provide life, they nurture us, and generally we always go back to our moms in times of need and joy. It is usually a lifelong and unbreakable bond. So by referring to Bangladesh as mother Tagore makes clear that the bond to Bangladesh is forever.

Haiti's and Jamaica's National Anthems

Haiti's 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 strong soul!

To die is a fine thing,

For the flag,

For our country.

Jamaica's Anthem:

Eternal Father bless our land,
Guard us with Thy Mighty Hand,
Keep us free from evil powers,
Be our light through countless hours.
To our Leaders, Great Defender,
Grant true wisdom from above.
Justice, Truth be ours forever,
Jamaica, Land we love.
Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica land we love.

Teach us true respect for all,
Stir response to duty’s call, strengthen us the weak to cherish,
Give us vision lest we perish.
Knowledge send us Heavenly Father,
Grant true wisdom from above.
Justice, Truth be ours forever,
Jamaica, land we love.
Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica land we love.

Haiti is the first independent black country (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ha.html) so it makes sense that its national anthem is so patriotic and war based. There is an emphasis on being independent when it says "let us be masters of our soil." There is also many references to the land and toiling joyfully. I am a Haitian-American so I know that Haitians are very hard-working people who take pride in their work so the ideals represented in the anthem are true of Haitians. Toward the end there is a plea to God to provide protection and their is also mention of death for the country being something to be proud of. Haitians are extremely religious. The mention of dying for the country is also representative of Haitian people's rebellious and perseverant spirit. Contrastingly, Jamaica's anthem is very prayer-like. It asks God not only for protection but for wisdom, strength, and respect. There is an emphasis on hope and trust. There is a sense of deep concern for the people of the country staying righteous. This anthem is very idealistic and noble. Jamaica gained its independence in 1962 after years of British rule and slavery (http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2032.htm). Perhaps Jamaica is focused on making sure that people respect each other after years of disrespect.

United States' National Anthem
Our anthem seems very antiquated. Its focus is on fighting for our independence and bravery. But today we are a superpower and we are seen by many countries as being a bully. I think that our 2 wars have skewed our image to many across the world and to some of our own citizens. Our anthem needs to represent the ideals of democracy, inclusion, and cultural acceptance. We are a land of opportunities which is why so many people want to live here.