I believe Tagore’s representation of Bangladesh is accurate because Tagore did not write his poem with Bangladesh as the main focus. The leaders of Bangladesh chose the poem because it symbolizes an ideal Bangladesh and that idealistic view seems to be admiration and respect for nature. Furthermore it possible for Tagore to write a national anthem that relates to Bangladesh more than someone who actually lives in the country. Example someone who lives in the country will write about the positives and negatives of the country while a stranger may see only the positives because they do not have any direct relation to the country. Furthermore India’s anthem is religious in the aspect they are asking for guidance and giving thanks for their country. India’s national anthem gives praise to a high power rather than to the country’s history –people who fought for the country’s freedom- which shows the country’s dedication to their faith.
South Africa’s national anthem is asking their God to bless and unit the people of the country which shows this country’s commitment to their faith. The anthem states, “God bless Africa …. Sounds the call to come together, And united we shall stand, Let us live and strive for freedom, in South Africa our land” (exploresouthafrica.net). South Africa’s national anthem is a combination of two anthems. The first anthem is “Nkosi Sikelel’ IAfrika” which was a poem “1897” which grew very popular and was mostly sung at political meetings. The second anthem is “The call of South Africa” which was accepted by the country as the anthem in “1928.” It seems both anthems were combined to close the gap between government and citizens. However the Barbadian national anthem (1966) is religious and patriotic. The anthem shows its appreciation for the country’s heroes but ask its God to continue to guide the country. The anthem states, “The Lord has been the people’s guide for past three hundred years, with his still on the people side we have no doubts or fears” (Irving Burgie). It shows the country’s commitment to maintaining its faith but continuing to improve as a country. Irving Burgie was similar to Tagore because he was not born in Barbados. Irving was born in the United States but his words and interpretation were bajan. His words represent the hearts and feelings of Barbados citizens because they are dedicated to their history and very religious.
If you really think about it the USA’s national anthem truly represents its culture today. It is considered today “the land of the free and the home of the brave.” A lot of Americans may not see they are fortunate but if their open their eyes and see how many people give their lives to live in this country they may understand America is a luxury for living. In addition thousands of soldiers put this country before their families which is funny because most people of other countries put family first. If that isn’t patriotic and I don’t know what is!
Extra Credit
Barbados Barbados you are a dot on the map
But you continue to let your voice be heard
God continues to guide and protect
And we continue to appreciate his grace
Our people are strong and fearless
But we feel each other’s pain
Our sugarcane is our energy
Our flying fish is our protein
Cricket is our game
And the seas are our beaches
Our future is safe because of history’s teachings
God please continue to show your love and grace
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Saturday, April 17, 2010
United Kingdom vs. Australia
I am sort of conflicted on whether or not I believe it possible for one writer to accurately represent two different counties, especially a country in which he is not a citizen. The only way I could see this being acceptable is if the person had lived a number of years in both countries (regardless of citizenship). If so, the person most likely has a sense of pride regarding that country and what it stands for, also he would know first-hand what it is like living there, what the people are like, ect. If the person writes the national anthem based on research and a few visits to the country, then I wouldn’t consider that to be acceptable at all. In order to write a national anthem, one must personally know the country and it’s people.
I visited a friend in the United Kingdom over spring break…that does not give me the knowledge or right to write that country’s national anthem. I’d actually consider it an insult to the people who ARE citizens and have pride in their country and know what it stands for/represents.
When looking at the national anthems for Bangladesh and India both written by Tagore, it’s clear that they are very different based on what each country considers important. The Bangladesh national anthem speaks highly of nature and the seasonal beauty. Praise and glory is given to the skies, the air, the fields and the trees. Honestly, if I had read this without knowing it was the Bangladesh national anthem, I would have guessed it to be a poem or an excerpt from a book. It definitely isn’t what I would expect a national anthem to sound/look like. The Indian national anthem, to me, seems to be about praising someone—maybe a King or a Queen, although it doesn’t explicitly state which or who.
The United Kingdom’s national anthem vs. Australia’s national anthem.
I think it’s pretty clear from the title of the United Kingdom’s national anthem, “God Save the Queen,” what the country considers valuable—their Queen (or King). “The authorship of the song is unknown and beyond its first verse, which is consistent, it has many historic and extant versions” (Wikipedia). It is extremely nationalistic and at the time, in my opinion, accurately represented their culture. However, now I don’t think that is the case.
I thought it was pretty interesting that Australia used to have the same national anthem as the United Kingdom. I think that is even more insulting to have the same national anthem as another country then to have someone not from your country write your national anthem. Every country stands for something different. The national anthem that Australia uses today is called, “Advance Australia Fair,” and reminds me of the Bangladesh national anthem because it praises the “golden soil,” “the sea,” and claims it is the “land abound in nature’s gifts of beauty rich and rare.”
Similar to my feelings towards the UK’s national anthem, I believe that the United States National Anthem used to accurately represent our culture, but I definitely don’t think it represents today’s American culture.
I visited a friend in the United Kingdom over spring break…that does not give me the knowledge or right to write that country’s national anthem. I’d actually consider it an insult to the people who ARE citizens and have pride in their country and know what it stands for/represents.
When looking at the national anthems for Bangladesh and India both written by Tagore, it’s clear that they are very different based on what each country considers important. The Bangladesh national anthem speaks highly of nature and the seasonal beauty. Praise and glory is given to the skies, the air, the fields and the trees. Honestly, if I had read this without knowing it was the Bangladesh national anthem, I would have guessed it to be a poem or an excerpt from a book. It definitely isn’t what I would expect a national anthem to sound/look like. The Indian national anthem, to me, seems to be about praising someone—maybe a King or a Queen, although it doesn’t explicitly state which or who.
The United Kingdom’s national anthem vs. Australia’s national anthem.
I think it’s pretty clear from the title of the United Kingdom’s national anthem, “God Save the Queen,” what the country considers valuable—their Queen (or King). “The authorship of the song is unknown and beyond its first verse, which is consistent, it has many historic and extant versions” (Wikipedia). It is extremely nationalistic and at the time, in my opinion, accurately represented their culture. However, now I don’t think that is the case.
I thought it was pretty interesting that Australia used to have the same national anthem as the United Kingdom. I think that is even more insulting to have the same national anthem as another country then to have someone not from your country write your national anthem. Every country stands for something different. The national anthem that Australia uses today is called, “Advance Australia Fair,” and reminds me of the Bangladesh national anthem because it praises the “golden soil,” “the sea,” and claims it is the “land abound in nature’s gifts of beauty rich and rare.”
Similar to my feelings towards the UK’s national anthem, I believe that the United States National Anthem used to accurately represent our culture, but I definitely don’t think it represents today’s American culture.
Friday, April 16, 2010
China vs. Jamaica
China vs. Jamaica
The Bangladesh national anthem is very interesting. Throughout the whole anthem the singer or reader is reminded and informed that the country is a beautiful place. The anthem allows people to recognize the beauty of the country in different seasons and it also gives examples of what the country has to offer. Nature seems to be very valuable and respected by the people of Bangladesh. Like nature, the anthem gives the country maternal qualities. The national anthem was written in 1906 and during this period in time the country had been split in half and this anthem was suppose to revive the people’s spirits.
This anthem is similar to the India’s national anthem because nature and geography are used to make the country seem like a great place to be. The use of nature and geography is weak in comparison to Bangladesh’s anthem and contains more pride from a victory of a war. India’s anthem is more of a war anthem.
The content in the two anthems from China and Jamaica are completely different. China’s anthem is very tough and motivating. The whole message is for the people of China to rise up and unite together to be a powerful nation, which no one can defeat. After reading it, the anthem makes China seems strong, and strong willed which in a sense makes them seem very intimidating.
Jamaica on the other hand makes the people seem very loyal to the country and it seems like Jamaica is just an enjoyable place to be. The anthem from a catholic perspective resembles a prayer, a prayer similar to a Catholic protection prayer. Jamaica is a mellow place, which doesn’t promote war. Instead, the anthem makes one believe that Jamaica should be appreciated to the fullest extent.
This anthem is similar to the India’s national anthem because nature and geography are used to make the country seem like a great place to be. The use of nature and geography is weak in comparison to Bangladesh’s anthem and contains more pride from a victory of a war. India’s anthem is more of a war anthem.
China’s National Anthem
Arise, ye who refuse to be slaves;
With our very flesh and blood
Let us build our new Great Wall!
The peoples of China are in the most critical time,
Everybody must roar his defiance.
Arise! Arise! Arise!
Millions of hearts with one mind,
Brave the enemy's gunfire,
March on!
Brave the enemy's gunfire,
March on!
March on!
March on, on!
Jamaica’s National 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.
Jamaica on the other hand makes the people seem very loyal to the country and it seems like Jamaica is just an enjoyable place to be. The anthem from a catholic perspective resembles a prayer, a prayer similar to a Catholic protection prayer. Jamaica is a mellow place, which doesn’t promote war. Instead, the anthem makes one believe that Jamaica should be appreciated to the fullest extent.
Anthems
The two tagore anthems in my opinion dont really describe the nations morals or beliefs. I think it focuses more on describing their nature, like the sea, the wind and the hills. Also, I think the anthems sound alot like poems.
The mexican anthem really represents the feeling that thousands of mexican felt after they became independent from spain and they won the war. It basically ask all mexican to go to war to defend their country. Also, it shows the fact that mexicans are very religious. Because it talks about how the angel and god will watch over them, to make sure they return back home safely.
In contrast to the cuban anthem which it only tells their people to go to war and to not be afraid because if they die then they have a glourious death. But it really doesnt tell me anything about the people that live in cuba, if they are religious or not, what they do, or why are they going to war. It only urges their people to go to war and die, so that they arent cowards.
The united States Anthem sounds very patriotic. It lets the reader know that this nation is very religious "in god we thrust" and it tells us that they are in war because they want to be free and that they are proud of their country and their flag. which I do think represent them correctly base on the fact that they were under the british rule and they wanted to break free and become a free nation.
The mexican anthem really represents the feeling that thousands of mexican felt after they became independent from spain and they won the war. It basically ask all mexican to go to war to defend their country. Also, it shows the fact that mexicans are very religious. Because it talks about how the angel and god will watch over them, to make sure they return back home safely.
In contrast to the cuban anthem which it only tells their people to go to war and to not be afraid because if they die then they have a glourious death. But it really doesnt tell me anything about the people that live in cuba, if they are religious or not, what they do, or why are they going to war. It only urges their people to go to war and die, so that they arent cowards.
The united States Anthem sounds very patriotic. It lets the reader know that this nation is very religious "in god we thrust" and it tells us that they are in war because they want to be free and that they are proud of their country and their flag. which I do think represent them correctly base on the fact that they were under the british rule and they wanted to break free and become a free nation.
National Anthems: Israel and India
The English and Hebrew versions of the state of Israel national anthem:
Hatikva\Naftali Hertz Imber
As long as deep in the heart,
The soul of a Jew yearns,
And forward to the East
To Zion, an eye looks
Our hope will not be lost,
The hope of two thousand years,
To be a free nation in our land,
The land of Zion and Jerusalem.
| Transliteration | התקוה |
| Kol od balevav p'nimah | כל עוד בלבב פנימה |
| Nefesh Yehudi homiyah | נפש יהודי הומיה |
| Ulfa'atey mizrach kadimah | ולפאתי מזרח קדימה |
| Ayin l'tzion tzofiyah | עין לציון צופיה |
| Od lo avdah tikvatenu | עוד לא אבדה תקותנו |
| Hatikvah bat shnot alpayim | התקוה בת שנות אלפים |
| L'hiyot am chofshi b'artzenu | להיות עם חופשי בארצנו |
| Eretz Tzion v'Yerushalayim | ארץ ציון וירושלים |
India national anthem:
Thou art the ruler of the minds of all people,
Dispenser of India's destiny.
Thy name rouses the hearts of the Punjab,
Sind, Gujarat, and Maratha,
Of the Dravid, and Orissa and Bengal.
It echoes in the hills of Vindhyas and,
Himalayas, mingles in the music of the
Jamuna and the Ganges and is chanted by
the waves of the Indian sea.
The pray for the blessings,
and sing by the praise,
The saving of all people
waits in thy hand.
Thou dispenser of India's destiny,
Victory, victory, victory to thee.
When looking at both anthems I can say that India's anthem is listing the different people within this huge country, it also presents us with the different views and parts of the land. It is trying to unite the gaps, the arguments, the differences and rely on similarities to form one anthem for one country.
Hatikva, means "the hope\ our hope". The anthem is referring to the Jewish people, wherever they are. it is talking about the infinite yearning for a place to call home, for a country where they will be protected and to live there in freedom. This hope is two thousands years old, because the people of Israel (the Jewish people) were exiled from its' country for that time of period. Unfortunately this song is still very relevant, this country is in constant threat from its' surrounding countries, terrorism from abroad and from within. The Anthem was written more then forty years before then state was founded and that's where the name come from, it was a hope, something that you wish for it to happen.
Dror
(I am not very familiar with the U.S. national anthem, but from reading it briefly it looks like it symbolize a period that is long gone. But it doesn't mean it is no relevant. Moreover, I think it is very important that the anthem will represent not only the present being but will also remind its' people about their origin, and about the struggle they have gone through to form the country. I must say though, that when I think of the sentence "the home of the brave" It's hard for me to associate Madoff, Bush and Snooki with these words..)
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
National anthems: Japan and United Kingdom
1. Anthem of Japan vs. United Kingdom
National anthem of Japan: “Kimigayo”
May Japan's Reign
Last for ten thousand years
May her stones turn to rocks
May those rocks turn to boulders
May Japan Reign and Flourish
"Kimigayo" is Japan's national anthem. Its lyrics are based on a Waka poem written in the Heian period (794-1185), sung to a melody written in the later Meiji period. The anthem was legally realized in 1999.
Kimi" indicates the Emperor, who is the symbol of the State and of the unity of the people, and whose position is derived from the will of Japanese citizens, with whom sovereign power resides. The phrase "Kimigayo" indicates the State, Japan, which has the Emperor enthroned as the symbol of the State and of the unity of Japanese citizens. It is reasonable to take the lyric to mean the wish for the lasting prosperity and peace of the country. Kimigayo is also said to be symbol of Japanese imperialism and militarism (Wikipedia).
National Anthem of Britain: “God Save the Queen”
God save our gracious Queen,
Long live our noble Queen,
God save the
Queen:
Send her victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over
us:
God save the Queen.
O Lord, our God, arise,
Scatter her enemies,
And make them fall.
Confound their politics,
Frustrate their knavish
tricks,
On Thee our hopes we fix,
God save us all.
Thy choicest
gifts in store,
On her be pleased to pour;
Long may she reign:
May
she defend our laws,
And ever give us cause
To sing with heart and voice
God save the Queen
The song is a typical patriotic song dedicated to the King and the Queen. The song reflects the importance of the King and the Queen to the British people, as they pray to God to give His help to the King and the Queen of the nation. To them, the King and Queen are the representatives for the Britain, the ones who will protect the people and the nation agaisnt outsiders and will uphold the nation. The song also reflects the main religion of the United Kingdom.
Both anthems are of nations with monarchy, and both of them wish for the long lasting of the kingdom reign and the royal family.
2) The national anthem of United States is a war song, and “the lyrics come from "Defence of Fort McHenry", a poem written in 1814 by the 35-year-old amateur poet Francis Scott Key after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry by the British Royal Navy ships in Chesapeake Bay during the Battle of Fort McHenry in the War of 1812” (Wikipedia). The song reflects the hard-fought wars that happened in the US for the sake of our independence and freedom. Throughout the song there is a proud voice of the Americans of their hard fight for their own liberty and individuality, which are the core values of this sweet land.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Taiwan vs China
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.
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.
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