It seems it’s always about race.
I don’t see a problem with this rendition of the National Anthem:
I DO see a problem with the black community’s response that complaints must be racially motivated. Especially when support for that point of view comes from a “history professor” who is not above publicly displaying his ignorance:
Khalil Muhammad, an Indiana University history professor, said he listened to a version of the anthem sung by Warfield-Cross on YouTube and concluded it was “a fairly traditional rendition.” He noted that many artists, including Jimi Hendrix, Marvin Gaye and Jose Feliciano, have put their own stamp on the song without significant controversy. Musicians have also performed the song using traditional Jewish musical styles, he added.
Muhammad also questioned the complaint that Warfield-Cross’ version was disrespectful to military members.
“African-Americans die in our wars like white Americans,” Muhammad said. “Since Vietnam, African-Americans have served disproportionately in our armed services.”
Really? A look at this chart, based in part on data from the U.S. Department of Defense tells another story:
In addition, it’s a burr under the black community’s saddle that troops were not integrated until the Vietnam War. How many times have we heard the complaints that black troops served as cooks in the U.S. Army during WWII instead of being able to serve side-by-side with white troops on the front lines?
From where I sit, the black community should not herald the song as NOT disrespectful, and then bitch about the supposed disproportionate numbers of blacks who serve.
In addition, I wonder if the esteemed Kalil Muhammed (I’m betting that is not his real name) has any idea about this fact of American history?
The bottom line is, blacks serve proudly in our armed forces, and this girl’s version of The National Anthem disrespects NONE of our active-duty service members no matter their race, religion, or sexual preference.
People are complaining? Oh. Good. Grief. what in the world is there to complain about? Now, I’m not sure that all her “stylings” follow musically – but for goodness sakes – at least she hit the notes and in our anthem that is not an easy thing to do. I saw no disrespect. Some folks go themselves one tight….. attitude, yeah that’s it, attitude.
Bless her heart, not easy to sing – a capella at that – in front of a crowd like that.
If you want an interesting secret that is kept as well as the race warlords can, take a look at the percentage of blacks in the Services and the combat arms. It’s funny how the white kids go for Infantry and Armor and the black kids go for the services, mechanics, typists, etc.
As for the then segregated military, anyone that really wanted to could join the Infantry divisions that fought in Italy or the Tank Destroyer units that slugged in out with the Panzers.
I wouldn’t mind these ignorant asshole race warlord poverty pimps so much if they were not so damned insulting to the actual heroes that not only fought, but fought damned well in our previous wars. This includes the black regiments that fought in the trenches, under French command in WW1. It includes the black Cavalry and Infantry regiments of the Indian wars.
I wasn’t that impressed with her version – only because it didn’t seem to flow as well. It seemed at times that the alternate notes were too forced and awkward – like she was fighting to keep from falling into the traditional tune. That said, at least she didn’t scratch her crotch and spit afterward.
Did her version sound ‘Black’ somehow? I didn’t think so. Was it her intent to be ‘offensive’ or to lay some sort of racial claim by singing her rendition? Absolutely not – she was just attempting another spin on our American Cultural theme as countless others have before her. Personally, if you want to add racial flavor to a’capella magnificence, I’d like to hear Ladysmith Black Mambazo have a go – I bet it would be awesome. And no – I don’t think that would be (or should be considered) offensive at all.