Standing for the National Anthem

[Meagan34]

If those reasons are your moral qualms to peacefully protest and you’ve studied them, go for it! Most people here will stand up (or sit down) for being “counter-cultural” in their beliefs and proud of it no matter who they might offend. Some sensitive stepped on toes might lead to angry or disapproving stares but, who really cares about them?

Btw, I commend you on your use of the word Native American instead of Indian. Just because a guy without much sense of direction was geographically incorrect doesn’t mean we all have to be. I have many Indian (you know, like, from India) friends who are annoyed at it as well.

 

[TeenCatholicGuy]

If those reasons are your moral qualms to peacefully protest and you’ve studied them, go for it! Most people here will stand up (or sit down) for being “counter-cultural” in their beliefs and proud of it no matter who they might offend. Some sensitive stepped on toes might lead to angry or disapproving stares but, who really cares about them?

Btw, I commend you on your use of the word Native American instead of Indian. Just because a guy without much sense of direction was geographically incorrect doesn’t mean we all have to be. I have many Indian (you know, like, from India) friends who are annoyed at it as well.

Thank you.

My main concern is that I could get in trouble with the school. My family can’t afford a lawyer to run a case as huge as violating Charter Rights. It could be driven all the way to the Supreme Court.
Or like that boy who did the same in Manitoba, I could get beaten up or sent to the office or lectured in the class. In this age of cell phones, I could be the school embarrassment. I could be bullied to the extreme.

That’s why I wanna be sure the legal system is on my side. That’s why I spent several hours researching Canadian Law.

 

[angell1]

I won’t respond to every poster separately, as that would take a while.

What I will do is make a broad response to the majority of posters.

I’m sure we could argue all day about whether my reasons for not wanting to stand are valid, but wasnt my main intention. My main was more the legality, which is why I mainly quoted Canadian Law.

The poster I quoted above makes a few good points, most id have to agree with. Governments exist to help themselves right now and it is shameful.

I’ve been getting this a lot, but I’ll say it again. I was born in June, 2002.

you can do whatever you want. sit if you are convinced that’s what you think you should do.

however, I have to be completely honest, the most likely impression that you will give off is that is that you’re just a disrespectful teenager who’s parents didn’t teach any manners.

your concerns with our government are valid. but that’s not what the national anthem is about. there are many things we can appreciate about our country regardless of current policies on certain issues.

as for the whole first nations issue. it’s a lot more complex than what you probably learned in school. I used to struggle with the same issue, so I suggest you do some extra reading on the subject

 

[Phemie]

Btw, I commend you on your use of the word Native American instead of Indian. Just because a guy without much sense of direction was geographically incorrect doesn’t mean we all have to be. I have many Indian (you know, like, from India) friends who are annoyed at it as well.

youtube.com/watch?v=XEzjA5RoLv0

 

[BoomBoomMancini]

That’s why I wanna be sure the legal system is on my side. That’s why I spent several hours researching Canadian Law.

I’m not sure why you’re asking here, then. There are probably very few, if any, Canadian lawyers reading this thread.

As to the idea that you might look silly or be embarrassed: yes, that’s very likely. I don’t mean to be condescending, but a lot of things can seem very clear at 15, and you want to take a big, bold, dramatic stand. You’ll probably do a when you look back on this at 30. Just a fair warning.

 

[TeenCatholicGuy]

you can do whatever you want. sit if you are convinced that’s what you think you should do.

however, I have to be completely honest, the most likely impression that you will give off is that is that you’re just a disrespectful teenager who’s parents didn’t teach any manners.

your concerns with our government are valid. but that’s not what the national anthem is about. there are many things we can appreciate about our country regardless of current policies on certain issues.

as for the whole first nations issue. it’s a lot more complex than what you probably learned in school. I used to struggle with the same issue, so I suggest you do some extra reading on the subject

That’s why I will make sure to be clear and speak in a calm, neutral tone if questioned.

I just want to be sure that if the school tries to force me, they will be violating the Federal Constitution.

My big concern is that they could ignore my claim and follow Board Policy. It states that anyone can apply to be exempt, but if you are under 18 you need to have your parent apply via the Principal and different forms.

I simply believe that this cannot effect me if I claim rights under the Charter as Schools aka Provincial Policy cannot violate the charter. As I said in the OP, I should be protected under the Freedom of Expression, Opinion, Religion and Belief.

 

[Mary_Estelle]

Here is my reply: In following your posts I think you are always going to be against something or someone for some reason. A regular rebel rouser. I hate to think what your going to be like in 10 years from now. You can’t intellectualize everything. If you truly find something wrong-work in a peaceful and just way to change it. If you don’t want to stand-don’t. A lot of souldiers have died and lost their legs just so you can have the privilege of standing for the anthem and flag-or not. Peace.

 

[TeenCatholicGuy]

Here is my reply: In following your posts I think you are always going to be against something or someone for some reason. A regular rebel rouser. I hate to think what your going to be like in 10 years from now. You can’t intellectualize everything. If you truly find something wrong-work in a peaceful and just way to change it. If you don’t want to stand-don’t. A lot of souldiers have died and lost their legs just so you can have the privilege of standing for the anthem and flag-or not. Peace.

Standing for the National Anthem fought for our freedom. I’m sure many would be angry if I refuse to stand, but Canada has also been mistreating vets as well.

 

[heidi_storage]

Here is my reply: In following your posts I think you are always going to be against something or someone for some reason. A regular rebel rouser. I hate to think what your going to be like in 10 years from now.

My guess is he’ll be decent and perhaps have more nuanced thinking than he does now. He’s young and passionate, obviously bright. Maybe in 10 years he’ll have more balance and perspective.

 

[BoomBoomMancini]

I just want to be sure that if the school tries to force me, they will be violating the Federal Constitution.

Then you should probably talk to a Canadian lawyer who can actually give you some insight into this question. This isn’t really the right place to ask for legal advice.

 

[TeenCatholicGuy]

Here is my reply: In following your posts I think you are always going to be against something or someone for some reason. A regular rebel rouser. I hate to think what your going to be like in 10 years from now. You can’t intellectualize everything. If you truly find something wrong-work in a peaceful and just way to change it. If you don’t want to stand-don’t. A lot of souldiers have died and lost their legs just so you can have the privilege of standing for the anthem and flag-or not. Peace.

Im against Donald Trump and the GOP, but that’s a different Thread.

Again, I’m hoping i could get opinions on the legality, not just how “unpatriotic” I am. It could be rude or not, but i want to be sure I’m not going to get in actual trouble, and that If I do, I can fight back.

 

[TeenCatholicGuy]

Then you should probably talk to a Canadian lawyer who can actually give you some insight into this question. This isn’t really the right place to ask for legal advice.

Lawyers cost money.

Posting here and giving the facts and asking for opinions on it isnt.

 

[BoomBoomMancini]

Again, I’m hoping i could get opinions on the legality

Again, why are you asking here? Why would this be a good place to get legal advice? You need to talk to a Canadian lawyer. I’m sure there are better places on the internet to do that than a Catholic message board.

Honestly, it kinda looks like you just want attention, which is normal enough for someone your age, but really, take this question to someone who can actually answer it for you.

Lawyers cost money.

Posting here and giving the facts and asking for opinions on it isnt.

But lawyers actually have the ability to give you an informed answer to your question. You spent three hours researching Canadian law on the subject, so you’re probably much better informed than any of us.

An ignorant opinion doesn’t become useful just because it’s free.

 

[Irishmom2]

Lawyers cost money.

Posting here and giving the facts and asking for opinions on it isnt.

Opinions are not law. You asked about what the law is for standing at school.
People here are anonymous strangers. They can tell you they are a lawyer, how would you know? So, unless you pay a real lawyer, you are taking your chances.

 

[TeenCatholicGuy]

Again, why are you asking here? Why would this be a good place to get legal advice? You need to talk to a Canadian lawyer. I’m sure there are better places on the internet to do that than a Catholic message board.

Honestly, it kinda looks like you just want attention, which is normal enough for someone your age, but really, take this question to someone who can actually answer it for you.

If I wanted attention, I’d be ignoring the law and purposely insulting Canada and the issues I’ve mentioned.

Also, why would a 15 year old looking for attention HERE of all places.

 

[TeenCatholicGuy]

Opinions are not law. You asked about what the law is for standing at school.
People here are anonymous strangers. They can tell you they are a lawyer, how would you know? So, unless you pay a real lawyer, you are taking your chances.

I am 15.

There is no direct law about standing for O Canada. I shared the policies and laws that can touch on the subject, but contradicts each other.

So I’m giving what I know and asking if you think the law is on my side.

 

[BoomBoomMancini]

I am 15.

You’ve made that abundantly clear.

There is no direct law about standing for O Canada. I shared the policies and laws that can touch on the subject, but contradicts each other.

So I’m giving what I know and asking if you think the law is on my side.

**
And the people you are asking aren’t equipped to give you an informed answer. **You asking a random bunch of people, most of whom A) aren’t lawyers and B) aren’t Canadian is useless. It’s like me asking my garbage collector whether he thinks my blood pressure is too high. He’s not equipped to give me any insight. I’d need to talk to someone with some medical training.

There’s got to be some corner of the internet where Canadian lawyers hang out. Try Reddit or something.

 

[Irishmom2]

I am 15.

There is no direct law about standing for O Canada. I shared the policies and laws that can touch on the subject, but contradicts each other.

So I’m giving what I know and asking if you think the law is on my side.

So what do your parents think about your wanting to not stand? They should matter more than internet strangers.

 

[Irishmom2]

I am 15.

There is no direct law about standing for O Canada. I shared the policies and laws that can touch on the subject, but contradicts each other.

So I’m giving what I know and asking if you think the law is on my side.

If there is no direct law, and you have researched the policies and laws, what is it you want from anyone on CAF? If you want opinions, you have them. Almost everyone here said its not going to serve any purpose.

The ball is in your court even if you are 15. It’s your choice, not ours.

 

[Phemie]

Thank you.

My main concern is that I could get in trouble with the school. My family can’t afford a lawyer to run a case as huge as violating Charter Rights. It could be driven all the way to the Supreme Court.
Or like that boy who did the same in Manitoba, I could get beaten up or sent to the office or lectured in the class. In this age of cell phones, I could be the school embarrassment. I could be bullied to the extreme.

That’s why I wanna be sure the legal system is on my side. That’s why I spent several hours researching Canadian Law.

Are there any other students who don’t stand for the Anthem? Those who belong to Jehovah’s Witnesses? I’m assuming that the rule about parents requesting that their children be exempt mainly applies to them.

If you believe so strongly that you should not stand, talk to your parents and ask them to intercede for you with the school administration.