[efnx]

I’m sure your question is rhetorical, but just in case - I think we all know it’s because they want to fit in, or at least… …not get called out for not participating.

Yes, it’s not mandatory and yes you _could_ sit down and not sing, but the consequences are that your fellow spectators will be agitated. They may not show it in any way, or… …they might!

[jvanderbot]

So, on the larger context of the thread, we started by saying it's weird that we're required to say a pledge or sing a national hymn. I'm saying I haven't done that in 30 odd years and have not suffered any negative consequences, so perhaps the requirement was overstated.

The interpretation of my intended message has transformed a bit beyond the original scope to include never standing, not even feeling social pressure of any kind, and a comparison to Colin Capernick who attends sporting events in an entirely different capacity than I do. Those points just sound a lot like trying to win an argument on technicality vs have a discussion about experiences.

All I'm saying is you can feel all the pressure in the world to sing a hymn or say a pledge at events, compromise half way by standing, and not sing any national hymn or pledge and suffer no compromises. It is absolutely not required.