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Originally Posted by tvbound
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Thank you for the link to another view. Although I am generally sceptical of you tube as a good source for information, I was willing to give it a try. Several attempts and all I got "site not available" on my tablet. So, I went to dictionary.com for the forgotten verses and read all the verses. Trying to take what (admittedly) little I remember of the history of those times, I could see , depending on ones perspective, it could be taken either way.
I then went to Intercept.com to see what they had to say. They said that the words "hireling and slave" has been interpreted in both ways, depending on ones perspective. They then go on with further information that "hireling and slave" may have referred to a group of former slaves who joined the British and fought against the Americans, but more likely referred to America slaves and wage earners. They continued with a history of Fancis Scott Key, showing first how he was portrayed in history, followed by another and darker portrayal of him. Key himself never spoke of his poem, thus never explained the actual meaning of his usage of " hireling and slave".
Many artists don't feel the need to explain their work and prefer to let the viewer make their own conclusion. I cannot say for certain that he felt that way, but I can see that, while there seems to be some ambiguity here, if one accepts the darker portrait of Key there would be much evidence to support that he was referring to America slaves and wage earners. I am always open to information in hopes of finding truth and common ground.
So, where do we go from here? Earlier, I had suggested striking all but the first verse so that the anthem that the rest of the world recognizes could still be played at venues like the Olympics. If dumping all but the first verse is not acceptable, what song might you recommend?
What now? I believe further discussion is necessary, by those willing to listen as well as speak, and have the power to actually make the changes.
Again, thanks for the info.
Stay safe. Stay well. Peace!