[gerryh1943]

Indianapolis 500 race what do you think that a Japanese man won the race and didn't have the respect of carry-on The United States flag with the Japan flag flag.That bothered me I would like your opinion

[Taltarzac725]

Originally Posted by gerryh1943

Indianapolis 500 race what do you think that a Chinese man won the race and didn't have the respect of carry-on The United States flag with the Chinese flag.That bothered me I would like your opinion

Takuma Sato - Wikipedia

He is Japanese.

[Nucky]

This is a very very valid point that you made and I agree that it is disrespectful. I'll bet it never happens again at that race. The Officials were asleep to allow it. This kind of thing really became more popular after that crumb took a knee for the National Anthem. I'm going to leave it there for tonight.

He is Japanese in a race in the Middle of The united States. Respect our country please.

[circletrack]

Originally Posted by gerryh1943

Indianapolis 500 race what do you think that a Chinese man won the race and didn't have the respect of carry-on The United States flag with the Chinese flag.That bothered me I would like your opinion

The JAPANESE fellow's crew members, from U.S.-based Andretti Autosport, also grabbed Japanese flags and waved them in celebration during the victory lane interview. I'm sure you took issue with that as well.

I'm not sure Mr. Sato made a conscious decision not to wave an American flag. If a U.S. driver won a Formula 1 race in Japan, do you think they would be celebrating with the Japanese flag?

A Denver Post columnist let his thought about a Japanese driver winning the 500. He's no longer employed.

[JoMar]

Don't know the difference between Chinese and Japanese? Really? Is it not acceptable for a person from another country to have the same loyalty to their country as you have for yours. He was brought here to race by an American company, owned by Americans who evidently appreciate the talent he brings to their support. If you have an issue it with them, not the employee. Oh, and those owners are icons in the history of the Indianapolis 500. Somehow we need to get past this negative generalization on other nationalities....maybe it's generational and will die out.

[circletrack]

Originally Posted by JoMar

Don't know the difference between Chinese and Japanese? Really? Is it not acceptable for a person from another country to have the same loyalty to their country as you have for yours. He was brought here to race by an American company, owned by Americans who evidently appreciate the talent he brings to their support. If you have an issue it with them, not the employee. Oh, and those owners are icons in the history of the Indianapolis 500. Somehow we need to get past this negative generalization on other nationalities....maybe it's generational and will die out.

I understand some folks still hold animosity toward Japan. As you said, it's generational. Though the OP thought Sato was Chinese, so you really can't even use the War as an excuse for his animosity.

[justjim]

When a runner from another country wins a race here in U.S., don't they trot around the track with their countries flag? Is there a difference in motor racing? When an American wins a race on foreign soil, doesn't he/she wave the American flag?

[ColdNoMore]

Originally Posted by justjim

When a runner from another country wins a race here in U.S., don't they trot around the track with their countries flag? Is there a difference in motor racing? When an American wins a race on foreign soil, doesn't he/she wave the American flag?

Exactly.

[Nucky]

I think it doesn't matter what country had a driver that won they should give our Flag equal respect. That's all. When the Blue Jays play at Yankee Stadium we fly the Canadian flag and they return the favor...respect for each other pure and simple. Some people are not built to accept this for our flag but cry over everything else.

[circletrack]

Originally Posted by Nucky

I think it doesn't matter what country had a driver that won they should give our Flag equal respect. That's all. When the Blue Jays play at Yankee Stadium we fly the Canadian flag and they return the favor...respect for each other pure and simple. Some people are not built to accept this for our flag but cry over everything else.

That's kind of a good point, but if we want to use that comparison, I don't think Indy officials played the national anthems for each driver/team from another nation before the race. Did we in the US not show them enough respect as well?

Edit to add: In this case, using your analogy, Sato himself would be the visiting team. So Indy Officials should have raised a Japanese flag/played their anthem out of respect for him, no?

[JoMar]

And when the Olympics are played in the US and the US doesn't place in an event, do they fly the American Flag or play the anthem? When a World Cup is played in the US and the competing teams aren't from the US do they play the anthem or fly the flag of the US? Guess that's an issue for some also. The Indianapolis 500 is a sporting event....nothing more. Memorial Day is the Holiday. They just happen to coexist on the same day.

[Nucky]

Originally Posted by circletrack

That's kind of a good point, but if we want to use that comparison, I don't think Indy officials played the national anthems for each driver/team from another nation before the race. Did we in the US not show them enough respect as well?

No problem with their flag being displayed after they won a great race just that it looked lonely without our flag being shown at the same time. I noticed it but kept quiet because today was about the people who defended our flag with their life. The Blue Jays with the Canadian Anthem and flag being flown was strictly to illustrate that with planning respect to both countries can be achieved. I believe they were respected properly but possibly they did that on their own by just grabbing their flag and taking off to display it.

[circletrack]

Originally Posted by Nucky

No problem with their flag being displayed after they won a great race just that it looked lonely without our flag being shown at the same time. I noticed it but kept quiet because today was about the people who defended our flag with their life. The Blue Jays with the Canadian Anthem and flag being flown was strictly to illustrate that with planning respect to both countries can be achieved. I believe they were respected properly but possibly they did that on their own by just grabbing their flag and taking off to display it.

Thanks for the thoughtful response. I guess I would have just found it even more awkward for someone from another nation using our flag as part of their celebration. But that's just my opinion.

I'm more of a NASCAR fan anyway. There's no shortage of American flags there. Especially during the Great American Race: the Daytona 500!

[SALYBOW]

Originally Posted by Taltarzac725

Takuma Sato - Wikipedia

He is Japanese.

This puts me in mind of the Olympics were the winner celebrates his or her own country flag. Unless he showed outward disrespect for our flag after he was told to carry it'. IMHO we are blowing this up into a international incident at a time when we need to step back as "the Ugly Americans, and become friendly congratulatory compassionate people Lets not blow it all out of proportion.
When Lance Armstrong winds his bike race, he wears Old Glory.

[Bay Kid]

Great race!