U Maryland marching band will stop playing state song

[struggle4progress]

Talia Richman
The Baltimore Sun

The University of Maryland’s marching band will no longer play the state’s song, which was used as a pro-Confederate battle hymn and bashes "the Northern scum."

The state’s flagship university has suspended the playing of the controversial tune to "evaluate if it is consistent with the values of our institution at this time" ...

The marching band used to play "Maryland, My Maryland" as part of it’s football pregame show.

Drum major Brian Starace said he and other band members are glad to be getting rid of the association with the Confederacy ...

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/education/higher-ed/bs-md-state-song-umd-20170828-story.html

[defacto7]

1. So when do we get rid of the Star Spangled Banner?

The verses that follow the one we sing have racist text. It's all Key's writing. Or maybe it doesn't matter because we don't sing those.

[struggle4progress]

2. I'd like us to switch to "De Colores" or "Lift Every Voice and Sing"

[MineralMan]

3. I love "De Colores," but I doubt a song in Spanish

would fly with the xenophobes.

[struggle4progress]

5. Mebbe. But as a proposal, it has the advantage that it would make idiots' forehead veins pop purple

[MineralMan]

7. Well, there is that, of course, and it would be fun for sure.

[struggle4progress]

8. We might as well have some fun

[KatyMan]

4. How about

This Land is Your Land? That would be the best choice methinks.

[TomSlick]

6. Which lyrics are racist?

I have found the argument but it doesn't add up.

[link:https://www.theroot.com/star-spangled-bigotry-the-hidden-racist-history-of-the-1790855893|

The reference to "hireling or slave" is pretty clearly referencing British soldiers.

[defacto7]

9. I'll study up..

But I remember 2 references and the argument has been both ways for the slave reference. There's some history in the interpretation as well. I'll have to read up again.

[yellowcanine]

10. It's a nice tune. Why not just change the lyrics?

[Hekate]

11. Excellent idea