Staff Reports
In yet another display often criticized as entitlement, a certain singer at Dodger Stadium turned the national anthem into a stage for protest. Nezza, an unfamiliar name to most, took it upon herself to belt out the Star-Spangled Banner in Spanish. Her reason? A protest against ICE and a gesture towards cultural heritage. It seems some critics believe she might have overlooked the typical tradition of performing it in English, but historical context shows otherwise: in America, the Spanish version was commissioned officially during Roosevelt’s Good Neighbor policy.
While Nezza attempted to frame her actions as an act of love and a nod to President Franklin Roosevelt’s policy, critics argue she overlooked the fundamental respect for the nation and its symbols. She describes feeling “shaken up” by the apparent injustice, further solidifying the narrative she stands by.
This incident could be seen as highlighting a broader discussion on entitlement versus protest in public spaces. Nezza’s parents are of Colombian and Dominican descent, but the assumptions about their teaching or backgrounds remain speculative. The real world can present complexities where tradition and protest meet, with rules that differ based on the institution and context.
Missteps nowadays can sometimes be spun into protests, enveloped in the language of emotion and cultural expression. The reality is that an anthem can historically be rendered in Spanish as well, and the conversation continues as to how laws and traditions adapt to expressions of identity and protest.
Nezza’s tale is instructive, prompting reflection on cultural expression and respect for traditions—a point of conversation that shouldn’t be dismissed lightly. It shines a light on the critical need for cultural integration and respect, reminding everyone to consider how respect for America and its traditions coexist with expressions of cultural heritage. Let’s strive to understand these dynamics. God bless America.
