Different cultures exercise different traditions, which should be respected not only by this nation, but also by all others throughout the world.
However, U.S., as one of the members of the Olympic Games, has neglected the tradition of flag dipping for the English Queen. What are the implications of this action? Many Olympic Games Experts carry on the conversation about the reasons why U.S. team has broken the tradition of Olympic Games Opening Ceremony in London.
For instance, a professor at Penn State, Mark Dyreson, has stated that “it was considered a sign of ugly Americanism”. The professor considered this American “tradition” as a myth that nobody knows exactly what happened in 1908. Moreover, the display of the national flag of the U. S. is regulated by the federal United States Flag Code guidelines, which indicate to not dip the flag on this ceremony, which is regulated by military. I agree with the statement that this American “tradition” is only a folk tale, which was invented by US to demonstrate its supremacy over the world.
They want to make a political issue from it, but I assume that such response is over exaggerated. The Olympic Games should remain a cultural event, where every team should respect the traditions equally, including dipping the flag. However, the U.S.
military control every American flag bearer of the Games, giving instructions whether they should dip the flag or not without giving any explanations. As a result, it is obvious that the U.S, demonstrate its positive attitude to the nationalism and the belief that the American nation will never bow before any “earthy” king. In conclusion, the considerations of the reasons why US have broken the tradition of dipping the flag are various. Nonetheless, these assumptions are not supported.
However, it is obvious that this action has political implications with U.S. trying to make itself a unique nation of the world.
