Gabby Douglas, one of the U.S.’s five gold medal-winning Olympic gymnasts, has apologized for “offending” those who were critical of her because she didn’t place her hand over heart during the playing of the National Anthem.
No apology is needed, young lady.
We are now witnessing one of the aspects of social media that infuriates me. People get on Twitter and fire off half-baked critiques and insults.
The U.S. Code of Conduct governing proper etiquette during the playing of the National Anthem added a provision in 2008 that suggests placing the hand over your heart. But the rule isn’t written into law, for crying out loud!
Gabby didn’t do a single thing wrong by standing simply at attention while her teammates place their hands over their hearts.
For the record, I don’t place my hand over my heart, either, while the National Anthem is being played. Am I disrespecting the flag, my country, or am I showing that I am less of a patriot than those who do? Hardly.
Neither is Gabby Douglas.
The hand over the chest has been interpreted as a masonic hand sign. as documented in Duncan’s Masonic Ritual and Monitor: Sign of the master of the second veil. Other than this, I agree there should be no uproar for this gesture.