As someone who has lived abroad, I can attest to the fact that cultural differences can sometimes be quite jarring. What may be a perfectly normal, even mundane, occurrence in one country can seem utterly bizarre to an outsider. That’s precisely the experience TikTok user Paulina (@paulinappa_0) had when she visited the Rainbow Oaks Restaurant in Southern California and witnessed the establishment’s patriotic tradition of playing the American national anthem.
Paulina, who was visiting from outside the US, wasn’t prepared for the moment the “Star-Spangled Banner” began to play throughout the restaurant. In her video, you can see the dramatic shift in the room as all the other patrons immediately stood up, placing their hands over their hearts in a display of reverence. Meanwhile, Paulina and her friend remained seated, seemingly caught off guard by the unexpected patriotic outpouring.
To those unfamiliar with American customs, Paulina’s reaction is completely understandable. As one TikTok user from Australia pointed out, “We play ours at the Olympics and ANZAC Day and that’s pretty much it.” Similarly, a commenter from Spain noted, “In Spain we don’t even hear the national anthem that much, so this would 100% freak me out so much.” The concept of a restaurant regularly playing the national anthem and customers automatically standing at attention is a uniquely American phenomenon that can be quite jarring for outsiders to witness.
After Paulina’s video went viral, the owner of Rainbow Oaks, Jeanene Paulino, spoke out about the establishment’s patriotic tradition. As she explained, “I come from a long line of patriots, so I was thrilled to keep the tradition going. No, we won’t be stopping.” Paulino’s unwavering commitment to honoring the national anthem reflects the deep-rooted sense of American pride that is central to the country’s cultural identity.
While some Americans defended the restaurant’s tradition and expressed their own patriotic sentiments, others were a bit put off by the intensity of the scene. One viewer sarcastically commented, “Yeah I can see how dangerous this is. Everybody respecting the flag and not paying any attention to you whatsoever. How did you survive?” This divide in reactions highlights the fact that even within the US, there are differing perspectives on the appropriate way to display national pride.
Ultimately, the experience Paulina had at the Rainbow Oaks Restaurant is a testament to the cultural differences that exist around the world. What may seem like a normal, even mundane, occurrence in one country can be utterly shocking and puzzling to someone from a different background. The key is to approach these situations with an open mind, seeking to understand and appreciate the nuances of other cultures, rather than passing judgment.
The viral TikTok video of the patriotic scene at the Rainbow Oaks Restaurant has sparked a fascinating discussion about the cultural divide between Americans and those from other countries. While the intensity of the customers’ reaction to the national anthem may have seemed strange to Paulina, it is a reflection of the deep-rooted sense of American pride that is central to the country’s identity. By embracing and seeking to understand these cultural differences, we can foster greater cross-cultural appreciation and connection.
