A TikTok video recently went viral, sparking shock and confusion among viewers outside the United States. The video, filmed by TikTok user Paulina (@paulinappa_0), documents a surprising scene inside the Rainbow Oaks Restaurant in Southern California. As Paulina and her friend sat down to enjoy their breakfast, they were unexpectedly interrupted by the playing of the American national anthem. What happened next left them—and viewers around the world—stunned. Customers in the restaurant all stood up, placing their right hands on their hearts in a display of patriotism that felt foreign to those unfamiliar with such traditions.
A Tradition That Catches Visitors Off Guard
Rainbow Oaks Restaurant, a lodge-like eatery known for its all-day breakfast, has a daily tradition of playing “The Star-Spangled Banner.” However, Paulina, unaware of this custom, was caught off guard when the anthem began to play. Her video captures the moment the music started, freezing the entire restaurant in a patriotic pause. In stark contrast, Paulina and her friend remained seated, bewildered by the sudden change in atmosphere. The video’s caption—“By far the most dangerous situation I’ve ever been in #godblessamerica #getout #illegal #whitepeoplethings“—illustrates her shock and discomfort, a sentiment that resonated with many viewers from outside the U.S, according to LADBible.
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Global Reactions: Shock and Confusion Abroad
Viewers from countries outside the U.S. expressed their surprise and, in some cases, discomfort at the scene. Comments flooded in from people around the world who found the tradition both strange and unsettling. One user from Australia commented, “Whaaaat?? So freaky. We play ours at the Olympics and ANZAC Day and that’s pretty much it.” Another from Spain echoed the sentiment, saying, “In Spain we don’t even hear the national anthem that much, so this would 100% freak me out so much.” The scene was even compared to a horror movie by one viewer, who wrote, “Everyone stands up as soon as the music plays as you find yourself the only person not standing.” These reactions highlight the cultural differences in how national pride and traditions are expressed globally.
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Mixed Responses from Americans: Pride and Criticism
While the video shocked many international viewers, reactions within the U.S. were mixed. Some Americans found the scene unsettling, while others defended the tradition as a display of national pride. One sarcastic comment read, “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 opinions underscores the varying perspectives on patriotic rituals in the U.S., where expressions of national pride can be both celebrated and critiqued. The Rainbow Oaks tradition, while surprising to some, is a routine part of daily life for others, reflecting the deep-seated patriotism in certain American communities.
Restaurant Owner Defends the Tradition Amidst Backlash
Following the viral response to the video, Jeanene Paulino, the owner of Rainbow Oaks Restaurant, addressed the controversy in an interview with Fox & Friends First. Paulino, who comes from a family of patriots, made it clear that she has no intention of ending the tradition. “I come from a long line of patriots, so I was thrilled to keep the tradition going. No, we won’t be stopping,” she stated. Paulino emphasized the importance of taking a moment to honor the sacrifices made by those who fought for the country’s freedoms, saying, “I feel like, if we take a few minutes out of our day to be grateful for the men and women who have made the sacrifices so that we can stand up and say how we feel and she said how she felt.” Her response highlights the deep emotional and cultural significance of this daily national anthem ritual for many Americans, even as it raises questions and concerns for those less familiar with such practices.
Cultural Disconnect: When Traditions Clash with Modern Sensibilities
The viral video and its aftermath underscore a broader cultural disconnect between different regions and generations. While traditions like standing for the national anthem are deeply ingrained in some parts of the U.S., they can be jarring or even alienating to those not accustomed to such displays. Paulina’s experience at Rainbow Oaks serves as a reminder of how regional customs can be perceived differently, depending on one’s background and cultural expectations. As global communication continues to bring these differences to light, such moments can spark important conversations about the role of tradition in a rapidly changing world.
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