People from outside the United States were left stunned and uneasy after witnessing a scene inside a restaurant when the American national anthem started playing.
While it can be fascinating to dive into the customs of other countries, certain behaviors might seem perplexing if you’re not accustomed to them.
TikTok user Paulina (@paulinappa_0) was confronted with one such behavior during her visit to Rainbow Oaks Restaurant in Southern California. She shared the experience on the video platform.
The Rainbow Oaks Restaurant is described as a ‘lodge-like eatery offering breakfast all day and night,’ known for playing the American national anthem daily.
Paulina was unaware of this tradition and was taken by surprise when ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ began to play.
Her video captures the moment the anthem resounded in the restaurant, bringing everything to a halt.
Customers around Paulina stood still with their right hands on their hearts, while Paulina and her friend remained seated with their pancakes.
Alongside the video, Paulina humorously noted: “By far the most dangerous situation I’ve ever been in #godblessamerica #getout #illegal #whitepeoplethings.”
Viewers, especially those from outside the US, were astonished by the scene.
One TikTok user from Australia commented: “Whaaaat?? So freaky. We play ours at the Olympics and ANZAC Day and that’s pretty much it.”
Another user added: “In Spain we don’t even hear the national anthem that much, so this would 100% freak me out so much.”
One comment went so far as to compare the scene to a ‘horror movie.’
“Everyone stands up as soon as the music plays as you find yourself being the only person not standing,” they wrote.
Even some Americans felt uneasy about the video, though many defended their national pride and love for the anthem.
“Yeah I can see how dangerous this is. Everybody respecting the flag and not paying any attention to you whatsoever. How did you survive?” one viewer sarcastically remarked.
Following the viral spread of the video, Jeanene Paulino, the owner of Rainbow Oaks, made it clear that the tradition would continue.
Speaking on Fox & Friends First, she stated: “I come from a long line of patriots, so I was thrilled to keep the tradition going. No, we won’t be stopping.
“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.
“And I wish she realized that it’s because those men and women who made those sacrifices that she was able to do that.”