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{{Short description|American patriotic chant}}
{{other uses|USA (disambiguation)}}
{{other uses|USA (disambiguation)}}
{{lead too short|date=September 2018}}
{{lead too short|date=September 2018}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}}
"'''U-S-A!'''" is a [[chant]] of the [[United States of America]]'s initials popular in expressing American pride and supporting American national sports teams. It is also used in other community events, such as at political rallies or [[White nationalism|white nationalist rallies]].
"'''U-S-A!'''" is a [[chant]] of the [[United States|United States of America]]'s initials popular in expressing American pride and supporting American national sports teams. It is also used in other community events and can frequently be heard at political rallies. The chant has received a mixed reception since its creation, being perceived as both a powerful display of American unity and love of country and as potentially [[Jingoism|jingoistic]] in equal measure.


==Steel plant origin==
==Origins==
The first documented usage of a U-S-A chant was in 1918 at a [[Bethlehem Steel]] plant in [[Lebanon, Pennsylvania]].<ref name=AtlanticFeb2019>{{cite magazine |last=Zimmer |first=Ben |date=8 February 2019 |title=How the 'U-S-A' Chant Became a Political Weapon |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/02/republicansand-democratschant-usa-at-state-of-union/582325/ |magazine=The Atlantic |access-date=7 March 2019 }}</ref>
The first documented usage of a U-S-A chant was in 1918 at a [[Bethlehem Steel]] plant in [[Lebanon, Pennsylvania]].<ref name=AtlanticFeb2019>{{cite magazine |last=Zimmer |first=Ben |date=February 8, 2019 |title=How the 'U-S-A' Chant Became a Political Weapon |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/02/republicansand-democratschant-usa-at-state-of-union/582325/ |magazine=The Atlantic |access-date=March 7, 2019 }}</ref>


===Use in sports===
==Sports==
⚫
The film ''[[Olympia (1938 film)|Olympia: Festival of Nations]]'', documenting the [[1936 Summer Olympics]] in [[Berlin]], includes the chant during the finals of the 1,500 meter event and the long jump.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLnGqMoNXRI#t=61m55s| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130725222533/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLnGqMoNXRI| archive-date=July 25, 2013 | url-status=dead|title=Olympia Part 1 Fest der Völker 1938 with English Subs|last=cityguy2129|date=July 26, 2012|via=YouTube}}</ref> It was also documented at the [[1972 Summer Olympics]] in [[Munich]], during the basketball tournament final between the United States and the Soviet Union.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25H7rT3PfWc| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120714071045/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25H7rT3PfWc&gl=US&hl=en| archive-date=July 14, 2012 | url-status=dead|title=1972 München Olympic Games, Basketball, USSR - USA, Final, Men |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> In 1979, the chant was used in [[Budapest]] when the national men's teams of [[Hungary national football team|Hungary]] and the [[United States men's national soccer team|United States]] played against each other.<ref name="Atlantic2011">{{cite magazine |last=Fromson |first=Daniel |date=May 2, 2011 |title=A Brief History of the U-S-A Chant, From Reagan to Osama |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2011/05/a-brief-history-of-the-u-s-a-chant-from-reagan-to-osama/238179/ |magazine=The Atlantic |publisher=The Atlantic Monthly Group |access-date=March 6, 2019 }}</ref>


⚫
The chant was popularized in the context of [[ice hockey at the 1980 Winter Olympics]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Bump |first=Philip |date=July 14, 2015 |title=When did the 'U-S-A, U-S-A' chant come to politics? Thank Reagan. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2015/07/14/when-did-the-u-s-a-u-s-a-chant-come-to-politics-thank-reagan/ |work=Washington Post |access-date=March 6, 2019 }}</ref> During the U.S.' 7–3 win over Czechoslovakia in the second game, the crowd began chanting "U-S-A! U-S-A!" in support of the U.S. hockey team as the Americans scored a decisive win over one of the best teams in the world. The chant became a fixture of the team's remaining games and gained national attention after the U.S. defeated the heavily favored [[Soviet Union national ice hockey team|Soviet Union]] professionals in what became known as the "[[Miracle on Ice]]", later moving on to beat [[Finland men's national ice hockey team|Finland]] for the gold medal.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Third Stage of American Empire |last=Pitt|first=William Rivers |author-link=William Rivers Pitt |date=March 1, 2005 |publisher=[[truthout.org]] |url=http://www.globalpolicy.org/component/content/article/154/25728.html}}</ref>
⚫
The film ''[[Olympia (1938 film)|Olympia: Festival of Nations]]'', documenting the [[1936 Summer Olympics]], includes the chant during the finals of the 1,500 meter event and the long jump.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLnGqMoNXRI#t=61m55s|title=Olympia Part 1 Fest der Völker 1938 with English Subs|last=cityguy2129|date=26 July 2012|via=YouTube}}</ref> It was also documented at the [[1972 Summer Olympics]] in [[Munich, Germany]], during the basketball tournament final between the United States and the Soviet Union.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25H7rT3PfWc|title=YouTube|website=www.youtube.com}}</ref> In 1979, the chant was used in [[Budapest]] when the national men's teams of [[Hungary national football team|Hungary]] and the [[United States men's national soccer team|United States]] played against each other.<ref name="Atlantic2011">{{cite magazine |last=Fromson |first=Daniel |date=2 May 2011 |title=A Brief History of the U-S-A Chant, From Reagan to Osama |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2011/05/a-brief-history-of-the-u-s-a-chant-from-reagan-to-osama/238179/ |magazine=The Atlantic |publisher=The Atlantic Monthly Group |access-date=6 March 2019 }}</ref>


==Professional wrestling==
⚫
However, the chant was popularized in the context of [[ice hockey at the 1980 Winter Olympics]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Bump |first=Philip |date=14 July 2015 |title=When did the 'U-S-A, U-S-A' chant come to politics? Thank Reagan. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2015/07/14/when-did-the-u-s-a-u-s-a-chant-come-to-politics-thank-reagan/ |work=Washington Post |access-date=6 March 2019 }}</ref> During the U.S.' 7–3 win over Czechoslovakia in the second game, the crowd began chanting "U-S-A! U-S-A!" in support of the U.S. hockey team as the U.S. scored a decisive win over one of the best teams in the world. The chant became a fixture of the team's remaining games and gained national attention after the U.S. defeated the [[Soviet Union national ice hockey team|Soviet Union]] in what became known as the "[[Miracle on Ice]]", later moving on to beat [[Finland men's national ice hockey team|Finland]] for the gold medal.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Third Stage of American Empire |last=Pitt|first=William Rivers |author-link=William Rivers Pitt |date=2005-03-01 |publisher=[[truthout.org]] |url=http://www.globalpolicy.org/component/content/article/154/25728.html}}</ref>
⚫
In [[professional wrestling]], "Hacksaw" [[Jim Duggan]] was popularly known for making the cheer during his wrestling matches and inciting the crowd to repeat it after him. The chant has also been used by fans to taunt characters who dislike the U.S., such as [[Canadians|Canadian]] star [[Bret Hart]], who was beloved in the United States but turned his back on the country during an infamous 1997 storyline; the [[Bulgaria]]n-born [[Miro (wrestler)|Rusev]], who was [[Kayfabe|portrayed as]] hailing from Russia and pledged his allegiance to Russia and its president [[Vladimir Putin]] throughout 2014–2015, all while bashing the United States alongside his manager [[CJ Perry|Lana]]; and most recently, [[Kevin Owens]], who, ever since capturing the [[WWE United States Championship|United States Championship]] at [[WrestleMania 33]] against [[Chris Jericho]], proclaimed himself as "The Face of America" despite hailing from a small town near [[Montreal]], and would constantly remind the WWE Universe that Canada is better than the United States. He would also sometimes speak in his native [[Canadian French|French]] during his promos in order to draw further [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] [[Heat (professional wrestling)|heat]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/theirdarkdays/|title=Their Dark Dads: How can you be so Hart-less?|work=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|first=James|last=Vermillion|access-date=December 7, 2009}}</ref> It has also been used to support wrestlers with pro-U.S. [[Gimmick (professional wrestling)|gimmicks]], like [[Hulk Hogan]], regardless of the nationality of their opponents.


==Politics==
===Use in professional wrestling===
⚫
In May 1969, it was used in [[Plzeň]], [[Czechoslovakia]] to commemorate the city's liberation by American and Polish forces at the end of [[World War II]].<ref name=AtlanticFeb2019 /> During the [[1984 United States presidential election]], the chant "U.S.A.!" was heard at numerous campaign rallies for incumbent President [[Ronald Reagan]];<ref>{{cite book|author=Stanley B. Greenberg|title=The Two Americas: Our Current Political Deadlock and How to Break It|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8idJIrFTqlQC&pg=PA60|date=June 2005|publisher=St. Martin's Press|isbn=978-0-312-31839-0|page=60}}<br/>{{cite book|author=Erica J. Seifert|title=The Politics of Authenticity in Presidential Campaigns, 1976-2008|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Wz5civtv930C&pg=PA79|date=January 10, 2014|publisher=McFarland|isbn=978-0-7864-9109-4|page=79}}<br/>{{cite book|author=Robert X. Browning|title=The C-SPAN Archives: An Interdisciplinary Resource for Discovery, Learning, and Engagement|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IgtZBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA45|year=2014|publisher=Purdue University Press|isbn=978-1-55753-695-2|page=45}}</ref> it was also heard at events throughout his presidency, including a visit to [[Port Washington, Wisconsin]].<ref>{{cite book|author=Jacob Weisberg|title=Ronald Reagan: The American Presidents Series: The 40th President, 1981-1989|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rzohCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA2|date=January 5, 2016|publisher=Henry Holt and Company|isbn=978-0-8050-9727-6|page=2}}<br/>{{cite news |last=Sandler |first=Norman D. |date=June 19, 1985 |title=President Reagan warned Wednesday 'We will not cave in'... |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1985/06/19/President-Reagan-warned-Wednesday-We-will-not-cave-in/5539488001600/ |agency=UPI |access-date=March 6, 2019 }}</ref>

⚫
In [[professional wrestling]], "Hacksaw" [[Jim Duggan]] was popularly known for making the cheer during his wrestling matches and inciting the crowd to repeat it after him. The chant has also been used by fans to taunt characters who dislike the U.S., such as [[Canadians|Canadian]] star [[Bret Hart]], who was beloved in the United States but turned his back on the country during an infamous 1997 storyline; the [[Bulgaria]]n-born [[Rusev (wrestler)|Rusev]], who was [[kayfabe|portrayed as]] hailing from Russia and pledged his allegiance to Russia and its president [[Vladimir Putin]] throughout 2014/2015, all while bashing the United States alongside his manager [[Lana (wrestling)|Lana]]; and most recently, [[Kevin Owens]], who, ever since capturing the [[WWE United States Championship|United States Championship]] at [[WrestleMania 33]] against [[Chris Jericho]], proclaimed himself as "The Face of America" despite hailing from a small town near [[Montreal]], and would constantly remind the WWE Universe that Canada is better than the United States. He would also sometimes speak in his native [[Canadian French|French]] during his promos in order to draw further [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] [[Heat (professional wrestling)|heat]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/theirdarkdays/|title=Their Dark Dads: How can you be so Hart-less?|work=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|first=James|last=Vermillion|access-date=2009-12-07}}</ref> It has also been used to support wrestlers with pro-U.S. [[glossary of professional wrestling terms#Gimmick|gimmicks]], like [[Hulk Hogan]], regardless of the nationality of their opponents.

⚫
==Usage==
⚫
In May 1969, it was used in [[Plzeň]], [[Czechoslovakia]] to commemorate the city's liberation by American and Polish forces at the end of [[World War II]].<ref name=AtlanticFeb2019 /> During the [[1984 United States presidential election]], the chant "U.S.A.!" was heard at numerous campaign rallies for incumbent President [[Ronald Reagan]];<ref>{{cite book|author=Stanley B. Greenberg|title=The Two Americas: Our Current Political Deadlock and How to Break It|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8idJIrFTqlQC&pg=PA60|date=June 2005|publisher=St. Martin's Press|isbn=978-0-312-31839-0|page=60}}<br/>{{cite book|author=Erica J. Seifert|title=The Politics of Authenticity in Presidential Campaigns, 1976-2008|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Wz5civtv930C&pg=PA79|date=10 January 2014|publisher=McFarland|isbn=978-0-7864-9109-4|page=79}}<br/>{{cite book|author=Robert X. Browning|title=The C-SPAN Archives: An Interdisciplinary Resource for Discovery, Learning, and Engagement|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IgtZBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA45|year=2014|publisher=Purdue University Press|isbn=978-1-55753-695-2|page=45}}</ref> it was also heard at events throughout his presidency, including a visit to [[Port Washington, Wisconsin]].<ref>{{cite book|author=Jacob Weisberg|title=Ronald Reagan: The American Presidents Series: The 40th President, 1981-1989|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rzohCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA2|date=5 January 2016|publisher=Henry Holt and Company|isbn=978-0-8050-9727-6|page=2}}<br/>{{cite news |last=Sandler |first=Norman D. |date=19 June 1985 |title=President Reagan warned Wednesday 'We will not cave in'... |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1985/06/19/President-Reagan-warned-Wednesday-We-will-not-cave-in/5539488001600/ |agency=UPI |access-date=6 March 2019 }}</ref>

===Post 9/11 usage===
[[File:President George W. Bush rallies firefighters and rescue workers during an impromptu speech at the site of the collapsed World Trade Center.jpg|thumb|Original caption of this photograph read: "Standing upon the ashes of the worst terrorist attack on American soil, Sept. 14, 2001, President Bush pledges that the voices calling for justice from across the country will be heard. Responding to the Presidents'{{Sic}} words, rescue workers cheer and chant, "U.S.A, U.S.A." "]]<!-- Commented out because image was deleted: [[File:George+W.+Bush+-+9 11+Bullhorn+Speech mpeg4.theora.ogv|thumb|Rescue Workers chanting U-S-A during President George W. Bush's speech immediately after 9/11]] -->
[[File:President George W. Bush rallies firefighters and rescue workers during an impromptu speech at the site of the collapsed World Trade Center.jpg|thumb|Original caption of this photograph read: "Standing upon the ashes of the worst terrorist attack on American soil, Sept. 14, 2001, President Bush pledges that the voices calling for justice from across the country will be heard. Responding to the Presidents'{{Sic}} words, rescue workers cheer and chant, "U.S.A, U.S.A." "]]<!-- Commented out because image was deleted: [[File:George+W.+Bush+-+9 11+Bullhorn+Speech mpeg4.theora.ogv|thumb|Rescue Workers chanting U-S-A during President George W. Bush's speech immediately after 9/11]] -->
The [[September 11 attacks]] of 2001 found a revival in the chant during patriotic ceremonies at sporting events; the chant was also heard when U.S. President [[George W. Bush]] visited the ruins at the [[World Trade Center site]] in the week following the 2001 attacks.<ref>{{cite web |title=President Bush Salutes Heroes in New York |url=https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2001/09/20010914-9.html |date=2001-09-14}}<br/>{{cite news |last=McCaleb |first=Ian Christopher |date=14 September 2001 |title=Bush tours ground zero in lower Manhattan |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2001/US/09/14/bush.terrorism/ |work=CNN |location=Washington, D.C. |access-date=6 March 2019 }}<br/>{{cite magazine |last=Walsh |first=Kenneth T. |date=25 April 2013 |title=George W. Bush's 'Bullhorn' Moment |url=https://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/ken-walshs-washington/2013/04/25/george-w-bushs-bullhorn-moment |magazine=U.S. News & World Report |location=Washington, D.C. |publisher=U.S. News & World Report L.P. |access-date=6 March 2019 }}</ref> Following the [[Ceremonial first pitch|throwing of the first pitch]] during the [[2001 World Series]], the crowd chanted "U-S-A", when the pitch was a [[Strike zone|strike]].<ref>{{cite book|author=Michael Gavin|title=Sports in the Aftermath of Tragedy: From Kennedy to Katrina|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kfLWAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA81|date=6 December 2012|publisher=Scarecrow Press|isbn=978-0-8108-8701-5|page=81}}<br/>{{cite news |last=Gordon |first=Aaron |date=27 October 2016 |title=Throwback Thursday: President Bush's First Pitch, Fear, and the New Normalcy |url=https://sports.vice.com/en_us/article/aeb738/throwback-thursday-president-bushs-first-pitch-fear-and-the-new-normalcy |work=Vice Sports |access-date=6 March 2019 }}</ref>
The [[September 11 attacks]] of 2001 found a revival in the chant during patriotic ceremonies at sporting events; the chant was also heard when U.S. President [[George W. Bush]] visited the ruins at the [[World Trade Center site]] in the week following the 2001 attacks.<ref>{{cite web |title=President Bush Salutes Heroes in New York |url=https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2001/09/20010914-9.html |date=September 14, 2001}}<br/>{{cite news |last=McCaleb |first=Ian Christopher |date=September 14, 2001 |title=Bush tours ground zero in lower Manhattan |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2001/US/09/14/bush.terrorism/ |work=CNN |location=Washington, D.C. |access-date=March 6, 2019 }}<br/>{{cite magazine |last=Walsh |first=Kenneth T. |date=April 25, 2013 |title=George W. Bush's 'Bullhorn' Moment |url=https://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/ken-walshs-washington/2013/04/25/george-w-bushs-bullhorn-moment |magazine=U.S. News & World Report |location=Washington, D.C. |publisher=U.S. News & World Report L.P. |access-date=March 6, 2019 }}</ref> Following the [[Ceremonial first pitch|throwing of the first pitch]] during the [[2001 World Series]], the crowd chanted "U-S-A", when the pitch was a [[Strike zone|strike]].<ref>{{cite book|author=Michael Gavin|title=Sports in the Aftermath of Tragedy: From Kennedy to Katrina|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kfLWAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA81|date=December 6, 2012|publisher=Scarecrow Press|isbn=978-0-8108-8701-5|page=81}}<br/>{{cite news |last=Gordon |first=Aaron |date=October 27, 2016 |title=Throwback Thursday: President Bush's First Pitch, Fear, and the New Normalcy |url=https://sports.vice.com/en_us/article/aeb738/throwback-thursday-president-bushs-first-pitch-fear-and-the-new-normalcy |work=Vice Sports |access-date=March 6, 2019 }}</ref>
[[File:Crowd at Ground Zero.jpg|thumb|Celebratory crowd at Ground Zero following the announcement of the [[death of Osama bin Laden]].]]
[[File:Crowd at Ground Zero.jpg|thumb|Celebratory crowd at Ground Zero following the announcement of the [[death of Osama bin Laden]].]]
Crowds gathered outside of the [[White House]] on May 1, 2011 could be heard chanting "U-S-A!" after President [[Barack Obama]] announced that [[al-Qaeda]] co-founder [[Death of Osama bin Laden|Osama bin Laden had been killed]] by U.S. forces in [[Pakistan]].<ref>{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |date=2 May 2011 |title=Crowds Gather at White House to Cheer Bin Laden's Death |url=https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Live-Video-Crowds-Gather-Outside-White-House-121066754.html |work=WRC-TV |location=Washington, D.C. |access-date=6 March 2019 }}<br/>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=White House crowds celebrate Bin Laden's death - in pictures |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2011/may/02/white-house-celebrate-osama-bin-laden |work=The Guardian |location=United Kingdom |date=6 March 2019 |access-date=6 March 2019 }}</ref> However, minutes before the announcement, crowds with plates and U.S flags in [[New York City|New York]] had gathered at [[Times Square]] and [[Ground Zero]] (where the towers were located) for celebrating the successful operation, chanting "U-S-A!" repeatedly. The cheer was also chanted that Sunday evening at the only MLB baseball game being held while the news was breaking, between the [[Philadelphia Phillies]] and the [[New York Mets]].<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |agency=ESPN |title=5 years ago: Mets, Phillies fans learn of bin Laden's death |url=https://abc7ny.com/sports/5-years-ago-mets-phillies-fans-learn-of-bin-ladens-death/1318048/ |work=WABC-TV |location=New York, New York |date=1 May 2016 |access-date=6 March 2019 }}<br/>{{cite news |last=Scarborough |first=Joe |title=A time to say thanks |url=https://www.politico.com/story/2011/05/a-time-to-say-thanks-054116 |work=Politico |date=3 May 2011 |access-date=6 March 2019 }}</ref> At the [[Extreme Rules (2011)|2011]] [[WWE Extreme Rules]] event in [[Tampa, Florida]] on the same date, the arena erupted in U-S-A chants as the death of Osama bin Laden was announced by then [[WWE Champion]], [[John Cena]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wwe.com/inside/cena-bin-laden-announcement |title=One year later: Cena reflects on announcing bin Laden's demise |author=Kevin Powers |date=30 April 2012 |publisher=WWE |access-date=6 March 2019 }}<br/>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=6 December 2017 |title=John Cena Announces Osama Bin Laden's Death To WWE Fans (VIDEO) |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/02/john-cena-osama-bin-laden-death_n_856263.html |work=Huffington Post |access-date=6 March 2019 }}</ref>
Crowds gathered outside of the [[White House]] on May 1, 2011, could be heard chanting "U-S-A!" after President [[Barack Obama]] announced that [[al-Qaeda]] co-founder [[Death of Osama bin Laden|Osama bin Laden had been killed]] by U.S. forces in [[Pakistan]].<ref>{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |date=May 2, 2011 |title=Crowds Gather at White House to Cheer Bin Laden's Death |url=https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Live-Video-Crowds-Gather-Outside-White-House-121066754.html |work=WRC-TV |location=Washington, D.C. |access-date=March 6, 2019 }}<br/>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=White House crowds celebrate Bin Laden's death - in pictures |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2011/may/02/white-house-celebrate-osama-bin-laden |work=The Guardian |location=United Kingdom |date=March 6, 2019 |access-date=March 6, 2019 }}</ref> Minutes before the announcement, crowds with plates and U.S flags in [[New York City|New York]] had gathered at [[Times Square]] and [[Ground Zero]] (where the [[World Trade Center (1973–2001)|Twin Towers]] were located) for celebrating the successful operation, chanting "U-S-A!" repeatedly. The cheer was also chanted that Sunday evening at the only MLB baseball game being held while the news was breaking, between the [[Philadelphia Phillies]] and the [[New York Mets]].<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |agency=ESPN |title=5 years ago: Mets, Phillies fans learn of bin Laden's death |url=https://abc7ny.com/sports/5-years-ago-mets-phillies-fans-learn-of-bin-ladens-death/1318048/ |work=WABC-TV |location=New York, New York |date=May 1, 2016 |access-date=March 6, 2019 }}<br/>{{cite news |last=Scarborough |first=Joe |title=A time to say thanks |url=https://www.politico.com/story/2011/05/a-time-to-say-thanks-054116 |work=Politico |date=May 3, 2011 |access-date=March 6, 2019 }}</ref> At the [[Extreme Rules (2011)|2011]] [[WWE Extreme Rules]] event in [[Tampa, Florida]] on the same date, the arena erupted in U-S-A chants as the death of Osama bin Laden was announced by then [[WWE Champion]], [[John Cena]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wwe.com/inside/cena-bin-laden-announcement |title=One year later: Cena reflects on announcing bin Laden's demise |author=Kevin Powers |date=April 30, 2012 |publisher=WWE |access-date=March 6, 2019 }}<br/>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=December 6, 2017 |title=John Cena Announces Osama Bin Laden's Death To WWE Fans (VIDEO) |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/02/john-cena-osama-bin-laden-death_n_856263.html |work=Huffington Post |access-date=March 6, 2019 }}</ref>

On July 13, 2024, during the [[attempted assassination of Donald Trump]], as [[Donald Trump|Trump]] got up after being shot in the ear and began to [[Fist pump|pump his fist]], the crowd chanted "U-S-A!"<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-15 |title=Trump raises fist as crowd chants 'USA!' following assassination attempt |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-raises-fist-crowd-chants-150900924.html |access-date=2024-08-09 |website=Yahoo News |language=en-US}}</ref>


⚫
==Other==
Use of the chant at a sporting event in 2013 at [[Adolfo Camarillo High School]] caused some controversy due to alleged "racist overtones".<ref>{{cite news |title='USA' chants spell trouble for Calif. students |url=http://ktar.com/22/1610865/USA-chants-spell-trouble-for-Calif-students |newspaper=KTAR |date=15 February 2013 |access-date=15 February 2013}}<br/>{{cite news |title=Chanting at Camarillo High basketball game sparks rally, racism concerns |author=Jeffrey Dransfeldt |url=http://www.vcstar.com/news/2013/feb/07/american-flag-incident-at-camarillo-high-spurs/?partner=popular |newspaper=Ventura County Star |date=7 February 2013 |access-date=12 February 2013}}<br/>{{cite news |title=Students Told to Remove Patriotic Bandanas |author=Todd Starnes |url=http://radio.foxnews.com/toddstarnes/top-stories/students-told-to-remove-patriotic-bandanas.html |newspaper=Fox News Radio |date=13 February 2013 |access-date=15 February 2013}}<br/>{{cite news |title=Camarillo High School Students Punished For 'U.S.A.' Chant Viewed As Offensive To Latinos (VIDEO) |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/14/usa-chant-camarillo-anti-latino_n_2685977.html |newspaper=Huffington Post |date=14 February 2013 |access-date=15 February 2013}}</ref>
⚫
The "U-S-A" chant has been adopted by English football supporters during matches against [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]], who have U.S. [[Glazer ownership of Manchester United F.C.|owners]] unpopular with the club's supporters due to the club being saddled by massive debt. Opposing supporters remind the United supporters of this with the "U-S-A" chant;<ref>{{cite web|last=Harris|first=Christopher|url=https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/u-s-a-chants-at-premier-league-matches-are-insulting-20100404-CMS-17432.html|title=U-S-A Chants At Premier League Matches Are Insulting |website=World Soccer Talk|date=April 4, 2010}}</ref> this was also true of [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]], until the [[Royal Bank of Scotland]] takeover. It is also chanted non-sarcastically by British supporters to celebrate achievements of U.S. players such as [[Tim Howard]] at [[Everton F.C.|Everton]] and [[Christian Pulisic]] at [[Chelsea F.C|Chelsea]].


⚫
The chant, led by [[Woody Boyd]], was used in the ''[[Cheers]]'' episode "A Fine French Whine" upon hearing the news that a French citizen with eyes on Boyd's girlfriend has overstayed his visa and would soon be deported. It has shown up on ''[[The Jerry Springer Show]]'', where it may spontaneously and without apparent reason follow the show's standard cheer of "Jer-ry, Jer-ry!" and is also often delivered by [[Homer Simpson]] on ''[[The Simpsons]]'' as a celebration of almost anything, often accompanied by honking of his car's horn and flashing of its headlights. The chant is also used on ''[[It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia]]'' when the gang come up with a plan.{{Citation needed|date=July 2022}}
===Satirical usage===
⚫
The "U-S-A" chant has been adopted by English football supporters during matches against [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]], who have U.S. owners unpopular with the club's supporters due to the club's being saddled by massive debt. Opposing supporters remind the United supporters of this with the "U-S-A" chant;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://epltalk.com/2010/04/04/u-s-a-chants-at-premier-league-matches-are-insulting/|title=U-S-A Chants At Premier League Matches Are Insulting - World Soccer Talk|date=4 April 2010}}</ref> this was also true of [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]], until the [[Royal Bank of Scotland|RBS]] takeover. However, the chant is also used non-sarcastically by British supporters to celebrate achievements of U.S. players such as [[Tim Howard]] at [[Everton F.C.|Everton]].


==See also==
⚫
The chant, led by [[Woody Boyd]], was used in the ''[[Cheers]]'' episode "A Fine French Whine" upon hearing the news that a French citizen with eyes on Boyd's girlfriend has overstayed his visa and would soon be deported. It has shown up on ''[[The Jerry Springer Show]]'', where it may spontaneously and without apparent reason follow the show's standard cheer of "Jer-ry, Jer-ry!" and is also often delivered by [[Homer Simpson]] on ''[[The Simpsons]]'' as a celebration of almost anything, often accompanied by honking of his car's horn and flashing of its headlights. The chant is also used on ''[[It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia]]'' when the gang come up with a plan.
* [[Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi]]


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Chants]]
[[Category:Chants]]
[[Category:American patriotism]]
[[Category:American patriotism]]
[[Category:Culture of the United States]]

Revision as of 04:17, 26 August 2024

For other uses, see USA (disambiguation).

"U-S-A!" is a chant of the United States of America's initials popular in expressing American pride and supporting American national sports teams. It is also used in other community events and can frequently be heard at political rallies. The chant has received a mixed reception since its creation, being perceived as both a powerful display of American unity and love of country and as potentially jingoistic in equal measure.

Steel plant origin

The first documented usage of a U-S-A chant was in 1918 at a Bethlehem Steel plant in Lebanon, Pennsylvania.[1]

Sports

The film Olympia: Festival of Nations, documenting the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, includes the chant during the finals of the 1,500 meter event and the long jump.[2] It was also documented at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, during the basketball tournament final between the United States and the Soviet Union.[3] In 1979, the chant was used in Budapest when the national men's teams of Hungary and the United States played against each other.[4]

The chant was popularized in the context of ice hockey at the 1980 Winter Olympics.[5] During the U.S.' 7–3 win over Czechoslovakia in the second game, the crowd began chanting "U-S-A! U-S-A!" in support of the U.S. hockey team as the Americans scored a decisive win over one of the best teams in the world. The chant became a fixture of the team's remaining games and gained national attention after the U.S. defeated the heavily favored Soviet Union professionals in what became known as the "Miracle on Ice", later moving on to beat Finland for the gold medal.[6]

Professional wrestling

In professional wrestling, "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan was popularly known for making the cheer during his wrestling matches and inciting the crowd to repeat it after him. The chant has also been used by fans to taunt characters who dislike the U.S., such as Canadian star Bret Hart, who was beloved in the United States but turned his back on the country during an infamous 1997 storyline; the Bulgarian-born Rusev, who was portrayed as hailing from Russia and pledged his allegiance to Russia and its president Vladimir Putin throughout 2014–2015, all while bashing the United States alongside his manager Lana; and most recently, Kevin Owens, who, ever since capturing the United States Championship at WrestleMania 33 against Chris Jericho, proclaimed himself as "The Face of America" despite hailing from a small town near Montreal, and would constantly remind the WWE Universe that Canada is better than the United States. He would also sometimes speak in his native French during his promos in order to draw further heel heat.[7] It has also been used to support wrestlers with pro-U.S. gimmicks, like Hulk Hogan, regardless of the nationality of their opponents.

Politics

In May 1969, it was used in Plzeň, Czechoslovakia to commemorate the city's liberation by American and Polish forces at the end of World War II.[1] During the 1984 United States presidential election, the chant "U.S.A.!" was heard at numerous campaign rallies for incumbent President Ronald Reagan;[8] it was also heard at events throughout his presidency, including a visit to Port Washington, Wisconsin.[9]

Original caption of this photograph read: "Standing upon the ashes of the worst terrorist attack on American soil, Sept. 14, 2001, President Bush pledges that the voices calling for justice from across the country will be heard. Responding to the Presidents' [sic] words, rescue workers cheer and chant, "U.S.A, U.S.A." "

The September 11 attacks of 2001 found a revival in the chant during patriotic ceremonies at sporting events; the chant was also heard when U.S. President George W. Bush visited the ruins at the World Trade Center site in the week following the 2001 attacks.[10] Following the throwing of the first pitch during the 2001 World Series, the crowd chanted "U-S-A", when the pitch was a strike.[11]

Celebratory crowd at Ground Zero following the announcement of the death of Osama bin Laden.

Crowds gathered outside of the White House on May 1, 2011, could be heard chanting "U-S-A!" after President Barack Obama announced that al-Qaeda co-founder Osama bin Laden had been killed by U.S. forces in Pakistan.[12] Minutes before the announcement, crowds with plates and U.S flags in New York had gathered at Times Square and Ground Zero (where the Twin Towers were located) for celebrating the successful operation, chanting "U-S-A!" repeatedly. The cheer was also chanted that Sunday evening at the only MLB baseball game being held while the news was breaking, between the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Mets.[13] At the 2011 WWE Extreme Rules event in Tampa, Florida on the same date, the arena erupted in U-S-A chants as the death of Osama bin Laden was announced by then WWE Champion, John Cena.[14]

On July 13, 2024, during the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, as Trump got up after being shot in the ear and began to pump his fist, the crowd chanted "U-S-A!"[15]

Other

The "U-S-A" chant has been adopted by English football supporters during matches against Manchester United, who have U.S. owners unpopular with the club's supporters due to the club being saddled by massive debt. Opposing supporters remind the United supporters of this with the "U-S-A" chant;[16] this was also true of Liverpool, until the Royal Bank of Scotland takeover. It is also chanted non-sarcastically by British supporters to celebrate achievements of U.S. players such as Tim Howard at Everton and Christian Pulisic at Chelsea.

The chant, led by Woody Boyd, was used in the Cheers episode "A Fine French Whine" upon hearing the news that a French citizen with eyes on Boyd's girlfriend has overstayed his visa and would soon be deported. It has shown up on The Jerry Springer Show, where it may spontaneously and without apparent reason follow the show's standard cheer of "Jer-ry, Jer-ry!" and is also often delivered by Homer Simpson on The Simpsons as a celebration of almost anything, often accompanied by honking of his car's horn and flashing of its headlights. The chant is also used on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia when the gang come up with a plan.[citation needed]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Zimmer, Ben (February 8, 2019). "How the 'U-S-A' Chant Became a Political Weapon". The Atlantic. Retrieved March 7, 2019.
  2. ^ cityguy2129 (July 26, 2012). "Olympia Part 1 Fest der Völker 1938 with English Subs". Archived from the original on July 25, 2013 – via YouTube.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  3. ^ "1972 München Olympic Games, Basketball, USSR - USA, Final, Men". YouTube. Archived from the original on July 14, 2012.
  4. ^ Fromson, Daniel (May 2, 2011). "A Brief History of the U-S-A Chant, From Reagan to Osama". The Atlantic. The Atlantic Monthly Group. Retrieved March 6, 2019.
  5. ^ Bump, Philip (July 14, 2015). "When did the 'U-S-A, U-S-A' chant come to politics? Thank Reagan". Washington Post. Retrieved March 6, 2019.
  6. ^ Pitt, William Rivers (March 1, 2005). "The Third Stage of American Empire". truthout.org.
  7. ^ Vermillion, James. "Their Dark Dads: How can you be so Hart-less?". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved December 7, 2009.
  8. ^ Stanley B. Greenberg (June 2005). The Two Americas: Our Current Political Deadlock and How to Break It. St. Martin's Press. p. 60. ISBN 978-0-312-31839-0.
    Erica J. Seifert (January 10, 2014). The Politics of Authenticity in Presidential Campaigns, 1976-2008. McFarland. p. 79. ISBN 978-0-7864-9109-4.
    Robert X. Browning (2014). The C-SPAN Archives: An Interdisciplinary Resource for Discovery, Learning, and Engagement. Purdue University Press. p. 45. ISBN 978-1-55753-695-2.
  9. ^ Jacob Weisberg (January 5, 2016). Ronald Reagan: The American Presidents Series: The 40th President, 1981-1989. Henry Holt and Company. p. 2. ISBN 978-0-8050-9727-6.
    Sandler, Norman D. (June 19, 1985). "President Reagan warned Wednesday 'We will not cave in'..." UPI. Retrieved March 6, 2019.
  10. ^ "President Bush Salutes Heroes in New York". September 14, 2001.
    McCaleb, Ian Christopher (September 14, 2001). "Bush tours ground zero in lower Manhattan". CNN. Washington, D.C. Retrieved March 6, 2019.
    Walsh, Kenneth T. (April 25, 2013). "George W. Bush's 'Bullhorn' Moment". U.S. News & World Report. Washington, D.C.: U.S. News & World Report L.P. Retrieved March 6, 2019.
  11. ^ Michael Gavin (December 6, 2012). Sports in the Aftermath of Tragedy: From Kennedy to Katrina. Scarecrow Press. p. 81. ISBN 978-0-8108-8701-5.
    Gordon, Aaron (October 27, 2016). "Throwback Thursday: President Bush's First Pitch, Fear, and the New Normalcy". Vice Sports. Retrieved March 6, 2019.
  12. ^ "Crowds Gather at White House to Cheer Bin Laden's Death". WRC-TV. Washington, D.C. Associated Press. May 2, 2011. Retrieved March 6, 2019.
    "White House crowds celebrate Bin Laden's death - in pictures". The Guardian. United Kingdom. March 6, 2019. Retrieved March 6, 2019.
  13. ^ "5 years ago: Mets, Phillies fans learn of bin Laden's death". WABC-TV. New York, New York. ESPN. May 1, 2016. Retrieved March 6, 2019.
    Scarborough, Joe (May 3, 2011). "A time to say thanks". Politico. Retrieved March 6, 2019.
  14. ^ Kevin Powers (April 30, 2012). "One year later: Cena reflects on announcing bin Laden's demise". WWE. Retrieved March 6, 2019.
    "John Cena Announces Osama Bin Laden's Death To WWE Fans (VIDEO)". Huffington Post. December 6, 2017. Retrieved March 6, 2019.
  15. ^ "Trump raises fist as crowd chants 'USA!' following assassination attempt". Yahoo News. July 15, 2024. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  16. ^ Harris, Christopher (April 4, 2010). "U-S-A Chants At Premier League Matches Are Insulting". World Soccer Talk.
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