During a woman’s visit to a Californian restaurant, she felt uneasy as all customers and staff abruptly halted what they were doing and stood up for the national anthem.

She recorded a short video of the incident and posted it on TikTok. However, to her surprise, even the viewers from outside the United States were equally appalled as she was.

The footage, which was recorded at the Rainbow Oaks Restaurant in Southern California, had a caption that was intended to be humorous: “By far the most dangerous situation I’ve ever been in #godblessamerica #getout #illegal #whitepeoplethings”.

Rainbow Oaks Restaurant is a lodge-style eatery that serves breakfast around the clock, and it is well-known for playing the American national anthem every day, a fact that TikToker Paulina (@paulinappa_0) was unaware of.

Amidst everyone standing still with their right hands placed over their hearts, Paulina and her friend chose to remain seated while enjoying their pancakes.

TikTok users expressed equal surprise and shock in the comment section, just like Paulina.

“Like who does that in the middle of lunch?” asked one viewer.

“This feels like a horror movie,” another user said. “Everyone stands up as soon as the music plays as you find yourself been the only person not standing.”

And a third wondered: “Was it like for a reason? Or did it just start playing randomly and they all got up on reflex?? Wild.”

Especially those who were not from the US, were amazed at how passionately Americans honored their national anthem.