This is discussion archived from a time before the current discussion method was installed.
Aubri: William Travis' "line in the sand" is the origin of the term, but the actual event is apocryphal. It was popularized (and most likely invented) by later dramatizations, but it is a very powerful image all the same.
colin: It does not seam like the Giant Robo example fits. However, as I am unfamiliar with the show, I will not remove it without further input from those more familiar with the show.
Binaroid: The Giant Robo example doesn't fit the "asking for volunteers for a dangerous mission" part of the trope. I added it because it did fit the "stand up and be counted" aspect of it, in my opinion.
Ununnilium: Plus, it's obviously referencing the trope, even if it's not a straight example.
colin: Yeah, but the "asking for volunteers for a dangerous mission" is the essential element of the trope. Without that, then there is no trope.
diapsid: Should this be expanded? To talk about loyalty instead of asking for volunteers? "Everyone who's loyal to me, come over to my side of the line," is what I'm thinking. Hell, that might already be a trope, but if so, I can't find it. Admittedly, I can only think of two examples of this (possible) sub-trope- The Peter Pan film (the one with robin williams) had a scene where the leader of the lost boys (rufio? Something like that) did this, and it also happens in...the second (?) book of A Song of Ice and Fire with Theon Grejoy, before he attacks Winterfell. What does everyone think?
Right, fixed the history. Surprised everyone forgot Pizarro.
