All through school, whenever they would have us say the Pledge of Allegiance, I never had a problem. I always took it as something I could do to express my gratitude and pride in living in a truly exceptional country. I still believe that this country is exceptional and I am extremely grateful to live here. What other country gives so much of itself, both in fortune and blood, for the interests and welfare of so many living outside its borders? Additionally, most of our ancestors came to this land seeking the "American Dream." Most of us, the beneficiaries of these and other great sacrifices, enjoy a better lifestyle and more opportunities for personal progress than we would had our ancestors never come.
However, I have recently begun to rethink my feelings towards the Pledge of Allegiance. To me, the foundations of this country are great, as represented through the founding documents of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. I believe in these and would be willing to fight for the ideals represented therein. The flag, on the other hand, to me is not a representation of the foundations of our country but of the government. I am not willing to give my unquestioning stamp of approval on whatever the government does, and to me that is what the Pledge of Allegiance is. Our government is not infallible, but values and principles can be.
Also, the Pledge is a very serious and weighty thing to say. For us to teach 5-year-olds to say it every morning, pledging their energies and interests to the upholding of this republic, with their hands over their hearts, is a little doctrinaire and oppressive. They don't have the faculties to make such a promise, assuming they understood the words they were saying. Because it is extremely unlikely that they understand in even a small degree what they are saying, it is inappropriate that they be forced to rehearse it every morning during school.
I liked your thoughts, because they made me stop and think. I can definitely see your point. However, I'm not sure if I totally agree.
ReplyDeleteFirst, I interpret the words to mean pledging allegiance to the republic, an indivisible nation, with the values and principles of liberty and justice prevailing. Indoctrinating? Perhaps. But liberty and justice are hardly the qualities of an oppresive regime.
Also, it seems the rising generations thinks only of self. They are always looking out for themselves, asking 'what's in it for me?'. Apathy reigns supreme in attitude. Teaching loyalty to something greater than themselves, pride in citizenship, and repect for our great nation should be paramount. Freedom is not an entitlement; it comes at a great price. Perhaps reciting the pledge can strengthen commitment, where there is currently none.
So in conclusion, although I do see your point, I don't see a problem with children reciting the pledge each morning in school.
This is John.
ReplyDeleteI understand some of what you are saying. I am in the middle of reading 1984. Many of the things that I have read so far fit your thought. The people have two minutes each day in which they vilify the terrible people who do not agree with the point of view of the government. We should make sure that our people are educated about what they are agreeing to as they put their hands on their hearts.
On a side note, Big Brother is referred to as B.B. Does that stand for Barack oBama?
I completely agree that the ideals and values, including selfless service and patriotism, should be instilled in our youth. I just question us having 5 year olds recite something they couldn't possibly understand that carries so much weight and responsibility. Additionally, I think we should pick something besides the flag that represents the founding principles a little better, something that can't be mistaken for the present whims and actions of the federal government.
ReplyDeleteI agree that having children recite the pledge regularly as a group is a bad idea. It doesn't represent freedom, in my opinion. You don't have to uphold the foundations of this country if you disagree with the choices and policies that the government has made. I say give those kids a chance to decide how they really feel about what our country stands for before asking them recite something they don't understand. If they do choose to be patriotic, then that act is so much more important than it is if being patriotic is simply something you do as part of a routine.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it's a problem to have children recite the pledge. First, I agree with Jeni that it is a pledge to the ideals that this country was founded upon. Second, indoctrination is what we do to our children. That's our job - teach them the things that we know to be true. Do our children really understand the precepts of the gospel and all the words to the songs that we teach them in church or the scriptures we have them memorize? We are giving them a basis to found their own beliefs upon as they get older. I know that it's not a perfect comparison, since the republic is of course flawed and temporal etc. But, they understand on the level they understand and then build on it as they get older. Their pledge is only as deep as their understanding.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, it depends on who is in charge. Designing leaders can twist innocent, good things to be something they are not. Very interesting thoughts, and something to think about. I think the bottom line for me is to keep an honest open dialogue going with my kids.