Does anyone else have a problem with the Pledge of Allegiance?
Why do I have to Pledge Allegiance. Doesn't that defeat the purpose of Democracy? Currently, this country embarrasses the hell out of me.
I teach 5th grade. I looped with my class from 4th grade. Last year when the Black Lives Matter movement was in the news more prominently, and the NFL kneeling controversy was big news, a few of my students came to me to have a courageous conversation. They explained that as young, black men, they would like to abstain from reciting the Pledge during daily announcements. Understanding their feelings (and agreeing), and respecting their right to free speech, I said sure, as long as they were respectful, and did nothing else during that time (respecting those choosing to pledge).
Other kids asked why they didn't have to stand, and I allowed the boys to explain. We researched the first amendment and had many discussions. Overtime, many other students decided to sit, expressing that they too felt disenfranchised. Several students are of Mexican heritage, most of the girls, all of my African American boys, and several Caucasian boys all chose to sit the Pledge out. No one says anything. I simply allow it, provided they are respectful of those choosing to recite the Pledge.
Long story short. I was out sick 2 days this week. My substitute complained to the office and I was reprimanded for not forcing my class to stand and say the Pledge. I'm considering calling the ACLU.
If Jehovah's Witnesses can't be forced under the 2nd amendment, why can't the 1st amendment protect everyone else?
Plus, the whole "under god" part bothers me. It violates separation of Church and State. Also, it wasn't part of the Pledge until 1954 when our government thought adding the phrase would differentiate us from communists (who weren't necessarily godless by the way--proof Congress had no logic back then either).
Sigh. Thoughts?
12
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35 comments (26 - 35)
Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.OMG. I am with you. Educate them and inform them. I teach 4th grade. If they don't ask I don't tell. But I sure as hell would if asked. You are a MARVELOUS teacher. Continue doing what you do and YES get the ACLU involved if it comes to that. More power to you!
Kayjayvee
Level 4
Mar 29, 2018
5
Could not have said it better myself. My thoughts exactly!
I believe I would call the ACLU. I has been up held by the Supreme Court that kids don’t have to stand for the pledge. I have already had to go to school and raise hell with them about the teacher yelling at my step daughter because she didn’t stand for the pledge. The principal and the teacher both apologized to her.
Donto101
Level 7
Mar 29, 2018
3
I think contacting the ACLU would be a good idea, but be prepared for possible backlash from the school and possibly your community. Don't let that stop you, though. It is a matter of freedom vs. indoctrination. You're on the right side of this, IMHO.
How would one "force" someone who didn't want to stand and speak to do so anyway?
(When I choose to recite the Pledge I do not include the phrase "under God." Unfortunately, I'm pretty much forced to use currency, although I avoid it when possible. I'm not sure what I would do if I was ever asked to place my hand on The Bible to take an oath, such as being a witness in court.)
firecracker
Level 6
Mar 29, 2018
2
I haven't recited the pledge or stood for the national anthem since I was in grade school, I understood even then that this country had abandoned the ideals set forth in The Constitution and The Declaration of Independence, and yes my parents were always getting calls from my school
slinkie59
Level 5
Mar 29, 2018
4
The original pledge didn’t have under god in it. Was added under McCarthyism
Marcie1974
Level 8
Mar 29, 2018
5
I was in 4th grade when it was added, 1954 I think.
I don't recite it. I don't stand for it, or the anthem.
I don't like having my "patriotism" dictated.
Congress added the "under god" part in 1954, to show that we were better than
the "godless communists". They can shove that bs.
I'm godless, and still an American. There isn't anything that anyone can do or say that will
ever change that.
Call the FFRF. They love this stuff!
KKGator
Level 9
Mar 29, 2018
0
Fuck yes of course it does. im from Egland and wouldnt stand for my so called national anthem either. I am not free anymore than americans or anyone but the choices I do have I like to choose myself.
LeighShelton
Level 8
Mar 29, 2018
0
Call FFRF-Freedom From Religion Foundation and ask them for help as well as ACLU. Good Luck-on yours and those abstaining.
sassygirl3869
Level 9
Mar 29, 2018
5
Imagine if the Pledge said "One nation under Allah..."
Blaqjaqshellaq
Level 3
Mar 29, 2018
1
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