The Pledge Of Allegiance | Teen Ink

The Pledge Of Allegiance MAG

By Anonymous

   Every morning during homeroom, someone speaks over the P.A. system and leads us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Personally, I don't say the Pledge because I don't believe that it should be said in schools. People may think that this is unpatriotic, but I disagree strongly with the Pledge for what I consider very valid reasons. First, the Pledge contains the words "under God." Very simply, in a public school, the words "under God" are not appropriate. It may seem picky, but there is a separation of church and state in this country which should hold for all aspects of public schools.

Another issue I have with the Pledge of Allegiance is the fact that is extremely idealistic. We would like to think that there is "Liberty and justice for all," but there isn't. There is a large amount of injustice and discrimination, especially racial and economic and we should be doing something to stop it, rather than pretending the country is perfect.

There is also an issue that is usually overlooked: in 1892, the Pledge was first said by school children to commemorate the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus. However, today we accept the fact that Columbus didn't discover America, because the Native Americans were already here. This makes the Pledge of Allegiance not only outdated, but also historically incorrect.

Instead of giving an outdated and prejudiced pledge to the flag, we should be working to stop the prejudices that the Pledge actually promotes, and showing our patriotism by taking pride in being American, rather than giving a speech to a flag. n



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This article has 12 comments.


i love this so much!

wifey type said...
on Mar. 24 2013 at 6:00 pm
i think we all have a choice rather say it or not i dont say it myself , but i dont have a problem with my children saying it. Knowing what i know now , being a Black woman well thats all that needs to be said.

BHunt said...
on Nov. 19 2012 at 8:06 pm
As a Christian you should stand for GOD regardless of other people. One Nation Under GOD simply means a country formed under GOD whose people are free to believe as they wish. People are slowly taking GOD out of everything but they will each have to answer for that.

BHunt said...
on Nov. 19 2012 at 8:02 pm
One nation under God - A country formed under God whose people are free to believe as they wish.. This world was built on, In GOD we trust but people have slow taken the God out of everything and they will each have to answer for that  

on Apr. 28 2012 at 4:46 pm
JDvorak2 BRONZE, Jacksonville, Florida
1 article 0 photos 1 comment

Favorite Quote:
"Imagination is more important than knowledge." -Albert Einstein

The original motto was "e pluribus unum." The changes to the pledge, the money, and the entire religious attitude in schools was effected by the Cold war. Just saying...

UKnow said...
on Dec. 19 2011 at 1:11 pm
The pledgre can't be to out dated because in 1954 it was edited to add "Under God".

on May. 12 2011 at 8:12 pm
ohsopoisonous GOLD, Salisbury, North Carolina
11 articles 0 photos 16 comments

Favorite Quote:
"I don't care if it hurts, I want to have control. I want a perfect body, I want a perfect soul. I want you to notice when I'm not around." -Radiohead.

I don't say the pledge at schools, because as you said I don't believe it should be said. I am Christain, yes, but still. I don't believe it should be said. There is an Aetheist in my homeroom, and a Jehovah Witness. Neither of them say it, and I don't either. My teacher pulled all of us out and practically yelling at us. They gave their reason for not saying it, and she accepted it, and she asked me and I just said personal reasons. She yelled at me. I still don't say it.

poppy said...
on May. 16 2010 at 4:15 pm

That is what i call manners, thanks for that, alot of people don't have manners like that, so two thumbs up to you.

 


on Apr. 29 2010 at 9:34 pm

@ Poppy: 

Yes, looking back, I do apologize for my rash and brazen comment. I completely agree with your comment. Again, my apologies. 


poppy said...
on Apr. 29 2010 at 12:22 pm
Manners to the one above me! Please... Its everyones choice whether we want to say the pledge, there is nothing wrong with not saying the pledge, I myself believe that WE Are a nation under God, some may not believe that. but we all different opinions,

on Mar. 18 2010 at 3:17 pm
11coreya SILVER, Fullerton, California
6 articles 0 photos 12 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Don't let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game" Babe Ruth

The pledge of allegance is to pledge our support to the United States. Just like you swear to tell the truth in court. This country was built on faith and that is why we came to this country, because we were seperating from the church of England. Our dollar bill says "One nation under God" and that is the foundation of the United States of America.

on Oct. 28 2009 at 10:59 am
You should do a little more research. The Pledge was not written to commemorate the discovery of America. Also, everyone KNOWS that we don't live in a perfect "justice for all" society. Lastly, get over yourself. If you don't want to say it fine, but let the ones who do want to show respect for our flag and troops recite it.