Earlier in class today, we discussed civil rights here in the United States. We participated in an exercise where our teachers gave us certain instances and we had to decide whether they were protected by the government or limited by the government. For most of the situations, I agreed with the governments' stances on these very controversial topics. I believed that usually the government has taken the right direction that keeps our civil liberties and follows the Constitution while keeping our citizens safe. But for one, I strongly disagreed.
The issue was this: "Students refuse to cite the Pledge of Allegiance during class or advisory". It appeared that most of the class agreed that this is a right protected by the government and the Constitution. The supporters of this statement believe that it is an act of free speech and is at the basis of our Bill of Rights, in the First Amendment. While I do also agree that this act resembles free speech in some sort of way, I personally believe that all students should stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance fully. My reasoning for this is for a few reasons. One reason is that the Pledge represents what being an American citizen is all about. The Pledge of Allegiance is just that; it says that you are proud to be an American and will always treat it at home. We are all citizens of the United States, and people are saying that it is that hard to stand up, look at the red white and blue, and put your hand over your heart? Following the Pledge is a simple way of stating your citizenship proudly and respecting where this nation has been. I know the opposing arguments, but I still believe that reciting the Pledge of Allegiance should be followed by all students, regardless of race, ethnicity, or religion. After all, we all are Americans.
I have to agree with you here Sam. I understand that many people don't like the concept of pledging their allegiance to a flag, but really the pledge is just a way of expressing your respect for our nation. It makes sense that we have the choice not to say it, but I think the school should more strongly encourage students to stand. When you're at a sports game and the national anthem is sung you don't see half the stadium sitting down or leaving their hats on, why should the circumstances be different at school?
ReplyDeleteMy view on this topic is in between both sides of this argument. I agree that standing up, looking at the flag, and putting your hand on your heart shows your bond with America, and that is something that every student should be able to do. I don't, however, think that it is reasonable to force students to recite the Pledge. There are many touchy subjects, the biggest of which is "under God". If someone does not believe in God, they should not be forced to state that they are under him. All in all, I think that it is acceptable to not say the Pledge, but it should be a necessity to stand up and acknowledge America.
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