Pledge of Allegiance

Why do we say the 'Pledge of Allegiance'? It is because we actually believe what we are saying when we recite these words, or is it just expected of us? Do we actually know what we are saying?

Some people believe that reciting the 'Pledge' shows patriotism for our country. Others believe that it is forcing beliefs onto us which goes against the constitution. The words "under God' are the usual controversy when it comes to the pledge because not everyone believes in God, or a higher power for that matter. I believe that saying the 'Pledge' should be done everyday but students should not be required to stand if they have valid reasons to not stand. I believe it is a sign of respect to our country and to what we try to stand for. It is the smallest thing we can do to show our respect for the people that fight for our rights everyday.

But what if a student didn't want to stand for the 'Pledge' because he realizes what he is saying and believes that it is not true. In this clip from CNN (in the link list above, video entitled 'Pledge of Allegiance'), a 10 year old boy doesn't recite the 'Pledge' because of the line 'with liberty and justice for all'. He believes that this is not true in our nation. Gays and lesbians don't have the right to be married, there is still racism and sexism, and other prejudices people hold against other people allowing them to have unequal opportunities in our country. Would you as the teacher let him stay seated with these reasonings? Can you really force him to stand up and say the 'Pledge' because it could be fought that he has the freedom of speech to not speak and that forcing him to recite the 'Pledge' is forcing your ideals and beliefs on him which is not to enter the classroom to be imposed on students.

The 'Pledge of Allegiance' will always be controversial until everything that is stated in it is truly reflected in our country's people. What do schools do then? I don't think anyone really knows and each situation gets handled differently. What would you do as a teacher or school official?