I don't stand for the pledge at school. Because of this, I'm being forced to write a paper why I don't stand for the pledge. and my reasons have nothing to do because of the "under god" line, even though I'm agnostic.
If I don't write it, my teacher will fail me. This is a two part question-
1: Do you think it is unfair that I have to write a paper?
2: If you don't stand for the pledge, what are your reasons?
ALSO:
Does anybody have a link to a page about chief justice earl warren and how he made it so saying the pledge is not mandatory?
2007-04-30 10:50:22 · 16 answers · asked by sarianne 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
If you have a valid reason not to stand, go ahead and right about that. I too had issues declaring allegiance to a symbol instead of the concepts which it represents. However, proudly standing up and reciting the pledge shows respect for all the men, women and children who died to allow you the freedom of not standing up. I once knew a man from Iraq who also felt the need to dissent. His father was executed for teaching "subversive" ideas in the classroom (the introduction of western literature). He was imprisoned and physically, mentally and sexually tortured for refusing conscription into Saddam's army. During his trek towards coalition lines his brother was shot and he had to carry him two days through the desert and hopefully freedom. So while you may feel disparaged for your stance (or lack thereof) on the pledge of allegiance, remember many don't have the option of just writing a paper to pass or fail. It had better be REALLY good because you have now chosen to represent all the political dissenters in the world.
2007-04-30 11:10:42 · answer #1 · answered by xtowgrunt 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I think that you should write the paper. If you have a reason for not standing and you feel strongly enough about it you should defend your position.
I am Canadian but have lived in the states from time to time. Stand for the pledge but i don't say the words. I can't pledge to a flag that isn't my own but out of respect I stand quietly while others do. I stand because I would expect you, if you're up in Canada from the US and you go to a hockey or baseball game, to stand for Oh Canada. It;s a sign of respect and friendship.
2007-05-03 07:25:31 · answer #2 · answered by lxtricks 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Does the teacher have an issue with you not standing, or is the issue, your failure to recite the "Pledge of Allegiance" ? Regardless, from what you state here, it appears your teacher is engaged in an act of coercion, grounded in your non participation. This may very well be a violation of your civil rights, cognizable under paragraph 1983, Title 42 U.S.C. You may be able to pursue a civil action in federal court. However, it would be perfectly legitimate and fair, if she gave the entire class an assignment, allowing students to take a pro or con position on the issue.
I stand for the "Pledge of Allegiance", as a respectful acknowledgment of the right to engage in the activity. However, I don't recite the "Pledge of Allegiance". I don't engage in the recital, because I have deemed it to be a "Statist Tradition", and I strongly object to the compulsory context.
2007-04-30 11:34:14 · answer #3 · answered by Larry 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I believe in using the Pledge of Allegiance in school, and esp. standing during it, but I think it is unfair you are the only one to have to write a paper. One can liken it to sitting during the singing of the National Anthem. It is a sign of disrespect. I think everyone in the class should have to write a paper on why they stand for or or don't stand for the pledge. If anything it will give all a new understanding, and hopefully respect for the Pledge.
2007-04-30 10:56:11 · answer #4 · answered by momo5j7 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
You are not obligated to stand during the pledge of allegiance at a public school. If you are attending a private school, you are SOL, in which case you can either stand during the pledge of allegiance, write the paper, and/or leave the school.
If you are at a public school, do not write the paper, and complain to the school principal.
2007-04-30 10:56:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
1. Yes it is wrong for you to have to write a paper. If the pledge really is voluntary, as some people claim, then there should be no repercussions for you exercising your right not to participate.
2. No, I do not stand for it because I do not believe that "Under God" is appropriate. It ruins the asthetics of the original poem by throwing off the tempo.
2007-04-30 11:03:23 · answer #6 · answered by dharma_bum48326 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
1. it's complete bullshit that the teacher will fail you for that...
2. I don't stand for the pledge, mostly because a flag is a piece of cotton or polyester, and not somethign that should get alliegance pledged to it...
im my school we're not forced to stand, save for a few teachers, in fact i'd say most of the teachers sit too.
2007-04-30 11:26:54 · answer #7 · answered by RATM 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
No I think its unfair that men are dying for the freedom to say what you want here and you don't recognize their sacrifice. I stand for the pledge because I believe in America and Freedom. I also believe we live in the best country in the world and I'm proud to be an American. Not just the flag, but to the republic for which it stands. A great nation. Sure you have the freedom to NOT stand for the pledge by WHY wouldn't you? I think its just selfishness.
2007-04-30 10:55:25 · answer #8 · answered by stepped on the Third Rail 2 · 2⤊ 4⤋
There's two possibilities here. Either you thought about this and made a conscious decision, or you just want attention.
If you made a conscious decision, don't ask us why you would want to do that. It would be dishonest, and the conscious decision maker that you are would never be that. Just write why you feel it is an imposition to acknowledge there's anything in the universe greater than yourself.
If you honestly just wanted to make a statement about yourself and get attention, then perhaps you might think about whether or not this is the issue to do it, given that you really haven't given the matter any thought at all. Perhaps you should apologize and ponder the concept that not all attention is good.
If you don't do one or the other, she SHOULD fail you. You're impersonating a person that thinks for themself, and coming here to ask how to look like it.
2007-04-30 11:05:44 · answer #9 · answered by open4one 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
It's all about respect for your country. You should be grateful for the freedom to make such a choice. I hope you realize that in other countries you would be executed.
1) Yes it's fair. You should have to write the reasons why you don't like this country and give credible examples of why.
2) I DO stand for the pledge. It's out of respect and gratitude of what this country provides to me where others wouldn't.
2007-04-30 10:56:19 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 4⤋