Monday, September 16, 2013
One Nation, (Fill in the blank,) Indivisible
I am not a morning person. I get dragged out of bed, through the shower, out the door, onto the bus, and somehow I find myself sitting on a couch in the Scrounge at 8:20 wile my adviser talks about "Environmental Club." One thing I'm always very aware of, though, is the Pledge of Allegiance. It's something I'm very conflicted about. On the one hand, it's a display of love for America, and pride for our country. On the other hand, I often feel that it's a display of empty patriotism, and I believe many people recite it without really understanding the words or even thinking about them, like a child reciting obscene lyrics to a catchy song. But regardless of what I think about the pledge as a whole, I wholeheartedly object to one line. Not even a line, a phrase. Two words. "Under God." (Note: the only reason I capitalized "God" is because I was referring to the Christian God, who is the subject of the line in the pledge.) Quite frankly, I just don't understand why it's there. Separation of church and state, anyone? Remember that? Not only that, but I disagree on a spiritual level as well. I myself am an Atheist, so I believe it's unfair to acknowledge the existence or even the benevolence of "God." But not only Atheists are outraged by this phrase. Other religions who believe in god in a different form or believe in many gods could be offended by this as well. I get very heated about this subject, and often bring it up to my adviser and other kids in my advisory. I can't even count how many times they've said to me, "...so just don't say it." To me and many others, "Under God" isn't just two words. It represents a a Christian nation, where other religions (or the lack of religions) are acknowledged as lesser. I see this phrase as directly violating the 1st amendment and the rights of millions of people living in America. Next time you're saying the pledge, think about the words you're using, and ask yourself, "Do I really believe this?"
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
While I am a Christian, I can certainly see where you are coming from Preston. Like Macklemore says in his song Same Love "We become so numb to what we're sayin". The fact that "One nation under God" is in the pledge of allegiance suggests that Christianity is linked with patriotism. A connection I personally do not believe should be made in an address that every student is supposed to speak every morning.
ReplyDeleteInterestingly, I learned that the phrase "under God" was not in the original Pledge of Allegiance but an addition made during the Cold War, when the US was at war with Communist nations. So, maybe this addition of "Under God" was a way to differentiate the U.S. from the concept of communist state atheism. However, that certainly doesn't make the phrase justifiable.
The original Pledge of Allegiance was written in 1892 by a Christian Socialist. The part "under God" was added in 1954 by Congress (I don't really understand why). Both those facts tell me the obvious out-datedness of the Pledge of Allegiance. I will admit, though, that I do say the Pledge every morning, not necessarily because I believe in everything it stands for, but as respect for those who serve for our country. One of my brother's very close friends is currently in the armed forces and I usually think of him when reciting the Pledge or about the others that make sacrifices for the U.S. and its people. I often feel that I do not have enough opportunities to thank those serving in the armed forces, so I am willing to stand up to face the flag and recite those (albeit antiquated) words every morning.
ReplyDelete