The Pledge of Allegiance is a daily ceremony that is held in every school. It means loyalty to the USA flag. Every morning children hear these gorgeous words, stand up, recite them or remain silent. However, not everybody feels true respect to the flag and not everybody realizes dignity of the occasion. For most of kids the Pledge is just a tradition, an everyday routine and a boring duty. However, later they will think about the importance of democracy and justice in the USA. They will feel proud of their country and the spirit of freedom that predominates in every city or town of this huge country. Moreover, they will feel united, as a team of associates that aims at perfection; one nation of free and happy people.
History
The Pledge of Allegiance was composed in 1882 by Francis Bellamy. The author was not only a minister, but also a Baptist. He grew up in the family of deeply religious Baptist Christians. Thus the Pledge stirs up many disputes. Some people think that it is acceptable only for Christians. However, the USA is a multi-religious country where only about 88% of the population is Christian. This is why in 1942 the phrase “under God” was deleted and declared as illegal. Nevertheless, in 1954 it was added again. Earlier, in 1923 the words “my flag” were alternated to the phrase “The Flag of the USA”. The reason was that it could be attributed to the flags of other countries by foreign people or migrants. Every letter in the Pledge is very important and disputes about it could take several years.
Benefits
Everyday recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance is very important and significant. This tradition disciplines children, emphasizes their role in the society, tells that they are citizens of the country and that their public stance will affect the future of the motherland. Kids are taught to respect the Flag and the statehood. The main benefits of supporting this tradition are:
- positive role in education;
- aid for teachers in political and patriotic discussions;
- team building facility;
- formation of a self-concept as a personality;
- idea of respecting any citizen, including classmates and teachers;
- it takes only several seconds;
- it still gives kids some time to think about their love to the country.
Drawbacks and Opposition
In spite of the fact that everyday recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance is legal, patriotic and constitutionally correct, there are still many opponents to this tradition. Thus, when people have got an opportunity to express their opinion on a no-name basis on the Internet, 58% of users admitted that they really don’t like the tradition. The most popular arguments are that:
- it’s a must and a boring obligation;
- it’s not frank and sincere, but usually a bastard patriotism;
- kids often don’t understand the meaning of the Pledge and simply repeat the words;
- atheist and other religious students may not want to pray;
- some students don’t want to obey; they don’t recite the Pledge and don’t stand up. Teachers worry a lot about this situation because they can not force children, but reciting the Pledge by everybody is still necessary and important;
- if students confront the government or don’t like the US army, they can express this attitude to the Flag.
Some people, including parents of modern pupils, consider that daily and obligatory recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance contradicts the very idea of freedom and democracy.
As for me, I think that this everyday tradition is right and necessary. However, if it could be any multi-formity and imaginative touches, it would be wonderful and it would persuade many people who are just tired of the routine.
This essay has been written by WorldEssays.com writers.