AAs: The Pledge of Allegiance

AKA2D '91 · #1 06-12-2002, 10:27 AM

When attending sporting events, at work (teachers/administrators), etc.

1. Do you recite the pledge?
2. Do you place your hand over your heart?
3. Do you stand while it is being recited?

I do not recite the pledge, I do not place my hand over my heart, but I do stand. I think I stopped reciting it after I graduated from high school.

kiml122 · #2 06-12-2002, 10:39 AM

I stopped saying the pledge in 9th grade. I do stand, but that is all.

Ideal08 · #3 06-12-2002, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by AKA2D '91
I do not recite the pledge, I do not place my hand over my heart, but I do stand.

Ditto!

Bamboozled · #4 06-12-2002, 12:04 PM

Yeah, I just stand too. I really hate to even do that. I only do it so I don't look like the odd woman out.

neicy81 · #5 06-12-2002, 12:52 PM

I also stopped saying it in high school. I'll only go as far as to stand.

Honeykiss1974 · #6 06-12-2002, 01:12 PM

Hmm, I can't remember when was the last time I said it. I think it was at a football game ??

Anyway, I stand, place my hand over my heart, and say it because through all the BS that goes on here, I would gladly prefer to live in America than anyplace else....you better believe it!!

VIVA USA!!

lovelyivy84 · #7 06-12-2002, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Honeykiss1974
Hmm, I can't remember when was the last time I said it. I think it was at a football game ?? Anyway, I stand, place my hand over my heart, and say it because through all the BS that goes on here, I would gladly prefer to live in America than anyplace else....you better believe it!!

VIVA USA!!

AMEN!

As someone who is a second-generation American, and has been back "home" regularly, I can recite that pledge with real fervor, believe me.

As messed up as this country might be, there is NO PLACE ELSE in the world that a black person can live the kind of life that is possible here. We seem to forget how FORTUNATE we are sometimes. If any of you want, I can arrange a trip to stay with my relatives so you can understand what it really MEANS to have a constant food source, indoor plumbing, transportation, and all the things that we take for GRANTED in this country.

We are spoiled. Even the option of not saying the pledge of allegiance is one that a lot of people in this world DON'T HAVE. Being less than fervent in your patriotism meant that the Tonton Macoute would be knocking on your door in Haiti.

Bamboozled · #8 06-12-2002, 02:08 PM

The reason I don't say it is not because I'm not content with the lifestyle in which the US has afforded me. I'm very aware that I lead a privileged life. However, I don't say the words because I simply don't believe in their validity. ....With liberty and justice for all?!?

Oh, the hypocricy! Man, those words weren't written with me in mind and I think that today, in 2002, they still don't apply.

nikki1920 · #9 06-12-2002, 02:40 PM

I do all the above. If you've never been outside of the USA, its hard to explain what the Pledge stands for. Yes, things are not so great here, esp. if you are melanin-enhanced, but we have it a billion times better than most people.

BLUTANG · #10 06-12-2002, 02:59 PM

i haven't been to an event recently where the pledge was recited, but i do so each and everytime it's appropriate. My father is retired Army and my late grandfather was Navy, so i say it in honor of them if nothing else.

Ideal08 · #11 06-12-2002, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bamboozled
The reason I don't say it is not because I'm not content with the lifestyle in which the US has afforded me. I'm very aware that I lead a priviliged life. However, I don't say the words because I simply don't believe in their validity. ....With liberty and justice for all?!? Oh, the hypocricy! Man, those words weren't written with me in mind and I think that today, in 2002, they still don't apply.

Ditto!

nikki25 · #12 06-12-2002, 03:56 PM

When I was younger, I didn't have an appreciation for the privilege and honor that I have in being an American. I place my hand over my heart and recite the pledge for three reasons.

1) My ancestors were instrumental in building this country. They toiled this land, built its railroads, etc. My family members fought in wars, helped to build communities, fought for my rights...all of this came at a price...but its a system that is not paralled elsewhere...so I appreciate the US, and I uphold the original values as documented in the pledge of allegiance.

2)I say this pledge as a prayer...that we will all have liberty and justice and that it will become a nation UNDER GOD. I commit to those values, and so I recite the pledge.

3) I've been outside of the country. I've been to Africa and England. I've studied international politics. When I look at other places throughout the globe in comparison with this nation, I am glad to be called an American...and therefore value the pledge as mentioned in 1. When you are abroad and away from all that is here...you will surely have a new sense of appreciation for what is here. Amidst all the politics, socioeconomic types of strife, and racial differences....I still appreciate the US.

Steeltrap · #13 06-12-2002, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BLUTANG
i haven't been to an event recently where the pledge was recited, but i do so each and everytime it's appropriate. My father is retired Army and my late grandfather was Navy, so i say it in honor of them if nothing else.

True dat. My late father served 21 years in the Navy, so I will recite it in his honor.

kiml122 · #14 06-12-2002, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bamboozled
....With liberty and justice for all?!?

Those words right there are the very reason that I no longer recite the Pledge of Allegiance

AKA2D '91 · #15 06-12-2002, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bamboozled
The reason I don't say it is not because I'm not content with the lifestyle in which the US has afforded me. I'm very aware that I lead a privileged life. However, I don't say the words because I simply don't believe in their validity. ....With liberty and justice for all?!? Oh, the hypocricy! Man, those words weren't written with me in mind and I think that today, in 2002, they still don't apply.

DOUBLE Ditto!

I've been outside of this country, not only Mexico

on more than one occasion and I still do NOT say it. IMO, it does not say that I want to live any OTHER place.

It's just a choice.