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Similarities between British and American English
Differences between England and America
Analysis of the pledge of allegiance
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en given the opportunity to make many decisions for ourselves. We are free to choose how to live. Some have abused this right. We have a loud minority in our country who think theirs are the only valid beliefs. Because they want to be respected, they think we should change our beliefs in order to fit their ideals. We shouldn’t have to change our rights and beliefs to fit the ever changing societal ideals. Our country’s Pledge of Allegiance is an example of people’s lack of respect for one another’s rights and beliefs. The phrase “One Nation Under God” has become a huge conflict dividing people in our country. People do not want to be singled out and be labeled “less patriotic.” They want the Pledge of Allegiance changed to be more politically
The choice of religion belongs solely to the individual and shouldn’t be able to be taken away from a
...eings act so self-centered, arrogant, and pride that we don’t care about anybody but our selves. When we say the pledge allegiance we don’t mean want were saying…I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. When you say the pledge you should mean every word were saying because it only a pledge but a vow to God. When we talk about justice and liberty we don’t just mean to Americans but the whole world.
In the 2008 the United States Census Bureau, Self-Described Religious Identification of Adult Population, The Christian faith proved to be the more dominating religion out of all religions. So it would seem the words “Under God” would be beneficial for the majority, the Pledge of Allegiance allures and supports the loyalty of the majority of citizens. The nonbelievers of religion have had the right to not recite the pledge since 1943 but have been asked to quietly stand while the believers recite the pledge in its entirety. Even though leaving out “Under God” is not a difficult task we can clearly see a division has now developed, opposite of bringing the people together. Another example that shows the pledge allures and supports a loyalty to the majority of citizens, the acceptance and encouragement to keep ...
Citizens of America can choose their religion, they can also choose what they want to say, through freedom of speech. These rights can sometimes be disrespected by others who do not have the same beliefs or opinions. For example, if a company does not want to provide service to someone based on a different belief
Every morning over 75 million students around the nation recite the Pledge of Allegiance verbatim (Digest of Education Statistics). If one walks up to one of these students and asks them about the meaning and the origin of this pledge, what would they say? Nothing. However, even though more than a million students recite these words every day, not more than half probably know the true meaning behind these words. One cannot deny the fact that most of these children just want to get this pledge “over with” to continue talking to their peers. The Pledge of Allegiance has gone through several changes since Francis Bellamy, a Baptist minister, wrote it in 1892. The pledge acts as a source of patriotism, national pride and controversy. The statement, “under God” has caused much controversy and has created a distinct line between the supporters and non supporters of the pledge. America, which famously provides one with true equality, ironically has a pledge that goes against its doctrine and foundations. The changes that occur throughout the years to the pledge that results in its undeniable controversy and losing value. The adjustments lead to the pledge’s undeniable ambiguity and the nation should revert to its previous 1924 pledge.
Gwen Wilde wrote an essay on “Why the Pledge of Allegiance Should be Revised.” In this essay, Gwen believes that the words “under God” should be removed from the Pledge of Allegiance. Gwen informs us that the original Pledge did not include “under God” and the words were not added until 1942, therefore, the words can easily be removed. Although some changes have been made to make it clear that the Pledge of Allegiance is for the United States Gwen believes that the words “under God” do not show any support for our country and only make those who do not believe in God feel uncomfortable. Therefore, Gwen believes that “under God” is not appropriate for the Pledge and does not show that we are a Nation that is “indivisible.”
There are not many countries around the earth that not only give the people the right to any religion, but also the right to express themselves however they like. Especially allowing the people to say, write, think, and argue whatever they please, even about the government. Most governments forbid the bashing of the government or heads of government by the people. In several countries it is penalized by death. Again, to have a choice of what we say and write is what makes us American. Some governments put to death to those that actually express an opinion. So this is what it means to be an American. To have the freedom to speak what we 're thinking, to say what 's on our mind. To express our feelings and ideas and opinions without fear of punishment. The worst we could ever fear as an American who speaks their mind, is ridicule from peers. This is what it means to be an American; to have the privilege and right granted to us to speak freely. To be able to have our own opinions and speak our mind is one of the huge keys to opening the door to being an
Many students all across America stand and salute to the flag every morning and repeat these words, “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, To the republic for which it stands, one nation, Under God, Indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” There are controversy behind these words of historical allegiance, and that is why many people are refusing to stand for the pledge. This nation was founded upon freedom and liberties, and with those liberties comes with the freedom to choose your religion. The words “Under God”
First, I would like to talk about the history of the Pledge of Allegiance. Many people today recite the Pledge of Allegiance but do not know the history that took place behind it. The Pledge of Allegiance was originally written more than a century ago. The original pledge was: I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic, for which it stands, one Nation, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all . The flag serves as a symbol of our country and its proud traditions of freedom and equal opportunity. In the 1920s, the National Flag Conferences replaced the phrase “my Flag” with “the Flag of the United States of America.” In 1954, Communist threats occurred causing Congress to add the words under God to the pledge. Then 12 years later, Congress reviewed the Pledge of Allegiance and added the words “Under God .” While reciting the Pledge of Allegiance it should be recited by standing placing your
Freedom is something that is not taken lightly in our country. With so many people in America, and so many different religions and views, there will never be a way to make every single person happy. People have the right to believe what they choose, say what they want to say, and do what they want to do. They have the right to worship and take part in ceremonies they choose. It is not for the government to tell them how to live their life. There may be restrictions on certain things but they do not require you to believe a specific way. America is a privileged nation and a free country and the people have every right to be thankful for all the freedoms we have been given.
The Pledge of Allegiance has become a major issue for students, teachers, parents and lawmakers. The original intention of the pledge was not to stir up trouble, but for a celebration of Christopher Columbus discovery of the new world. The pledge is no longer thought of as a celebration, but an infringement on children's religious beliefs. Do you believe that children's rights are being infringed on? Some people believe that the pledge is a great honor for our country. It has shown, and provided us with great pride just like our American flag. The Pledge of Allegiance being recited in the public school system does not infringe on the students religious beliefs, but is a way for us to honor our country and everything that we have done to get to this point in history.
Many people hail “The Star Spangled Banner” as the greatest piece of American music. The audiences of America’s national anthem seem, instinctively, eager to express their respect by embracing the notion to remove their hats and stand up. However, not many people ponder over the question of what “The Star Spangled Banner” truly means. What does it mean? Why does it deserve so much reverence and honor? What exceptional difference allows it to prevail over the masterpieces of prominent composers like Mozart and Beethoven? The answer is fairly simple. “The Star Spangled Banner” symbolizes America’s perseverance, its set of moral laws and ethics, and its history that constitutes what America truly means.
Before analyzing the above described controversy, we must first examine the history of the Pledge itself. Written by Francis Bellamy, it was originally titled the “Pledge to the Flag” and was created in the late 1800’s to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America. It originally read: “I pledge allegiance to my Flag and to the republic for which it stands, one Nation, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all” (McCarthy, 2005). Changes were later made to include the words “of the United States” and “of America” to indicate which flag was being referenced. The final changes to the Pledge came in 1954 when it officially became titled the “Pledge of Allegiance” and the words “under God” were added after “one nation.” This addition to the Pledge was meant to support the United States as a religious nation. While signing the law to put this change into effect, President Eisenhower said, “In this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country’s most powerful resource in peace and war” (McCarthy, 2005).
The pledge of allegiance violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. I believe that the pledge is mismatched with democracy and freedom which suggest that pledges of allegiance are features of dictatorial states like Nazi Germany.
Freedom, equality, and liberty are very important in our society and should be important in all societies. It happens even today, that people are muted from speaking out on what they want to believe in, they are restricted on their natural freedom of choice. Some or scared that they may go against the church or go to Hell if they disobey God.