They (IS) speak variety of other languages languages but the language you speak or the place of your birth doesn't make a good or bad person. Your actions do
I'm impressed that high school students are being taught other languages during Foreign Language Week other than the traditional languages. (i.e. French, German, Spanish, etc) Yes, English is the official language of the USA is English, but their is no harm in using a known series of sentences, like the pledge, to teach students other languages. The greater question to me would be if students were allowed to say the complete, unedited version of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag (which is what the pledge is actually aimed at thus the opening line). Remember that the News Media is dependent on keeping things stirred up so that others pay attention to them (kinda like the trolls in forums). They try and strike a nerve or illicit an emotional response so that others will talk about it and read/listen to what the news has to say. Arabic/Middle East/Israel/Freedom of Speech/Islam/Terrorism/War/Offenses are all hot topics (for example ... here we are in a game talking about what's in the news). Listen to all sides, keep the facts the facts, keep emotions and personal agendas or prejudices or grievances out of it, then make intelligent choices.
I honestly see nothing wrong with saying it in Arabic, Korean, Vietnamese, whatever the language is. However, as the previous posters have stated, America hasn't been the melting pot it was since 9/11. For some reason there is the stereotype that all Arabic people have the will to blow us up, however, that stereotype is misplaced. Just because there were people then and now causing trouble worldwide from the Middle East, doesn't mean every single person from that region, or anywhere else, wants to harm us in any way. America is full of people from all different perspectives and backgrounds. I believe all these stereotypes should be put to rest. The United States should be a place for tranquility for people starting a new life. Start acting like it.
With me, it's a liberty thing. I don't care whether or not you say the Pledge of Allegiance in English, as long as the schools says it every morning. But I don't want someone to TELL me what language to say. I would say it out of patriotism every day, but I don't want the government to force private schools to say it. Now, is it for the better if they do, yes, but should the government FORCE them to against their will. Same with burning flags. I think that burning a flag (other than if it's damaged, touches the ground, etc.) is terrible, but I would fight and die for someone else's right to do so in protest. Would I ever consider that? No. But would I ever support a law that says they can't? No.
I'm confused. Good on those who burn US flags to protest things, even when they are completely in fact and haven't been on the ground, or on the school?
A question to those that say America isn't a melting pot any more. Why not ? What's different ? Surely that's one of the key aspects of America ? If you give that up what else gets lost alongside it ? Isn't the idea that you or anyone can make a new life a better life in America ?
I don't see how it is wrong, it's being read, as translated to the set language as it is written in the english language, why should it matter what language it's said in if it is pledging allegiance to the United States of America?
I'm American and I disagree with the Pledge of Allegiance entirely. I believe that whatever language it's in shouldn't matter. But as a thinking, logical person, I also believe that one shouldn't be forced to say it at all. It also says "under god" inside it. Not just because I'm an Atheist, but I don't feel that such an idea should be put into something where people with many different ideas live. The U.S. is ridiculously diverse, and to make kids who don't believe in god (or kids who believe in multiple god's) say it, is wrong.
Well said, the pledge is a little outdated. What is all this 'no melting pot since 9/11' nonsence too? What about the times where america was built on mads slavery? How about the race riots of the late 60s after the assassination of Martin Luther King? The whole united states is based in the genocide of its indigenous population. Melting pot indeed.
I think that the pledge is such a big part of the culture and tradition of the US that it shouldn't be changed. Think about it- it's the ultimate equalizer. When the PA speaker in the school comes on and says "And let's do as we always do at this time as we stand and honor our country with our pledge of allegiance," everyone in that building stands, and says I pledge of 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 And they all say that, rich or poor, white or black, gay or straight, male or female, they are united in the pledge to that flag, and to the nation it represents. And the only thing that matters then is the flag, and the USA. And that equality it brings to the school is worth more than gold.
Its the 'under God' part which is divisive. Not everyone believes in a god or indeed that god being referred to. How then can they really pledge allegiance? Would you just not say that line?
Wrong. It doesn't bring equality to Hindu's or Atheists. "Under god" makes it seems like there is proof there is only one god.
It's such a large part of US tradition, it shouldn't be changed. And I've never met a person who minded that, whatever their religion.
The pledge of allegiance shouldn't be read in public schools. It is a prayer. Schools and religion should be separated. No place in public should have any religious connection.
I think that if "separation of church and state" means more than patriotism to the United States, then you probably have your priorities messed up. And separation of church and state means that the state can't start a religion, say one religion is better, outlaw a religion, endorse a religion, etc.. Is it doing any of that by having "under God" in the pledge? It's not endorsing a religion, it's saying that America will follow the rules God made for man. It's not saying he's real (although I believe he is, but let's not start that debate), it's saying that we're gonna follow his rules. Am I saying we've done a good job of that? No. Should we remember that we follow God's rules? Yes. And how is the pledge a prayer? It never says anything regarding religion other than "under God".
I think everyone is missing the point here. The true question is why are we pledging allegiance to America? The most corrupt government along with the most violent and most discriminative. If you want to pledge allegiance, so be it. But think if you're doing it because you want to (i.e personal autonomy) or because of tradition. Yes, I am American myself, however I do not pledge allegiance everyday. I simply acknowledge that people do it but I do not recite the words myself. Some say I am disrespectful, but respect is a word that should never be used. Respect in any case means that whatever is not "respecting" has authority over me. Authority is not the same as power. Power, the government has tons of it. Power is the ability to enforce laws, but authority is the natural right to. So in any given case, respect is a useless word because no one earns it, is born with it, etc. All they have is the power to force people to do what they want, but that does not make what they do moral because of their ability to enforce their on laws.
America is for sure the most corrupt, violent, discriminative country in the world. Look at africa, black people are treated equal there. Way to go america.