American students, what are your thoughts on the Pledge of Allegiance? Personally, I choose not to recite it because the phrase “under God” feels religiously exclusive to me, as I wasn’t raised in a Christian environment or any other faith that includes a concept of God. If that part were revised or removed, I might be more comfortable saying it.
Growing up, I felt pressure to participate, especially after witnessing a teacher make a student stand up to recite the pledge when he refused. Now that I’m older, I’ve realized I have the freedom to make my own choices, so I decided to stop saying it altogether.
That said, I respect others’ right to say it if they wish—it’s ultimately a personal choice. I’d love to hear your opinions on this!
Edit: Thank you all for the insightful responses! I really appreciate your perspectives and will keep them in mind moving forward. 🫶🫶
I think your perspective is really interesting and highlights an important discussion about inclusivity and personal beliefs. The inclusion of “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance does raise questions about the balance between national identity and respect for diverse beliefs. For those who don’t identify with a religious framework, it can definitely feel alienating.
It’s also commendable that you recognized your ability to make a choice regarding it. The idea that the Pledge should be a personal decision rather than an obligation is important, and it’s great to see you advocating for that. I agree that as long as people have the option to participate or not based on their beliefs, it can be a respectful way to accommodate everyone’s views. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!