Students disrespect pledge of allegiance, moment of silence

This year, especially in the wake of pro athletes like Colin Kaepernick sitting down during the national anthem, the issue of standing during the pledge has come into the limelight of discussion among Airport students. Lots of people, mostly students, in school are not standing during the pledge and moment of silence. Whether for attention or out of ignorance to the United States, students are making the choice to stay seated when Mr. Coleman asks them to rise for the pledge.

I interviewed PE teacher Jacob Wilkerson about this issue and he thinks the problem comes from media and the influence it has on people. Mainstream media does bend the truth and hide the facts to influence people one way or another so it is totally plausible that it would play a part in this.

Mr. Wilkerson states that maybe we shouldn't say the pledge as often (as in everyday) but instead more like once a week. He says this because the pledge may hold more ground and be taken more seriously this way over being said every day. He implies that the over-saying of the pledge makes it lose its meaning.

There are many reasons why students may be refusing to stand during the pledge, ranging from bandwagoning on Kaepernick to simple laziness to having qualms with the religious elements in it. Wilkerson, however, disagrees about that last part. “Part of the reason is our country was founded on religious freedom,” said Wilkerson when asked about “under God” being in the pledge. “If you don't respect what this country stands for and what this country is,” said Wilkerson, “then you should find another country to live in.”

Perhaps more instruction in the embattled history of our country and making students aware of what our predecessors have sacrificed to make this country great is needed.“I think they are ignorant in the fact of the sacrifices that men and women have made for our country to be free,”said Wilkerson. “Those sacrifices were made by all colors and races.”

People with different backgrounds, especially those in the military, take umbrage to those who sit during the pledge. When I asked a Vietnam veteran about this issue, he stated that he took great offense to people doing this. He said, “I went overseas to protect this country and this is how they thank me. They don't even know what they are standing for anymore. The schools need to teach kids what the pledge means and why it is said.”

People shouldn't be punished legally because they constitutionally have the right not to stand. They will face people who disagree with what they did though.

Our country is the best country in the world. People need to respect it and the people who fight to keep it that way.

If you want to know more about the pledge ask your history teacher or historian

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