Pledge of Allegiance - Not Patriotic?

[rah45]

What is so patriotic about the pledge of allegiance, anyway?


A member of my family posted a picture on Facebook, a fairly common patriotic and Conservative-leaning post supporting saying the pledge in spite of those who it "offends." I happened to know the prior history of the pledge, and linked that article in the comments section. I then told him that because I now understand the complete history of the pledge, I no longer say it. I told him that I wish to honor the Constitution and its ideals, not a nation-state with increasingly fascist tendencies, and that I believe saying the pledge is dedicating yourself to the United States, not these united states. There is a difference. I was subsequently attacked, somewhat viciously, by two other family members of my father's generation. These two members accused me of not supporting my father, brother or cousin because I do not support the pledge of allegiance, and also insinuated that I am not godly because I do not support it (I don't consider myself a godly person anyway since I do not practice Christianity, but that isn't the point here). I am just wondering what you guys think, after reading the linked article regarding the pledge's history. I do not see how they are justified in linking the pledge to support of the troops or dedication to God, since that is not remotely what the pledge means. That is what I was taught, but what I was taught is not the truth if you read its history and understand its intent.

[Grudgie]

I don't know the history of the pledge. But when I started learning about governments and 'waking up' I didn't like the pledge of allegiance beginning in middle school. I remember childishly crossing my fingers over my heart as I said the words. Even though loved my country, I dared not refuse to say the pledge in my small southern white school. People just would have taken it the wrong way as if I was a punk.

Seeing everyone at school every morning mindlessly mouth the words just seemed nationalistic/fascistic.

I hate that your family looks down on you because you don't support the pledge. They're trying to shun you into conformity when a real American would be accepting and tolerant.

[Grudgie]

I don't know the history of the pledge. But when I started learning about governments and 'waking up' I didn't like the pledge of allegiance beginning in middle school. I remember childishly crossing my fingers over my heart as I said the words. Even though loved my country, I dared not refuse to say the pledge in my small southern white school. People just would have taken it the wrong way as if I was a punk.

Seeing everyone at school every morning mindlessly mouth the words just seemed nationalistic/fascistic.

I hate that your family looks down on you because you don't support the pledge. They're trying to shun or 'boycott' you into conformity when a real American would be accepting and tolerant.

[crudos]

The pledge does make me more or less of an American. Actions speak louder than mere rote recital.