Patriotism Under Pressure?

Act Patriotically to Fix the Pledge

In today's society, patriotism tends to express itself in many different ways, from displaying the American flag outside the front door to shooting red white and blue into the air on Independence Day. One of the most familiar ways, to elementary and high school students more than anyone, is reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Now, it has come to the nation's attention that not everyone chooses to say the pledge. Does this mean that those who do not are disloyal? Communists? Or just down right disrespectful. And what is so controversial about saying the pledge every morning in homeroom? The answer to that is most commonly the appeal towards separation of church and state amongst the US population. Though we live in a society in which a large percentage of the population follows Judeo Christian values, not everyone agrees that "Under God" should be in the Pledge of Allegiance. Some school children do not stand during the pledge at school and are heavily reprimanded by teachers or peers. An atheist adult at a town hall meeting was kicked out after refusing to rise as well. Clearly, sitting during the pledge resembles dishonor to America. However, in such a religiously and morally diverse nation, people are bound to have different opinions. Steps have been taken towards reverting towards the original Pledge of Allegiance that did not include the  phrase "Under God," prior to 1954, such as campaigning and organizations unifying in order to rid of the religious expression. The question is which is more patriotic, school children militaristically reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in homeroom every day, or improvement by protesting unjust laws with hope for change.

I am the granddaughter of two United State's veterans. They both served the country valiantly during the second world war. They were never all out, gung ho flag wavers during or after battle, would you call them disloyal to America? Talk about disrespect. When I am criticized for not standing and reciting the pledge or when I am called disloyal, I find it highly more disrespectful than me not saying it at all. Everyone has their own way of portraying patriotism. No one has the right to pressure or compel another person into reciting the pledge. Whether it be for reasons based on the religious aspect of it or some other personal reason, refusing to say the pledge should not be worthy of punishment. Most young school children do not even fully comprehend what the pledge states, yet their teachers call home when a child does not want to say it. I never said it when I was a child, I thought it was illogical to pledge alliance to the FLAG, instead of the actual nation. Plus I never believed in God from the start so I was confused. I did get criticized but as I grew up I realized that I don't care what others think because we all hold different values, who are we to judge others. We can only try to listen and understand. Personally, I still will not be affected if God remains in the pledge or not. I will not be affected if others around me quietly sit or stand and recite.  I just know either way, one person is no more patriotic than the other.

Harrassment in the High Court

Go to Article

Sexism has been increasingly more current in the workplace. The chronic situation of female harassment throughout political industry has been dually noted after Senator Kirsten Gillibrand claimed to be harassed by fellow male colleagues. Unprofessionalism is just an understatement when it comes to the comments of United States political leaders. After recently giving birth, the New York State Senator received rather inappropriate remarks regarding her post-pregnancy physique from male counterparts. One claimed that she was "even pretty when she's fat." An older senator grabbed her by the waist and said he likes his women "chubby." Gillibrand, astounded, held herself in state of decorum by refraining from responding to such comments with profanities. I, myself, do not know if I could have that amount of self control. This situation furthermore emphasizes how being undermined is a daily occurrence for women in the workplace. While this specific case has been brought to light, regarding women as of lesser value is too common in today's society.

Should a woman be subject to such degrading and humiliating comments, nevertheless in the work place?? Of course not and it does not take a super feminist to see that. No woman should have to experience such social injustices. Just because you are a political leader does NOT mean you have the "authority" to lay your hands on another person or make crude comments about their appearance, man or woman!  In America, we most often view discrimination as a problem already dealt with in the past. But has it really vanished as much as we believe? Lower salaries than males, prejudice, plus misogyny continue to victimize women to this day. Though it is SEEMINGLY more passive than other misconducts in the work place, such as Senator Gillibrand's case, sexism should not be disregarded in America. I think it was wise for Gillibrand to publicize such acts. Women, take a stand, don't just simply shake it off. Writing an angry letter to your harasser and throwing it out won't cut it here. Assertiveness and confidence are key. We are just as valuable to society as men. And to men, a real man treats a woman with respect and as an equal. Think about that next time you choose to a pervert.