On The Horns Of A Dilemma

[ChoppinBroccoli]

I have a situation I'm currently facing that has me twisted up in all kinds of moral/ideological knots. I honestly don't know what the right thing to do is. My oldest child is "graduating" from his daycare/preschool program next month and starting Kindergarten in the Fall. Yes, it's a little corny to have a "graduation" ceremony for 5-year-olds, but I figure it's something fun for them, and it's a nice opportunity to take some pictures for the grandparents. I'm fine with the idea of it.

But here's the kicker. Today, they sent home a memo giving us parents the details of the ceremony. We have to help our children learn a little paragraph that they're going to recite in which they say their name and age and what school they'll be going to and what they want to be when they grow up. Pretty standard stuff. That's not the issue.

What IS the issue is that there was a second memo asking parents to help the children learn the Pledge of Allegiance, and it was written out below the memo so we would have the text of it. Immediately I wondered whether making a 5-year-old take a loyalty oath was a wise thing to do. Plus, it's the version that includes the "under God" phrase. Now, I know that I, myself, would choose NOT to recite the Pledge of Allegiance if I was ever in a situation where I was asked to do so (I wouldn't make a big deal of it--I'd just remain silent). But do I have any right to force that belief on anyone else, let alone a 5-year-old kid who probably doesn't even understand what the words mean anyway? Further, I thought, "Well, maybe if I just tell him to stay silent at the 'under God' part........." But then I was worried what kind of message that would send to him.

Also, this is a very culturally diverse daycare/preschool, and my son's class includes at least 5 Muslim children, as well as several other children from foreign countries who may or may not be Christians. It makes me wonder why the daycare owner, who is Hispanic and normally prides herself and her school on being very sensitive to cultural issues, would use the "under God" version.

I have no intention of making a big issue of this. I'm not going to be one of those people who takes a very minor issue like this one and causes a major uproar based solely on personal beliefs. I'm just not sure what the proper thing to do in this situation is. My wife thinks it's harmless, and it's just something the kids will say without really even knowing what the words mean. I kind of agree, but as I told her, the idea of having children taking "loyalty oaths" just doesn't sit well with me. But I also recognize that it would be improper to fight a political ideological battle through a 5-year-old (who clearly is not old enough to understand why Dad is making him be different), so I'm inclined to just let this one slide. It does irk me, though. If it was just me being affected, I know what I would do. But things become very different when you're talking about what is appropriate for a young child.

[Duer 157099]

1. When you get to the "under God" part

just teach him to say "underdog" and hope that nobody notices :shrug:

[Adsos Letter]

2. I wish I had the answer for you, but I will say one thing for sure

You are a good dad; it resonates in your post. :thumbsup:

[Cassandra]

3. Why would Muslims have a problem?

It's the same God.
Really, the "under God" version is standard these days.

[Warren DeMontague]

11. Well, some people think the only real unicorns are purple

and some people think the only real ones are the blue ones with sparkly stars.

[Adsos Letter]

4. almost forgot...K&R for exposure to the masses.

[tularetom]

5. Generations of kids have mumbled that pledge

without giving a thought to what it means. Or even caring.

I was one of them as were my kids and grandkids. I'm sure my great grandchildren will do the same when they start school in a few years.

Personally I was so pissed off about being forced to go to school that reciting a stupid pledge didn't even register on my bitch-o-meter.

Don't deprive your kid of the opportunity to mindlessly regurgitate a few meaningless words.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

6. I understand your concern, but...

I would let this one slide. He's five years old, and this is the standard Pledge.

When he's older would be the time for some discussion...

I hope you all will enjoy the little ceremony.

[leftstreet]

7. Actually, Muslims wouldn't necessarily be offended. Did you mean atheists?

:shrug:

[FLPanhandle]

8. As an atheist, I don't mind my kids saying the "under God" part

They need to learn it's in there. It's not like it messed me up, so I doubt it'll harm my kids.

[Warren DeMontague]

9. One Nation, Under "Bob"

[Ozymanithrax]

10. Try some variation of the pledge of allegiance from an old Star Trek episode.

"Ay plegli ianectu flaggen, tupep like for stahn –"

Just make up the rest.

I grew up at at a time when we said the pledge of allegience every day and even recited the lords prayer in school. You child will get over it.

[damntexdem]

13. Well, there is the picnic version that ends:

"with lemon, tea, and crushed ice for all."

;-)

[damntexdem]

12. Tell the school that you are teaching your child the original Pledge.

The one that Francis Bellamy wrote: "I pledge allegiance to my flag, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

Say that you are a traditionalist and a strict-constructionalist and just cannot abide the Twentieth Century alterations to the Pledge.

[Uben]

14. I'd do it for the kid

I wouldn't want them to feel excluded by not participating in the whole ceremony. While you are old enough to ponder the moral issues, a five year old really wouldn't understand why he should be different. So, if it's not going to breach your beliefs too much, just do it.

[Hawkowl]

15. Have your kid do it, but

But have a conversation with the Preschool explaining your son will participate, but ask why they are including the Pledge? If you want you can express your concerns and even give them a little history lesson!