I was probably 5 years of age when I was taught to pledge my allegiance.
I was 18 years of age when I took an oath. I was 20 years of age when I pledged to join an organization. I was 23 years of age when I took another oath. In my experiences, no one informed me exactly what my actions meant entirely. That’s not to suggest this was anyone’s fault beyond my own. However, so many adults call themselves being “protective” with children from topics they consider beyond a child’s comprehension. Did anyone ever considered a 5 year old being too young to pledge their allegiance? Did anyone ever considered asking children if they were even interested in making such a pledge? In each of my instances, no one ever went into any detailed explanation regarding what pledging an allegiance actually meant. Maybe that was strategic. Even when I was older and took an oath to support and defend the United States Constitution, I never experienced anyone deemed to be in a position of authority go to any length to determine if I understood what I was doing. No one even asked if I had any questions about what I was about to do. No one even went line by line over the document I was swearing to defend. Maybe that was strategic. Would it not make more sense to ensure anyone making a pledge or taking an oath comprehends what they are doing? To whose benefit is it to have children who barely understand why they are even attending school to learn to recite the pledge of allegiance? Maybe this is why some never question and even find it disrespectful if someone decides to ask questions or ask for reciprocating allegiance in return.
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ADISAUSAGE: WESTERN AFRICAN, YORUBA. Archives
September 2017
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