The American Brainwash (CRR)

Cemented into the brains of naive children from the very moment they embark on their educational career, The Pledge of Allegiance supposedly serves to establish a sense of patriotism within the student bodies of schools across the United States. Everyday, for thirteen years students are forced to repeat the same thirty one words; however, do these words still retain the same principles that the authors originally proposed? The Pledge ends with the phrase, "with liberty and justice for all", but if one truly analyzes the state of America, they will find that this statement does not align with the practices of the government. Black citizens are still discriminated against. Homosexual rights are still being withheld. How can we pronounce freedom for all citizens when the rights of groups of individuals are continuously restrained? Adults,who are not required to recite the pledge, are able to understand these corruptions within the government. Conversely, children who have little understanding of the corporations that run their country are brainwashed into believing that the American government works solely for the well being of all citizens. These children simply comply with the orders of their teachers who assist them in memorizing the Pledge until they are able to recite it fluently. In addition, why are children required to memorize and repeat the Pledge everyday? It is probable that most of them do not even comprehend the words they emit, however, they simply recite the meaningless words in order to satisfy the authority figures who oversee them. In my opinion, it is of no use to require children to recite the Pledge; instead, all adults should recite the Pledge every morning. Maybe then we will realize the lies infused in this reiterated speech and save our youth from becoming brainwashed by the corrupt American government.

Thoreau successfully discusses the evils of the American government through his essay, "Civil Disobedience". He describes how too often, American citizens comply with the decisions of the government regardless whether the decisions are made for our benefit. Thoreau urges his audience to realize the immorality the self centered government operates under, and not allow these actions to persist, but take a stand so that justice for all may prevail. Thoreau then stresses the need for one to use their conscience rather than surrender their will to think freely to the government. In the same aspect, why should children continue to monotonously recite a speech that has no meaning to them? Should they too surrender their conscience to the seemingly flawless system? Thoreau continues by explaining his personal act of civil disobedience, in which he refused to pay the pole tax in order to vote. Although he was sent to jail for a short period of time, he was able to prove his point that defending the right to individual freedom is far more profitable than the consequences that follow. So, as Thoreau did, should we too show our own civil disobedience? By refusing to say the pledge, although disapproving stares may accompany this act, the movement may encourage others to do the same, and fight for equal rights for all American citizens. Let us not revert to become indifferent robots who comply with whatever the government instructs us to do, but may we be open minded philosophers who defend their right to live freely.