Why do you stand for the American Flag?

Question

I have a teacher that "teaches" Economics. I use the word teacher loosely. While I do understand this is a free country, he should not push his political views upon the students. He does not stand for the pledge of allegiance in the morning, nor does he ever say anything positive about the country.

I do go to a public school and we are not forced to stand for the flag in the morning.

On the first day of school, he did say that he does not believe in this country or any form of government. When the pledge began over that P.A, half of the class stood up. On the second day of school, there was only 4 peopel standing. And on the 3rd, I was the only one.

I am no ashmed by any means to stand for my country, but I do wish that I could possibly make a point to him as well as the class.

I will be having a friend come into the clas in the morning to stand with me. Hes not even in my class but I think I will hopefully get my point across. But I would still like some reason on why we as americans stand for our nations flag? Any thoughts on my dillema?

Please be respectful.

Thank you

Answer 1

The American flag stands for:

1) wrongly giving women rights to work

2) The brave and the true

3) America

4) People and freedom

5) Racists and sweet tea

6) Betty Crocker

Answer 2

i dont care about the government either i just didnt want to get kicked out of school for not doing the pledge of allegiance!

Answer 3

I stand for my country's flag because respect and love for the people who struggled so hard to be free and who have placed their lives on the line so we can feel safe in our homes.

Answer 4

I always stand for the flag. I refuse to say under God, because I do not believe our country was founded under one god, as it was founded for religious freedom. But I still stand proud to defend te freedom my country offers people, even the freedom for people to choose not to stand.

Answer 5

I understand your seeming frustration but please consider this....

People stand typically out of respect for the country in which they're citizens of.  Is this teacher a US citizen? That could have something to do with his choice, in addition to his feelings about the US.  i.e. is he here on a work Visa?

Second, it is a free country, you have to respect that while his choice NOT to stand is that - his choice.  As is it everyone else's choice TO stand.  I think people are just so USED to standing, we forget it is a choice.  

However, I think there is probably alot of ignorance (lack of awareness/educating themselves) WHY we stand for the flag.  It sounds to me like there are a lot of "sheep" following the herd instead of understanding what their actions really mean.  (not standing after his example).   For instance, how about everything we take forgranted everyday that many other countries do NOT have?  (How many people have died or would choose to fight for these rights at war that they enjoy every day and complain about such as this?  This is why MOST of us choose to stand for the American flag and pledge of allegiance, etc.)  

In my opinion, this teacher is fully entitled to his beliefs.  NO different than the rest of us.  But for me - in MY opinion (not right or wrong - just mine) - hearing what you said, the bigger issue I would have is WHY is this person living in the US, working for a public institution, etc. and being compensated by THE system he clearly is opposed to.  

Meaning:  the message, to me, he is really sending is what a hypocrite he is and has no self-respect to remove himself from the situation in which HE chose for his life.   For instance, no one has a gun to his head making him work at that job or live in the USA...do they?  That said, maybe someone should point THESE actions and choices of his out to him....and "teach" him what's really going on here from what you said.

If it were me, I would probably go to the head of the department (or university if that's where you are).  NOT to diss him but merely out of concern for what is transpiring in the classroom and "being confused" about what types of messages he is sending to others....all the while being sensitive to his choices and beliefs.  All said, it wouldn't to get him in trouble as much as it would be a student's concern and bringing awareness to the situation.....after all, students are why teachers are there.  Sorry, but true.

Answer 6

I don't.

Answer 7

I never rose for the flag. Not to be rude and make a point, but because even though I care for America, there are many things that go on in this country that are wrong and I don't believe in most of it's practices..