Every day in the second period, Hart TV calls students to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. An awkward pause occurs until a few people stand and face the flag; gradually more people stand and occasionally you can hear someone actually recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Everyday tension fills the room while most of the students stay seated. Everyone has different opinions about standing for the Pledge of Allegiance and whichever way that you choose to regard the flag it feels like you are hated for your opinion.

Symbolic speech is a difficult subject because it is less protected than any other form of speech. You cannot force someone to stand for a pledge and openly “respect” America, yet part of it can be peer pressure. When a group of kids stand, then it feels easier to stand, but when no one stands, gradually less people end up standing.

Given the constant peer pressure in high school, is it a big deal whether or not someone chooses to stand or sit for 30 seconds to honor the country? On one hand, standing for the Pledge of Allegiance is something to be proud of because the country has gone through so much to fight for freedom. On the other hand, there are many faults in the political system and sitting for the pledge is a way to protest the faults of the country.

In the end of the matter, I believe that you should sit or stand based on your own convictions. Stand or sit for the pledge as long as it is not based on what other people think you should do. There are no repercussions for sitting for the pledge and there is no additional praise for standing for the pledge. Whichever way that you choose, you are not more or less an American based on how you position yourself for the 30-second pledge.