Pledge
I pledge allegiance to the Flag,
Honoring our ancestors who built America
From before Washington to the many unmentioned,
I include the sacrifices of my mother and father.
And to the Republic for which it stands:
I, too, stand with an open hand.
My hand is placed over my heart
As I promise to not let diversity tear us apart.
One Nation… still working to be indivisible
As we envision what equality means for all people
But, I can confidently smile knowing we are capable
To redefine the American dream we still fight for
With liberty and justice for all.
Reflection
Throughout my K-12 schooling, I was required to state the pledge every morning. Don’t get me wrong–I enjoyed learning about U.S. history. In fact, I would often read pages not assigned by my teacher. For example, I analyzed the two pages hidden between lessons (which often had excerpts from primary sources or short biographies), and I furthered my research by reading the full text or learning more about that person. I even analyzed all the pictures, charts, and captions that many seemed to neglect. The problem was–or still is–I never felt represented when reading those textbooks, let alone when reciting the pledge.
I wrote this poem for inclusion and imagination. In the classroom, I help my students find their voice and encourage them to write their stories. As citizens, we can have pride in our country and remain critical of our actions. There is room for both–not everything has to be a duality of either/or. In fact, we should look at history with a critical lens if we expect to “envision” and “redefine” various aspects for our present (and our future).
Prompt
Therefore, I want you to think about a time when you did not feel included. Describe the setting: home, park, playground, school, classroom, church, temple, cafeteria, table, store, street. What caused your feeling of alienation, difference, and/or discomfort? Was it a person (or group of people), a sign (or other form of print), or a norm (such as a status quo)?
Tell your story. You might shed light on a microaggression or a blatant/intentional act. Either way, someone reading your writing might relate to a similar circumstance while others might learn something they did not know or notice. Conversations can lead to understanding and clarify misunderstandings. Your words have power.