Children in the United States spend many years in school reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, but does this encourage loyalty in their nation or the fear of it? The years I spent at school reciting this pledge did little to instill patriotism in me. I don't even remember the words. A more hands-on approach to community involvement would be a better way to teach children about pride in their country. Encourage children to care about their school, their neighborhood, their city and their nation by letting them be part of their community. It is up to not only schools, but also parents, to play a role in showing the next generation what true dedication to one's country is. True patriotism is the selfless giving of oneself and simply reciting an oath is woefully inadequate. The fact that schoolchildren, from the youngest to the oldest, are forced to recite this oath goes against the equally important sense of individual liberty and freedom. heart of what our Republic represents. James Perry, author of the essay “What I Expect My Child to Learn from Not Saying the Pledge of Allegiance,” says, “Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance does not support American ideals. Instead, it sacrifices our freedom, minimizing that which the Founding Fathers fought for. » Children don't learn patriotism by being forced to recite an oath every day, that only brings an element of fear due to peer pressure and the Big Brother element. Being forced to recite the Pledge of Allegiance does the exact opposite of what it is supposed to do. Perry explains: “For a sovereign citizen to pledge allegiance to the Republic is exactly a step backwards. The Republic exists for us as individuals. This takes away their individual freedom...... middle of paper ......learn respect for it. Parents must also take a proactive approach to teaching true patriotism to the next generation. For too long, many parents have forgotten loyalty to their nation and, in turn, let reciting that pledge become a sad substitute. Imagine if every child growing up in today's world performed just a little community service and gave up a Saturday. , how wonderful America could be. Teaching children to love their country means showing them what freedom and justice really mean for all, for them as individuals, and for America as a country. Teach them that true patriotism lies in the selfless sacrifices that ordinary people make every day. When patriotism turns into daily recitation of the Pledge, waving the flag and never looking beyond your own little part of the world, we are doing harm to our own country and to the cause of true freedom and freedom. true peace in the world.