In the US most students recite “the pledge of allegiance” every morning before school, which is kind of crazy. If you were in charge, what if anything would you replace it with?

  • GraniteM@lemmy.world
    34·
    1 month ago

    Just a couple of judicious edits…

    We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men persons are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it.

          • TʜᴇʀᴀᴘʏGⒶʀʏ@lemmy.blahaj.zone
            11·
            1 month ago

            I understand that historically “men” was used to refer to humans in general, but language evolves, and it’s important to use terms that are explicitly inclusive. By saying “persons” instead of “men,” it ensures everyone feels represented/included, and reinforces that these rights apply to every individual (bc they used to not, and lots of folks still want them to only apply to cishet white men)

            • NoneOfUrBusiness@fedia.io
              2·
              1 month ago

              I understand that historically “men” was used to refer to humans in general

              Not just historically. It’s a literary term, but still a thing.

              Other than that, inclusivity is important, but inclusivity theater is just annoying. Literally nothing will change if you change that one word in the constitution.

              • TʜᴇʀᴀᴘʏGⒶʀʏ@lemmy.blahaj.zone
                11·
                1 month ago

                I’m guessing you’re a cis man? It would actually be a meaningful change for a lot of women and nonbinary people, even if subconscious.

                Personally, I get a little bit annoyed every time I read/hear the general use of “men,” and that would change if we change that one word in the constitution, so not literally nothing