Arkansas 10-Year-Old Won’t Pledge Allegiance Until Gays Gain Equality
By scarce Monday Nov 16, 2009 7:00pm
Killian Melloy at the EDGE has the details.
A 10-year-old Arkansas boy name Will Phillips has decided that he cannot in good conscience pledge allegiance to the flag as long as the country for which it stands refuses legal equality to its GLBT citizens.
That stand has brought young Mr. Phillips anti-gay taunts in the lunch room, but admiration from around the country, reports a Nov. 5 Arkansas Times article. The West Fork School District fifth grader clashed with a substitute teacher for his refusal to stand for the pledge, prompting a call to Will’s mother, Laura Phillips. When the principal acknowledged that Will has the right to refuse to say the pledge, Ms. Phillips asked that her son receive an apology--a request that the principal declined to honor.
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That led the young man to his decision not to pledge his allegiance due to the injustice he perceived to prevail against gays and lesbians. He discussed the matter with his family and then took his stand--or rather, refused to stand with the rest of the kids when the time for the pledge came around each morning. The first week of the young man’s protest happened to be a week when a substitute teacher, a friend of Will’s grandparents, was in charge of the class; as days went by, the teacher grew more aggravated, until finally she took Will to task."She got a lot more angry and raised her voice and brought my mom and my grandma up," Will told the Arkansas Times. "I was fuming and was too furious to really pay attention to what she was saying. After a few minutes, I said, ’With all due respect, ma’am, you can go jump off a bridge.’"
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Moreover, Will’s stand for equal rights for gays has led those who disagree to attack him personally with anti-gay epithets: "In the lunchroom and in the hallway, they’ve been making comments and doing pranks, and calling me gay," Will said. "It’s always the same people, walking up and calling me a gaywad."That hasn’t been easy for Will, who skipped fourth grade but seems older than his age, especially in contrast to some of his peers. Said Laura Phillips, "It’s really frustrating to him that people are being so immature."
The interviewer from The Arkansas Times asked Will what it means to be an American. The answer: "Freedom of speech. The freedom to disagree. That’s what I think pretty much being an American represents."
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Cool Threadless shirt.
Gutsy, progressive and wearing a Threadless shirt? This dude may just be my new hero!
People like this kid restore my hope in the future. In Arkansas no less!
yep.
I'm from Arkansas and there are some progressive parents around. My daughter was the only one in her third-grade class to vote for Obama during a mock election last year.
Yeah, there is hope. Too bad Sen. Lincoln wants to squash it.
Age 10, in Arkansas, and standing up against the a-holes. Some younger Americans are growing up.
finally, a positive role model on TV! let's have more every day people on TV.
This kid is great. Go to YouTube and give Will some support. So far it's all positive comments over there ...(the winguts haven't arrived yet?)
Is there a specific place to find this over there?
Yes there is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LT9I-36aim8
Thanks!
I was always uncomfortable 'pledging allegiance' to the American flag (or to any flag, cult religion or person)...
Something very authoritarian, very cult like about taking the pledge of obedience.....
Sad thing is this kid will no doubt recieve death threats from the right wing.
Unfortunately, the knuckle-draggers will get wind of this.
It'll be fun to watch their heads explode when they do.
just like 10 year old neo-nazis
one cannot help but wonder where he got such an idea in the first place
????
Maybe he (Will, the boy) thinks equality means equality, not paying lip service to the idea of it.
(does that make it clear now??)
What idea? Please clarify?!?!
Once you answer that, then tell me what is - the wonder of it?
don't be shy - there are no bad thoughts, only bad actions... c'on, this is a chat room. get it off your chest joe. we're here to help.
The idea of equality. It's only an idea, or slogan, unless it's true.
yep. that's how we see it.
but let's let joe tell us what he means...
Because neo-Nazis are so well-known for risking themselves in order to protest the trampling of minority rights.
Nice try, Sparky. Next time pull your head out of your ass; you'll spew less shit that way.
... to be able to pull it out of his ass?
I figure something's gotta be compelling those fingers to type.
zip
I always stand out of respect for family members who died in past wars. Personally, I find the whole pledge thing creepy. I don't ever say the pledge out loud and I find the "Under God" part offensive.
We don't have a pledge in Canada, and if we did I wouldn't partake.
I grew up in Canada and while it's true there's no pledge, in school we were supposed to sing, "God Save The Queen," as well as the national anthem, which includes the line, "God keep our land glorious & free." We also frequently said the Lord's Prayer at the start of the day - all in public schools. I was literally kicked out of my chair by a teacher who objected to my refusal to stand and sing, "Oh, Canada!" during a school assembly.
Nationalism exists all over and takes many forms - it doesn't specifically require a spoken pledge or oath. In my experience, Canadians are typically less jingoistic and overtly rah-rah in their nationalism than Americans, but Canada does practice its own version of cultural nationalism.
Yes, I know we do. I was smart enough to at least stand up, and mouth the words (sort of), but I didn't actually say/sing them. I knew it was a pile of crap, but didn't want any trouble.
Canadians like Canada, but no one I know gets all frothy around the mouth about it.
(I didn't mind the queen stuff, cuz she looked a bit like my mother and had a sparkly tiara. We stopped ALL OF IT by the time I got to middle school.)
Well, I grew up in Saskatchewan. It wasn't exactly the most right-wing part of the country, but there's still plenty of nationalism in the West.
I knew lots of people that were very nationalistic, but in different ways than are usually on display in the U.S. Canadians are generally less frothy about most things than Americans - that's not really an accurate measure. To some degree it may simply mean that Canadians hold their cards closer to their vests, but they are still holding cards.
Yes, it's true. Nationalists abound all over the planet.
I was a pretty smart kid. I skipped a grade too, just like this (Will) guy did.
(PS Nationalism is off-the-charts scary in Korea. They'll even cut off their own fingers to prove it. One guy did.)
A sparkly tiara can be a very compelling impetus, indeed.
Haven't seen you here for a while. Hope all is well.
Yeah, thanks for asking. I just finished moving to a new place after ten years in the same home. Very stressful, but I'm settling in for the winter.
Hope you're doing well.
Yes. Considering I moved to Europe, found a new job and started teaching, found and moved into a new apt., then left at the last minute because my visa wouldn't go through in time, and am now back in Seoul, yes, OK. Talk about busy and stressful! Now I'm totally chilling for a while.
Moving is not too much fun, is it? Hope you like your new place. It's nice once you get settled.
It is worth noting, however, that when I attended public school (I'm 27 now), we had to stand for the national anthem and that was it. No "God Save the Queen," no prayers (mind you, as I said it was a public school), no saluting or anything of that nature. Most kids just lazily rose to their feet, scratching and coughing and chatting in the back, until it was over.
.
"One nation, under God."
One of the most ironic statements ever.
The "under God" part was tagged on by 1950's fascists that rose up after the European fascists tore up their countries and lost power. I believe the Republicans are now simply the new face of that fascism. Ultimately no country is required if they can go global in a network of corporations. Their patriotism is fake.
God and Patriotism are the refuge of scoundrels, fascists, and Republicans.
Oh, and corporations... corporations are rapidly becoming the preferred Refuge for all sorts of non patriotic, ungodly activities, perpetrated more often than not by Republicans on behalf of these corporations.
perhaps it should read "one nation, under corporate rule".
Way to go kid...you make us proud!!!!!!
What a smart young man!
Maybe there is hope for humanity after all.
There is hope for America yet!!! What a great kid, and what great parents for raising such a strong, progressive kid!!
I'm not paying my taxes until all the 911 criminals are convicted.
The real ones, not those patsies in Queertanamo.
Damn. Can we have some more of those please? Maybe about 300 million of them?
I wish I'd had half the cojones this kid has when I was 10.
I wish I had half his cojones TODAY!
Damn good point.
I mean WTF? Pledging to fucking cloth? I didn't know what the hell it meant, and didn't want to make promises I didn't understand.
Right on Will.
looks like a young Harry Potter.
Good for him!
unused-by-Arkansas teabagger IQ points went to! :)
Such a courageous, and very smart little boy. My newest hero!
even now that Obama is President. Rage Against The Machine was a big influence in my life, and in high school, a bunch of us simply didn't stand or recite the Pledge. And when our senior league baseball team played teams from other communities, we didn't do the pledge, either, and pissed off entire other contingents of people. No one could do anything about it. I love living in the US, but do I pledge my allegience to it? Absolutely not.
I would pleadge my allegience to the idea of America, I do not pledge my allegience to the people who are in charge of it.
That's what I love about the US, I don't have to be on any of the assholes side.
I put my faith in the Dems because the repugs were so god awful...but now I'm quickly loosing faith in the Dems because they don't seem to do shit that might make the corporations angry and they are using the repugs as a smoke screen, they can get anything they want accomplished but they just don't do shit.
I'm willing to give them more time, after 8 years of do-overs, but if they bring some kind of real change to Washington then we have to do it through a new political party, and we need to wash our hands of these criminals who don't do anything for us.
As always the children are way ahead of the adults.
Keep an eye on this kid. He is showing premature signs of greatness.
Pretty understanding Dad, too. Don't forget this is Arkansas, the buckle on the Bible belt.
I thought Dallas was the Buckle on the Bible Belt.
This young man has restored my hope for the future. It's a big statement when this kid has more courage than an adult who worries about what other think about *gasp* homosexuals.
This little guy is a champion! I've lived in Arkansas, and this kid's family is catching a ton of shit.
A. TON.
I hope they keep sticking up for him.
Also, not sure if I should I be more embarrassed or amused by the fact that I (a 23 year old woman) have the same shirt as a 10 year old boy...
For any kid to take such an unpopular stand in a state like Arkansas is truly a testament to someone who has a firm backbone. His whole family probably raised this kid to be a man and deserve credit for their tutelage.
Great story, good going kid.
If the boy did this all of his own accord and by his own reasoning and principles that's great but if adults persuaded him to do this it's not cool , he's only ten years old , let him be a little boy and enjoy it while he can . I just worry about the boy and all the flak and troubles he is in for , especially in Arkansas . But again , if this was totally on his own , his parents and family should be very proud of him . I wish the little guy well .
Because little kids can't have opinions on what's going on in the world, and it's just awful for them to act on them. Also, parents should never ever try to instill their values in their kids. Yep, it's just shameful how kids will learn from their parents about what's right and wrong in the world.
You're on the right track, young man. I'd be proud to call you my son or grandson. Hang in there and know that those of us who really care are rooting for you.
but I had plenty of ideas of my own when I was ten years old. I grew up among racists and had many questions about equality.
Some people accept, unquestioningly, the word of their parents and other authorities, not only in childhood but all their lives, without ever having a critical thought; so I can see why some might project that onto young Will.
Which is why everyone should have kids. Once you have explained the concept of war or discrimination to your child (in an honest way, not a mythological, religious or fairytale way), you are truly an adult. It's amazing how irrational and silly many adults are.
What's the point of cherishing freedom and billing yourself as "Land of the Free" if you're only going to extend that freedom to the people who you agree with?
You don't have to have your own kids to go through that. I have nephews and a little niece, and we talk all the time. I learn from them, they learn from me. Reproducing yourself is not necessary.
most of the religious bigots , right wing bed wetters and Congress people in our country.
You go, Will!
The GOP is not smarter than a 5th grader.
Bingo.
I'm impressed. Seriously. I didn't think it was possible to be THAT big an asshole.
Congratulations there, Sparky. Your mama must be DAMN proud o' you!
is cool. ...but he aint got shit on me.
I quit paying my income tax a long time ago when Chimpy was president. I sleep better at night knowing my money wont be being used to kill people in Afghanistan/Iraq/Pakistan.
This kid is actually a teabagger of sorts (but from opposite end of the spectrum... (and he has my respect)
Between you and this child, is quite apparent... in deed.
Your lack of logic, is self-evident. :-/
Actually, I agree. Ten years old is hardly old enough to know what the issues are. He's similar to the kid passing out Christmas candy canes in school with religious messages attached.
Conservatives ooh and aahh over the kid, and say we're attacking him when we point out he's probably acting in his parents or minister's stead. Some will go as far as calling it child abuse, to put them in such public scrutiny.
But wait for the conservatives to really lash into this kid, and they won't be arguing that it's inappropriate, but all the hellfire and damnation nonsense.
However, to avoid the obvious tu quoque, the kid in this case is clearly a religious minority standing up for his rights, not a religious majority trying to ramrod his beliefs to others.
There is a difference between proseltyzing and just wanting to be left to their own opinions.
Now I'm not sure if he's a religious or political minority.
However, Jehovah Witness kids are allowed not to participate in pledges of allegance, and if it's solely allowed for th em them, then it would be clearly to advance their religious viewpoints.
Can someone please tell me why people are afraid to apologize? It seems like so many people believe apologizing is equal to being weak. I, however, feel that to be able to apologize is a sign of maturity and empathy. What am I missing here?
What a great kid.
what this kid had to apologize for, his substitute teacher was pressuring him to do something that it was illegal for her to do. I think if more kids sat out the pledge of allegiance, it would go away. As it should. At least until they get "under god" out of it.
written in 1892, by liberal clergyman Francis Bellamy (1855-1931).
See; "Bellamy salute"
The "Pledge of Allegiance" was published in the September 8th issue of the popular children's magazine The Youth's Companion as part of the National Public-School Celebration of Columbus Day, a celebration of the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's discovery of America. The event was conceived by James B. Upham, a marketer for the magazine, in a campaign to sell American flags and American nationalism to public schools.
"Youth's Companion" was published in Boston by the Perry Mason Company (later renamed "Perry Mason & Co." after the founder died). From 1892 to 1915 it was based in the Youth's Companion Building, which is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Erle Stanley Gardner, born in 1889, was as a child very fond of the magazine. When later on embarking on his own writing career, Gardner borrowed the name "Perry Mason" for his famous fictional attorney-detective ;)
Scott Bellamy, great-grandson: "You'd think he would not have had bad feelings about having 'under God' [added by Congress in 1954] in the Pledge. But he was not even happy about them adding `to the United States of America" (which Francis called a "clumsy redundancy ... a mangling of the original")... "I Pledge Allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all."
Wouldn't they be shocked to know that one of the original purposes of Bellamy's pledge was to kill regionalism in the American South. The Southern Rebellion was a living memory in 1892 and the wounds were as slow to heal as a Bromine burn. Bellamy seemed to hope that having school children pledge allegiance to the national flag would undermine loyalty to home states. I remember when they added "under God." I never said it. I pray in my closet or in church, not in a government building under the supervision of a government employee.
Maybe they should have students take the oath once a year. You know, the one that begins; "I, (state your name) do solemnly swear that I will uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic..." Pledging allegiance to a piece of cloth (or paper) always seemed right out of "William Tell" to me.
Good for you, Will. Good for you.
(I too support GLBT rights - I'm also agnostic), I, after some thought, disagree with his actions. Part of it is my history with the flag. My father was Third Division Marine Corps and served in the battles of Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, and Guam. We had a flagpole in our front yard and we would display the flag on various holidays and events. On the anniversary of the Iwo Jima invasion my dad would always tear-up because he lost several of his new friends. On several occassions he would say to us something like "I hope you boys understand and appreciate what these men did for us." I know that freedom includes being able to do things like burn the flag and not stand for the Pledge. I guess I don't agree with disrepsecting one thing to support another in this case. Stand up - you don't have to say a word, but stand. Surely you can honor the flag for something - doesn't have to be a pre-written paragraph. I know a lot of you disagree - but I honestly would not let my 10-year old kid not stand. I guess seeing my hard-as-nails dad cry while raising an American flag gave me a perspective where I can't help but feel that way about Old Glory.
as a senior in high school in 1971 I was suspended for 3 days for not standing and reciting the pledge - this was during the Viet Nam war, and I was looking at having to make the decision whether to serve in the armed forces or go to jail anyway so i didn't think it was that big of a deal.
after the 3-day suspension I had to report to the principal before going to class and he asked me if those 3 days had taught me a lesson....I told him that it gave me the opportunity to contact the ACLU and that their lawyers would be in touch with him if he decided to suspend me again for the same "crime".
I didn't stand again while in HS and didn't get suspended.......not did the dozens of others who joined me.
and by the way....I didn't really call the ACLU......but as bluff it seemed to work!
Interesting...a ten year old child with more courage of conviction than most adults. Talk about "from the mouths of babes"...he is absolutely correct. I had never thought of the Pledge of Allegiance in that context. Maybe that is what this country needs, little children to lead us.
What can one say except that this young man is a genuine American Hero.
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