Viewers Say Student Supporting Gay Marriage Should not be Forced to Stand for Pledge of Allegiance
Majority of viewers would support having the student attend their school
Flemington, NJ, November 18, 2009 – Results from a new media study among 328 Americans revealed that the majority (66%) reported that a student who supports gay marriage should not be forced to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance after watching a news clip featuring the story.
The study was conducted by HCD Research using its MediaCurves.com® website on November 17-18, to obtain viewers’ perceptions of a video clip about a 10-year-old student’s refusal to stand during the Pledge of Allegiance until gay marriage was legalized. To view interest curves and detailed results go to: www.mediacurves.com.
While the majority of respondents supported the student after watching the video, prior to viewing the video, the majority of viewers (65%) indicated that students “should be” forced to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
In addition, after watching the video, the majority of viewers (72%) reported that if they were in school, they would support having this student attend their school.
Among the findings:
Should this student be forced to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance? (After Video)
Do you think students should be forced to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance in school? (Before Video)
If you were in school, would you support having this student attend your school?
Do you think that the Pledge of Allegiance is correct in stating that there is “liberty and justice for all?”
|
|
Before Video
|
After Video
|
|
Yes
|
77%
|
59%
|
|
No
|
23%
|
41%
|
While viewing the video, participants indicated their levels of agreement by moving their mouse from left to right on a continuum. The responses were recorded in quarter-second intervals and reported in the form of curves. The participants were also asked to respond to post-viewing questions.
Editors/Reporters: For more information on the study, or to speak with Glenn Kessler, president and CEO, HCD Research, please contact Vince McGourty, HCD Research, at (908) 483-9121 or (vince.mcgourty@hcdi.net). You can also receive updates from MediaCurves.com by following us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/mediacurves and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Flemington-NJ/MediaCurves/86691908820
HCD Research is a marketing and communications research company headquartered in Flemington, NJ. The company's services include traditional and web-based research. For additional information on HCD Research, access the company’s web site at www.hcdi.net or call HCD Research at 908-788-9393. MediaCurves.com® (www.mediacurves.com) is a media measurement website that provides the media and general public with a venue to view Americans’ perceptions of popular and controversial media events and advertisements.
I felt this student wasn't your typical student. He has the right to his opinion, as does each and every American.
Each individual DOES have the right to say, or not say, the pledge. That is part of what is great about our country!
the pledge does state liberty & justice for all. in this country we do certainly have liberty & justice for all,the channels that some select groups have to go through is just part of a process. politics should have nothing to do with the pledge of allegiance.this student needs to be taught the proper process for achieving those goals.
by Laban (Anonymous User)
on Thursday, November 19, 2009 @ 7:21:03 AM (
#3528)
The pledge has everything to do with politics. It was politics that brought it about. The American Revolution was (maybe still is) the politically most thought through revolution in history. To ask oneself what the pledge, the bill of rights and the constitution really mean, to interpret them and to raise one's voice when you think they are mis-interpreted is the most American thing you can do. That is why the US was once formed.
That most of you guys over there don't get that is just sad.
Interesting. I would have liked to qualify my slider response with some comments. Our dwindling liberty has nothing to do with gay marriage whatsoever. Wait until federal health is foisted on us all and then you will realize what you had, and what you lost. On the other hand, freedom means not having to recite a pledge if you don't want to, and while I do not share his personal view on gay marriage, I 100% support his right to not recite the pledge if he chooses, and for whatever reason he chooses.
AS YOUNG AS THIS CHILD IS HE KNOWS RIGHT FROM WRONG.. AND IT IS WRONG TO NOT ALLOW LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL IN THIS SO CALLED FREE SOCIETY.
Marriage should remain between a man and a woman.
While I do feel this way for myself, I don't think we have to right to tell others who they can or can not marry. I love women; hence, I only want to be with women. But how can I even imagine how a homosexual feels? If they have grown up loving others of the same sex, why can't they marry someone of the same sex? Aren't we telling them that there isn't liberty and justice for all?!
this boy makes avalid point and is entitled to his opinion
gays shouldn,t have equal rights.they are breaking gods laws.
by billybobbibb (Anonymous User)
on Friday, November 20, 2009 @ 7:55:58 AM (
#3563)
We are not a nation under God's law, thank goodness. We are a secular nation under civil law. If by God's law, you mean the laws of Leviticus in the Bible, we should stone disobedient teenagers to death, force our raped daughters to marry their rapist, keep handicapped people out of church, etc. It's in there, read God's law for yourself.
by Lateisha (Anonymous User)
on Wednesday, November 9, 2011 @ 4:43:35 AM (
#7077)
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by lejtash (Anonymous User)
on Wednesday, November 9, 2011 @ 1:27:39 PM (
#7086)
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Unborn children who are killed through abortion are a much bigger concern when it comes to no liberty and justice for all.
It seems to me that the child should of been punished for his actions in not respecting the Pledge of Allegiance and not respecting the United States of America. This shows me that young children don't really understand the difference between same sex unions. It almost like the child was told WHAT to say beforehand. WHO really put this child up to this--to disrespect his COUNTRY. His parents or the media--who are bias and don't tell the truth.
by PropKid (Anonymous User)
on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 @ 7:54:18 PM (
#3522)
I know this boy and his family personally, and have for many years. I can tell you for SURE, 100%, he was not coached on what to say. He is just a really bright 10 year old, who likes to analyze pretty much everything, and was raised in a home that encouraged him to form his OWN opinions and stand by what he believes his right (or stand against what he believes is wrong). Just because he is young and you disagree, you claim he was coached. If he was saying that 'being gay is wrong' would you still feel the same way?
Homosexuality is a choice, if they so choose to live that life they are going against all the morals and values that this country was founded on. If they choose to live this way over what is right and moral then they forfieit their rights under the constitution.
by billybobbibb (Anonymous User)
on Friday, November 20, 2009 @ 8:00:45 AM (
#3564)
Well, homosexuality is not a choice, it starts during childhood, and there may be a gene that predisposes one to homosexuality. It seems like you want to create two classes of people, and that was the basis for discrimination against blacks and women, slavery, etc. In this country, you only forfeit your constitutional rights when you are convicted of a crime, and homosexuality is not a crime.
I wish more people would think like this young boy does, it's hard for mixed couples just as well as gays and lesbians
marriage should NEVER be a public or legal issue, it is a PRIVATE relationship, not a subject of political debate, while i support the young man's freedom to choose, i DO NOT believe government can nor should define marriage for ANY reason, tax laws or any reason
by billybobbibb (Anonymous User)
on Friday, November 20, 2009 @ 8:05:42 AM (
#3565)
That may be what you want, but that's not the way it works today. Marriage is a legal contract between a man, a woman and the state, so there is no way to keep the government out. In states that allow gay marriage, the contract is between any two people and the state. The government is obligated to step in when the welfare of the children is not being met by the parents or guardians. If you want a private relationship, you should forgo the marriage license, marry in a church or other ceremony, and live together as if you were married.
I think someone should explain to the student, those who pledge alliegence to the flag are the ones who give their lives so he can sit on his butt. Libety and justice for all does not mean you can pick and choose which laws to obey or not. It is illegal for two people of the same sex to marry.
by PropKid (Anonymous User)
on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 @ 7:58:17 PM (
#3524)
Did you even watch the video at all? Or are you being intentionally dense? That was his whole point, that it SHOULDN'T be illegal. Yes, it is now. But the government should not decide which consenting adults marry.
And don't go saying that he hates the country and the servicemen and woman who fight for it just because of his viewpoint. If you force a pledge, then it has no meaning. It's supposed to be a voluntary pledge, for one. And for two, it NEVER MENTIONS THE MILITARY IN THE PLEDGE. Do you even know the pledge at all? Because from your ignorant comment it doesn't seem like you do.
The child's mind is warped. He should be made to understand what true marriage is all about. Gays and Lesbians can do whatever they want, but to state that a marriage officer or priest should conduct their marriage ceremony is insane, absurd and only shows to what extent this land of ours has deteriorated in morals.
by billybobbibb (Anonymous User)
on Friday, November 20, 2009 @ 8:08:47 AM (
#3566)
You call it a deterioration of morals, but I disagree. I think we are rising to a higher moral standard by recognizing gays and lesbians as equals under the law, at least in some states.
The responses were not adequate to state my position. I do not believe that there is currently "liberty and justice for all" - however, I believe that the pledge is meant to embody an ideal and that it is describing what the citizens & country aspires to be. We should all aspire to the ideal of liberty and justice for all- and the pledge reminds us of that.
If he is not pledging himself to the flag, this child is then not considering himself a citizen. He is, as most wannabe lawyers, using the existing laws to subvert the laws he disagrees with. I don't think a 5th grade kid has the life experience to make that decision. He is within his rights to commit a civil disobedience out side of school, but not within it's bounds in my book. He needs counseling, happiness, health care and security are not guaranteed, not by a long shot. And if gay marriage is your pursuit to happiness, have at it. The pursuit is guaranteed, but not the result. I feel that the majority rules as long as no one is infringed upon. This kid is certainly not a majority.
It really open my eye,s .this young man was so right
just another exampe of the moral degeneration of our children
by Rainara (Anonymous User)
on Friday, May 18, 2012 @ 8:33:16 PM (
#7634)
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I think the point has been missed.
I believe this child should attend the school because he has the right to believe what he wants to about same sex marriage. However, standing to say the pledge of allegiance to the country of which he is a citizen is something he should do because he is giving allegiance to a countrry that will allow him the freedom to pursue his cause of gay marriage.
I think this child should be given the opportunity to see what it's like to live under a goverment that is not free like the United States of America, then see how he feels about the country he is fortunate to live in!
I taught at the high school level and we had this type of thing happen before. A student who chooses not to stand or not say the pledge is fine, but it will cause a disruption in the classroom, especially if another student has a relative in the military. We simply explained to the student their right not to do the pledge, we would agree to stand in the hallway until the pledge is over and try not to draw attention to it.
Being Gay or Lesbian is fine, changing the constitution to accommodate 2 people who don't fit into a Man and a Woman getting married is wrong.
Liberty and Justice for all does not mean people should be able to do things that are morally wrong such as same sex marriage.
by billybobbibb (Anonymous User)
on Friday, November 20, 2009 @ 8:11:42 AM (
#3567)
What is considered moral in today's society is governed by law, not by some ancient book written by bigoted slaveholders.
I am very proud that we still have people in this country willing to stand up for what they believe in - even if it is a child. Maybe he will inspire others to do the same.
I think the sentence "with liberty and justice for all" is to be viewed as more of a goal that is actively worked toward, not an absolute guarantee of it. Unfortunately, I'm not sure that can ever be truly realized. But I do not believe failure to acknowledge the Pledge of Alligence is the correct path to take.
the student has a very nerrow view of the meaning"liberty an justice for all" he is a one issue only understanding,yes there are in some spl groups views expressed,that indicates non conformance of any an every issue,with out allowing others to think diffently than them selves,but being free to express different points of view is what that statment in the pledge is all about, i wouldnt force the boy to stand up an recite the pledge but i would try to disscuse why i feel he should show the respect for the country by participation in the pledge expessing allegence to a usa were one is free to have a point of view thats different but without predudics for other's different than his own , an that he has ever liberty an free to express his point of view with out predgides from me or other's as well. The pledge is expression of respect to the USA were he an i can hold opposite points of view with out fear ,so liberty an justice for all !!!
While I believe that the pledge represents our values I don't think we've reached that ideal in all aspects of our society. I think we're making progress and I believe that gay rights is one of the next needed advances.
While I don't agree with the child's analysis in resistance to the pledge. He's clearly thought the issue through and taken a strong moral stand in opposition to a strong bureaucracy -- the school system. One of the key liberties we have is to exercise our right to free speech and he has exercised that right.
This is not an act of juvenile delinquency. To label it such totally devalues the thought and courage to take an unpopular action.
The statement liberty and justice for all would be ideal but impossible to be true so the kid is in for a rude awakening if he doesnt loosen up a bit. The gay marriage issue is one thing because the gov't does have the say in this and can change this but as for sexism and racism and other isms, these are the people themselves and part of our free speach, free thinking society is that we can be sexist if we want. I am confusing myself here but I do think that by making it against the law is an injustice as would be covered in the statement liberty and justice for all
He should stand, but not say the pledge if he chooses not
to, or leave the room during the pledge.
by Sequoia (Anonymous User)
on Wednesday, November 9, 2011 @ 10:09:53 PM (
#7090)
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by lfwveluq (Anonymous User)
on Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 3:42:00 AM (
#7091)
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If anyone doesn't like the pledge of allegiance then they should go live in another country! We weren't founded on immoral values!
loved to give answer to what this boy did . He took a stand we all should
I agree with the young man .He is entitled to exercise his right to not say the pledge.But I do feel that there should be a level of respect given and at minimum stand up.
Who cares what a 5th grader thinks...he has been well rehersed by his father who uses his kid as a mouthpiece to further his political agenda. Isn't that bordering on child abuse? What does the kid, who probably believes in Santa Clause, about gays?
I think the boy made a stand for what he believes.
I don't agree on same sex marriage, but i don't feel anyone should be forced to stand for the pledge of allegience
it really "open your eyes" about the topic
as a citizen it is your right to sit down during the pledge if you want
Very interesting, but I still think that this students is showing disrespect to our founding fathers by not showing his opinions in another way.
I believe Americans are not treated equal, but I also believe gays should not have any rights when it comes to marriage. The Bible says Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve or Aida and Eve.
There are many reasons NOT to take the pledge. If, indeed, the people that ran this government would take the pledge to heart and support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America, then it would be appropriate. Also, there was no pledge until some wise guys in the flag business dreamed up the idea for pledges in school just to sell more flags. Not that alone, the flag protrayed is NOT the proper flag as per Title 6 of the U.S. Code. Also, it is a war flag, not the peace time flag. Congress has not approved war since W.W. II. Once this "government" is thrown out and we no longer face the tyranny of today, the pledge will become appropriate.
by billybobbibb (Anonymous User)
on Friday, November 20, 2009 @ 8:16:48 AM (
#3568)
Wow, I thought I was the only one who knew about the maritime flag issue. I've explanations ranging from the reorganization in 1933 to the fact the people are ignorant and like the pretty yellow fringe. That issue is really confusing to me.
by Sang (Anonymous User)
on Saturday, June 16, 2012 @ 6:40:48 PM (
#7726)
I LOVE IT.Mrs Hunter your doing a great job.The children done a great job.You have a beuaitful class.I am Brianna grandmother from Newton Texas.It was a honor to watch her in this video.I live so far i miss out on her stuff.So thank you so so much.MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR CLASS. THANK YOU
by flxhzhe (Anonymous User)
on Sunday, June 17, 2012 @ 2:18:28 PM (
#7738)
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by billybobbibb (Anonymous User)
on Friday, November 20, 2009 @ 8:18:35 AM (
#3569)
Actually, the Gulf War was approved by Congress during Bush 1.
People should be allowed to marry whomever they want to without government interference. That's true liberty. A poor person charged with a crime should have the same quality of representation that a rich person can buy. That would be true justice. Thank you.
Just because we do not completely agree with the precepts of the Pledge of Allegiance I do not think the student should disrespect what it stands for.
always very interesting and thought provoking.
Not in agreement but support his right
is this what are kids are learning
What bothers me about this child is that he is so adament about something he should not have an interest in at his age. How is it that he understands enough about the issue to be direspectful to our country? I know that the male child is no way intellectual enough to have abstract thought at this age. Most Psychologists agree that 15 years of age is when the brain has usually reached a level of this type of cognitivr reasoning in the male child. If one lives in this coutry "as an adult," and has the intelligence to make such a decision, then perhaps there is a possible argument that he/she could remove his/herself from the room or audiance where the Pledge of Allegence is being said if, it is not their desire to do so. If the person is disabeled and unable to stand then, that is a viable reason to remain seated.
I believe it comes down to respect. Men and Woman have died for our country to be able to have liberty and justice. Last I saw, marriage has been defined by our courts as between a Man and a Woman. Very sad - by giving this young man a voice is even sadder. We need to unit this country not divide it more.
by billybobbibb (Anonymous User)
on Friday, November 20, 2009 @ 8:20:19 AM (
#3570)
Who is uniting this country and who is dividing it? It sounds like you want to deny gays and lesbians the same rights that you enjoy. Think about it.
by Kevin (Anonymous User)
on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 @ 5:43:33 PM (
#3521)
Some of these responses are appalling. Suffice to say that, in my opinion, Will is intelligent beyond his years. I think he sets an example we all could follow. The world would be a better place for it.
I grew up loving women. I am married to a wonderful woman right now. For me, heterosexuality was never a choice, just the way I felt. Now, there are people who say homosexuality IS a choice. But even if this is true, what is the difference? If it is a choice, it is a choice that harms no one! I happen to believe it isn't a choice, much the same as I love women. As I said, WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE WHEN IT HARMS NOBODY!?! Change the laws regarding this. Come on people, let everyone lead a fulfilling life just as we want to do the same. CHANGE THE LAWS regarding homosexuality!
by billybobbibb (Anonymous User)
on Friday, November 20, 2009 @ 8:24:10 AM (
#3571)
I wholeheartedly agree with you! It's sad to see how xenophobic some people are in the most inclusive country in the world.
by tryasmile (Anonymous User)
on Thursday, November 19, 2009 @ 4:53:45 PM (
#3561)
Tough call on so many levels. Guess it all boils down to the fact that no one let alone no country is perfect. Ideals are made, they don"t just happen. Out of respect for the country you are in, one should at least honor the respect of the fellow citizens by standing during their anthem. See it done all the time at the olympics. Classic case of chose to diagree with the principle, but will show some level of politeness.
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