Legally, schools and teachers can’t force a student to perform the pledge of allegiance. But it’s also taught so early in school that most students don’t even question it as something to do.
Anectdotally: I was regularly performing the pledge of allegiance (literally said every morning of school) since kindergarten in the US. Also anecdotally: I’ve literally seen a teacher scold student(s) for not performing the pledge of allegiance. The latter case may not be as common; but the former definitely is common in the US.
You’re being pedantic. The original point is referring to how indoctrinating the pledge of allegiance can be. If you’re being made to do something since you’re a very young kid and risk being scolded when you don’t do it: you’re essentially being forced.
Legally, schools and teachers can’t force a student to perform the pledge of allegiance. But it’s also taught so early in school that most students don’t even question it as something to do.
Anectdotally: I was regularly performing the pledge of allegiance (literally said every morning of school) since kindergarten in the US. Also anecdotally: I’ve literally seen a teacher scold student(s) for not performing the pledge of allegiance. The latter case may not be as common; but the former definitely is common in the US.
Ok, you see how that’s not forcing though. A teacher is not the literal country
The fact that there was a high profile case might indicate that it’s not as trivially optional as you make it seem.
You’re being pedantic. The original point is referring to how indoctrinating the pledge of allegiance can be. If you’re being made to do something since you’re a very young kid and risk being scolded when you don’t do it: you’re essentially being forced.
Pedantic? It’s pedantic to call someone out on a lie? Bulllllshit. I was a kid. There was no issue when I didn’t do it.
No, it is not “essentially being forced”.