I don't care where you stand religiously or politically, when kids are allowed to croon a Justin Bieber tune for a school performance but singing a patriotic song isn't allowed, I think we have a serious problem. The problem in this case is an incident that happened last week at a grade school in Coney Island, New York, when the school's kindergartners were banned from singing "God Bless the USA."
According to the New York Post, five classes of kindergartners had been practicing the patriotic song for months. It was going to be the finale in their big graduation performance on June 20. Only when the principal, Greta Hawkins, happened upon a rehearsal, she pulled the plug on the song and told them it wouldn't be allowed in the show.
Her reason is ridiculous.
“We don’t want to offend other cultures,” teachers told the paper she said.
Offend them how exactly she didn't say, but parents are outraged, as they should be. It doesn't mean that God shouldn't bless any other country, but this is the one we're living in, so it makes sense to sing about it. If her real objection is about mentioning "God," I understand the importance of separation of church and state, but this is so far overboard, it's unbelievable. Whether you believe in God or not, I think you can agree the sentiment is a lovely one, and parents aren't objecting to their kids singing it. So why should the school? God is part of many people's lives in this county and an important part of our heritage as nation. To just wipe his name from the slate is not only ignorant, it's also offensive to plenty of cultures as well.
Also, why did she pull the plug at the last minute when they'd been practicing for so long, and the same song has reportedly been sung in years past?
The school board is backing her up too, but for different reasons. Department of Education spokeswoman Jessica Scaperotti told the paper the lyrics are “too grown up” for 5-year-olds. You can read the lyrics of the song here, but there's nothing in there that kindergartners shouldn't hear. The refrain:
And I'm proud to be an American
Where at least I know I'm free
And I won't forget the men who died
Who gave that right to meAnd I gladly stand up next to you
And defend her still today
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land
God Bless the U.S.A.
The outrageous topper to this whole maddening case: They will be allowed to sing Justin Bieber's hit "Baby", which contains lines like: "Are we an item? Girl, quit playing.” You tell me which song you'd rather have your kindergartner sing.
Do you think children should be banned from singing "God Bless the USA" in school?
Image via mrsdkrebs/Flickr
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Comments 82
As for "offending other cultures", may I remind you this is America! If you are "offended" by our culture, 1. Why the heck did you come here in the first place, 2. please do not let the door hit you on your back side.
Children singing this song is offensive to me. I don't find the song offensive. I don't find the reference to God offensive. I don't find singing it in schools offensive. What I find offensive is children singing this song when, at 5-years old, they don't truely understand the depth of the words they are singing. As an American I take this song very personally and I "get it"(even though I do not practice a Judeo-Christian faith) . . . I don't think that 5-year olds do and, therefore, do not feel they ought to be singing it. I think it does a disservice to those who have fought for this country, honestly. Unless you feel it and know it from the depth of your soul you ought not to be paying simple lip service. Just my personal feelings.
I don't think they ought to be singing Justin Bieber either! Whatever happened to songs like "Over the Rainbow" anyway? lol
Our country was founded on family & religion. If you don't want your kids to sing it then have them excluded. Get your own seperate ceremony organized. It should've been allowed seeing that it is more patriotic than religious. If you don't want your kids saying the pledge then you need to home school them or start your own private school. GOD is a part of our lives & if you don't like it then go somewhere else. I believe there's plenty of room on the sun. By the way, Allah means God so if you say it that's all you're saying.
This is insane. It's a patriotic song people!!!!
If they want a Patriotic song, why would they not sing 'The Star Spangled Banner'? THAT'S a 'patriotic' song, whose only 'God' reference is on a historical note, vs 'invoking' god ( And this be our motto: "In God is our trust." ). I'm totally fine with that song being pulled, for numerous reasons, and it sure as hell doesn't make me 'unpatriotic' or 'liberal'.