We Have a Problem

Last Friday this video was shown at an assembly at my children's school. Now, I don't usually express my political opinions; I vote, that's how I share my beliefs. And when I heard the uproar over this video, I didn't rush headlong into a political debate like some parents did. Instead I talked to my kids, asked them about it. And then, based on what they told me, I checked it out for myself.

The premise of this video is pledging to serve, which is why it was shown to the kids at school. The school's theme for the year is service. I get that. That's cool. Oh, but there's more to the story--so much more. And now we have a problem.

First of all, the use of celebrities was Oooover the top in this video--celebrities my children don't even know because they are celebrities that act, sing, appear in more grown-up genres of music, film, etc. I have a problem with this. I don't want my six-year-old to look up to a tattooed burnout who pledges allegiance to funk. (Yes, he really said that. It's in the video; you can check it out.)

Secondly--and this is a biggie--I do not, and I don't want my children to, pledge allegiance to Barack Obama. Yes, he is the president of the United States of America. I support that and respect that. But I pledge allegiance to a nation, not a man.

And last of all, I do not pledge to be a servant to Barack Obama. Last time I checked, the president of the United States was a servant of the people, not the other way around.

The airing of the video to my children did prompt some good discussions. We talked about the 12th Article of Faith which states: "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law." And how honoring the president and respecting that position is not the same as being a servant to any man.

I think the thing that upsets me about this video is the fact that these celebrities, who do have the right of free speech, said these lines so flippantly, as if they didn't think about what they were saying. To pledge to be a servant to anyone. Come on, people. Think before you speak.



Comments

Snarky Belle said…
Well you can imagine the steam blowing out of my ears right now!! Infuriating!!!
Susan Anderson said…
Big parts of that video make me VERY uncomfortable, and the ending is just outrageous. And reminiscent of socialist regimes. It's scary to me that Obama would even allow this to be made with people pledging to be his servant. And that fact that he was clearly okay with it represents more than a problem for me.

I can't stand the guy kissing his biceps as he dedicates them (symbolically, I assume) to Obama.

Unreal. And yes, we are in trouble. So let's get busy.
Just SO said…
Thanks for the heads up on this. I had heard some news reports about a video being shown in schools that was causing problems but hadn't had the time to look into it.

I showed the beginning to my daughter and told me to let me know if they show that in her school. I'm thinking this may be a good FHE lesson even if they don't show it in school
Emmy said…
Yes someone else posted this video.. quite crazy. It starts out so good and with a good message, but then end reminded me a bit of Swing Kids :)
I have to agree with Emily, because I did like the first part (minus some extreme personalities) but then in unraveled.....so misleading!

Rachel
I mean Emmy!!! Not Emily!
I pledge to read the name right.jk
Wendyburd1 said…
I did hate the be a servant to Obama, because he will not always be President (please no!), and I am no one's servant in that way, And only a few of the celebrities said that part.

The rest of the pledges, except for funk (who IS that guy?!), I really liked. And it would be what I wish for America to do. These are admirable pledges. The only thing I found offensive is the Obama thing. He should be making these pledges to US, I am not going to be a servant to a man who spent more money in his first 3 months as president, as others did in their 4 year run!!
Wonder Woman said…
I think it would be more appropriate to show this video to middle/high schoolers who can come home and talk to their parents about it. Not 6 y/o who accept everything they hear from authority figures as truth.

Would this video have been produced if McCain had won?
Sarah said…
I honestly don't know what to think of this. The things they are pledging to do are very good things (with the acception of tatoo guy who I believe is the lead singer for the Red Hot Chili Peppers), however I do think it is wrong to force this on young children who are very easily swayed. I think it is important to tell your kids that it is adults making these pledges and that they are not expected to make these sort of pledges as a child.
Unknown said…
Gosh, to be honest the first thought that came to my mind when I saw the beginning of this video was: war propaganda.
I seem to remember this kind of stuff on a lower media scale, being made to convince all of Germany to follow under rule of a wicked leader who was able to submit an entire of culture under him to death.
I know, that sounds extreme, but that is exactly what I felt.
Also. I have a problem with these kinds of videos..because they feel like manipulation with an agenda. There is no Spirit in them.
Jeannie+Jay said…
Well we all know the intelligence requirements for becoming an actor or musician. Last I checked they were up there with chemists and surgeons.
Em said…
ugh. i heard about this on the news. small world that it was at your school. wonderful way to articulate your thoughts. thanks:-)
Dana said…
Oooh, creepy! Why were they pledging to end slavery, then pledging to be a servant to Barrack? Somethings not right here...
Well said...thank you for this post...