Argument Essay: The Pledge Of Allegiance

In war-torn, impoverished, and communist countries, America is a symbol for freedom. In America, our flag that waves red, white, and blue, is a symbol for our freedom. The Pledge of Allegiance begins with the words, "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands..." This republic form of government is what grants Americans freedom: the power is invested in the people, and the government is responsible for protecting the rights of the people. A republic can only prevail if the citizens understand and properly practice the responsibilities that such power entrusts with them. For example, the first amendment of the Constitution protects freedom of speech; this liberty is meant for good, but can easily be abused. My responsibility is to use my constitutional rights for good, however, issues concerning responsibility seldom have just one correct solution.
In the scenario that depicts bullying on a school campus, my responsibility is to properly use my freedoms, yet, the question remains: what does this entail? To witness bullying take place and to choose to ignore it, is to misuse my freedom just as much as the bullies chose to misuse theirs.

However, I also understand the importance of building relationships with others, and how that enhances the effectiveness of communication. People are more inclined to listen to someone they know personally, because the issue of concern immediately becomes more relevant to them. Therefore, if this scenario involved people with whom I had built relationships, it would be my responsibility to take immediate, confrontational action to resolve the conflict.
Unfortunately, this scenario must be examined at many different angles. If, for instance, I witnessed bullying occur among a group of complete strangers, my response may change to fit the new circumstance. My voice, though effective when used among my affiliations, may have no lasting impact on people who do not know or respect me. Furthermore, outsiders lack the omniscient power of having prior knowledge to use when deciding what actions to take in a situation like this. Entering a battlefield blindly is always considered reckless.
Despite the implications, choosing to walk away is not choosing to ignore.

Though taking immediate action is thought to be the only way to help, other methods can be used to make a difference. For example, I could report the issue of bullying to a person in an authoritative role, such as a counselor, professor, or administrator. These individuals have been trained to handle situations such as this, and most likely have more information about the students involved. Choosing this method would ensure that the conflict is resolved professionally. Another method would be to focus on the person being attacked. The effect that kindness can have on hurting people is remarkable. Befriending the individual would enhance my ability to stand up for him or her in the

future.
In all three of the previously-described methods, I would be using my freedoms to take action; however, my responsibility in the situation does not end when the action has been completed. To live in a way that preserves freedom for myself and others, I must learn from the situations I witness. My responsibility is to let scenarios such as this one serve as a reminder to treat all people with respect, and to set an example in my own relationships. Though the colors red, white, and blue arranged as stars and stripes serve as a symbol of freedom, most issues that involve freedom are circumstantial, and are, in fact, "grey areas." To find an utopian solution to scenarios that involve the liberties of freedom and responsibility is unattainable, but if I strive to impact the lives of others during my time on this Earth, I will ultimately choose the correct option