Re: General Discussions
Reply #478 –
As a kid, be it 7 or 17 I simply couldn't relate to a god or royalty. So I recited the words that the Spotted One mentioned above to prevent getting in the shizen. With my father having a landscaping business which employed many labourers from Italy, Greece, UK, US, NZ and Canada, I grew up with a fascination for other countries, not just my own. As for my parents, well I quickly learned to do what I was told if I didn't want 'hiding' as my folks would word it.
Since venturing into the big wide world my appreciation, even love, of other nations only increased... and my love our country grew pretty huge but not at the expense or demonizing of other lands, peoples or cultures.
Personally, I'd be much more in favour of kids acknowledging values and principles rather than deities, people and geography... pledging allegiance to such things as humanitarianism, honesty, decency, respect (for all life), empathy, kindness, curiosity, education and learning seem to be far greater avenues to growing a great culture and humanity.