Poor Dale

Abstract

Introduction: Dale Thompson has refused to participate in the salute to the flag and the pledge of allegiance and, by so doing, has created problems for himself. There is a great deal of pressure on Dale to conform to the expectations of the group; so much pressure, in fact that Dale is reduced to tears. His refusal to participate is based on his personal moral convictions. He states his priorities: His family and his religion obviously come before his state, his school, and pressure from his peers. At one point during the discussion, Dale is confronted with comments from Maria Jahorski: "Because it's like Mr. P says, everybody does this, stands during the salute, and no one else sees anything wrong with it, so why shouldn't you do the same thing."