“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
What is missing from the traditional reading of our nation’s, “Pledge of Allegiance?” Many would realize that the word God has been omitted from the passage, and this is the version that NBC Universal has been reciting our nation’s pledge.
NBC was previewing one of their newest programs, “Allegiance,” so the obvious choice for aiding the preview would be for a reciting of the “Pledge of Allegiance.” A show which centers around a CIA agent, and the discovery that his parents were actually Russian Spies, who are planning on attacking the United States. The preview gained a lot of notice by critics for choosing to leave out the word God, and is spreading all over the Internet.
This is not the first time that the company has chosen to leave God out of the Pledge of Allegiance.” Back in 2011, NBC left the word out twice during the U.S. Open Championship. The production company was instantly bombarded with complaints for their actions. The company then sent out a formal apology to anyone who may have been offended.
A similar occasion occurred in 2013, when Rev Al Sharpton aired a commercial supporting, “Lean Forward,” on MSNBC. The reverend refused to acknowledge the line, “Under God,” in a similar fashion.
So why would they think it was a good idea to repeat this action? They have had the same response on social media, and on the Internet, and that is criticism. NBC has yet to respond about the issue, but based on the reactions, one is expected shortly.
While many may say it was because NBC is being progressive, and that they are thinking about modern society and how “God” should not be forced onto people anymore. In reality, the whole thing is probably just a ploy and a media stunt to gain attention for their new show. It’s clearly working because people are taking to social media and trending the subject. Is that what this world has come to when it comes to our entertainment industry, what is controversial and gaining an audience? This very well might be the case, and it’s working for NBC.
