Shelley Lapkoff, Ph.D., Demographer

Duration

1:03:59

The Surprising History of the Pledge of Allegiance

Shelley Lapkoff, Ph.D., Demographer

We memorize it at an early age and repeat it at public gatherings, but few know the real story behind the Pledge of Allegiance. In this national election year, when words and phrases like “patriotism” and “under God” invoke heated discussion, Lapkoff provides an intriguing and insightful glimpse of our broader social, economic and political history through the lens of this enshrined collective oath.

This program was recorded live on February 27, 2008

Commonwealth Club World Affairs

The leading national forum open to all for the impartial discussion of public issues important to the membership, community and nation. The Commonwealth Club World Affairs of California is the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum. Each year, we bring nearly 500 events on topics ranging across politics, culture, society and the economy to our members and the public, both in-person and via extensive online and on-air listenership and viewership.

The views of Club speakers are their own and their participation does not constitute or imply endorsement or recommendation by Commonwealth Club World Affairs.

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