I don’t know the nature or the context of the event in which it was performed, and am not sure if there is any specific relation, but it was definitely a bold and brave statement, and I look forward to the discussions which I am sure will ensue.

I don’t quite agree however with the statement “Art is always meant to push the envelope and stretch our comfort zones”. I don’t think this is the case. Art often does so, and is often welcome when it does, but is not always intended to. In my opinion, art is the expression of the soul, a physical manifestation of thought and meaning. It does not “always” have to stretch comfort zones. After all isn’t it best when art is enjoyed without discomfort?

Lastly, as a non-American, I have never really paid much attention to the pledge of allegiance. In light of history, and current events, I find it slightly offensive, especially the “liberty and justice for all” part. It seems this, and the flag, a most important symbol of the United States, has been used as an excuse to reek atrocities in the rest of the world. eg. Like bringing peace and justice to Iraq, or Afghanistan, or other countries that have been the subject of US interest. Even with prevailing issues with “liberty and justice” within America, it is interesting that the pledge has meaning.

This may well be and old observation, but for some reason while watching the video, it struck me. Maybe the attention to the national anthem may bring attention to the pledge also.

OMG I bet some people will actually say that! I’m Canadian and I think I saw the Black National Anthem once on YouTube but never before that. What a bold thing to do. What a brave person.

Can’t wait for Fox’s Hannity’s take or O’Reilly’s. It’s going to be a storm!

The funniest thing, to me, is thinking of how Jon Stewart always jokes about how people somehow think Obama is going to enslave the white race when he becomes President. I can see people getting all up in arms saying ‘SEE! SEE! I told you! They are already replacing the National Anthem!’