No, it isn't a shallow gesture. The flag is a symbol of the country and the people in it. By pledging allegiance, one demonstrates one's willingness to ally with one's neighbors in order to keep the nation strong. By denying that allegiance, one is stating that he will not do his part, does not consider himself part of the whole, and chooses not to participate in the give/take nature of that society - the rights afforded and the responsibilities expected. Most of the nu-patriots I see sure seem comfortable with the taking, though.
You can define patriotism however you like, but AFAIC your definition means that, should something happen to you, you stand alone.
So by that logic, it is not possible to be patriotic or be a part of our country if you DO NOT pledge to the flag? Isn't our country founded on the ideal that we have the freedom to choose? I feel that the flag is the very symbol of our right NOT to pledge allegiance to it. In America, if you do not like the government, fine! Go tell everyone you know, make web pages about it, get on TV. No problem. If you don't want to sing the national anthem, don't. If you don't want to pledge, don't. You have that right and though some may downgrade you for it, it is still your right and in my opinion, doesn't make you less patriotic.
How long has it been since you actually stood and SAID the pledge of allegiance? I'm active duty military and it has probably been AT LEAST 10 years for me. Probably not since high school. So am I less patriotic? Does that mean that I no longer feel and allegiance to my country?
And by that standard....if I didn't have allegiance to this country, that is the beaty of living here. Even if you don't agree with the masses, even if you DON'T have allegiance, you will not stand alone. Those who hate the US, hate living here, hate our government, etc are still afforded the same freedoms and rights and our military will continue to fight for their freedom to feel that way. Whether you unite with your neighbors or not, the nation is strong and will continue to be. If something happens to you, you are still a citizen and do not stand alone. No matter what your personal convictions are. Look at any major tragedies our country has endured....how many times has ANYONE stopped to ask "Whoa.....was this guy patriotic enough to remember or care about? Did he say the pledge of allegiance?"
The way I see it.....the right to NOT participate is the very thing that the flag represents. And for that matter, it represents your right to say that those who DON'T salute the flag are jerks!