http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/01/28/16739587-boy-scouts-close-to-ending-ban-on-gay-members-leaders?lite
Above is a link to the news article pointing out progress on the policies of the Boy Scouts of America.
The BSA is supposed to be an organization which promotes personal integrity and Christian values. In this country that can mean different things to a lot of people. However, I am happy to post this article in light of some progressive thinking on behalf of one of the more conservative organizations for youth men in this country. While the policies aren't perfect (whose are?), I am often troubled in identifying with the organization whose values don't reflect mine but that I am also a member in high standing with the organization.
As an Eagle Scout, many of the most defining aspects of my youth were based upon the policies and requirements set by BSA nationals. In these days I often question whether or not to tell people of my rank and of my achievements because I'm embarrassed of the Scouts' policies on gender discrimination. Now that progress is being made towards recognizing peoples' equality I am becoming, again, more open with my endorsement of the organization.
What do you all think? I won't be offended. Do you think we should continue to run youth programs like Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts that clearly limit members based on gender but that also have the intent of performing charitable works and good deeds and character development?
Interesting post. The other day I was watching my favorite show "the New Normal" and the episode was about the main character, David, and his impressive execution of what it means to be a boy scout to not only the kids but the other parents; however, one of the parents reports him to headquarters after finding out that he is gay and later personally apologizes to David for having reported him and he justified himself by saying that he knows David is "perfect" but he doesn't want that type of role model for his son.
ReplyDeleteI was so upset watching this episode and I reflected on how much I've grown to resent groups like these (I was once upon a time a Girl Scout). While they are teaching character building values, it is a huge contradiction when we are physically showing and teaching children what it is to be excluded and to be "the excluder". Respect and inclusivity should be the foundations for these type of groups; we are not being realistic with young kids about what the world looks like when we dispose of a child when they don't fit the "norm". This creates the sense of "the one" and "others".