kmarquardt19
May 9, 2013
Essays / Gay community in the BSA; Essay on controversial issue [2]
In my English class we had to write persuasive essays on a controversial issue, and I chose to write about the Gay policies in the BSA, and was wondering i about feedback to make it stronger.
Regarding Gays in the Boy Scouts of America
In the years since its inception in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America have had what has been known as the three G's. These G's represent the three main groups that are barred from entering the program. The Gays, the Godless, and the Girls. In recent years, however, women have been allowed and the Boy Scouts are experiencing a drastic increase in females, as adult leaders, and youth through the venturing program. For the purposes of this argument, I will be focusing my efforts on the policies against gays in the Boy Scouts. The Boy Scouts have had an adamant policy barring and removing homosexuals from their ranks. This has been detrimental to the Boy scouts in recent years, as it has resulted in controversy and the loss of many members.
Recently, an aspiring young man had reached his eagle board, a feat few reach. Shortly before, it became apparent that he identified as gay and for this, he was removed, and denied his Eagle Award. On appeal, a board decided unanimously that he should be awarded the highest honor of Boy Scouting. It was the understanding that once a candidate passed through their board, then they were safe, however Scout Executive John Fenoglio rejected the boards decision. Many cried out in anger, as he had an irrefutable character, as testified to by many, and he had completed all of the requirements, including his Eagle Scout Project, no small feat. A petition was started in which nearly 500,000 people signed, asking to stop the discrimination. This effort failed as the BSA re stated their policy banning homosexuals.
The policy towards those who go against the archaic christian ideals on which the BSA was formed hurts the aforementioned organization. In the present day, as publicity and activism strives and sometimes succeeds to create change, the BSA remains rigid in its ideals, but to what extent? It results in the exodus of many many very good men women and children each year, and the resulting bad publicity keeps many other from joining this organization in the first place. My father has had many opportunities to work with and teach the boys in my troop, but has his reservations and has never joined the troop for this exact reason.
These policies also promote a safe protected place to preach open hatred of atheists and gays, and this I have experienced personally on many occasions. I have seen a scout master openly preach how "Gays are invading this world, and degrading this society" and "Gays are a disease upon this earth." now, the Scoutmaster was protected by the Boy Scouts to openly preach this, as this is their official policy on gays. The majority of the youth present in the room felt offended by this, never the less, and one out them decided to mention it to the Scoutmaster. The scoutmaster responded with threats to potentially remove this kid from the Boy Scouts...For being offended by his open contempt and hate, a position that the entire room held. The boy was not removed, however the next few weeks consisted of very pointed lessons promoting hate and obedience towards authority, to the room, however directed at this one boy.
In summary, the BSA has become an open forum for hate and discrimination, and its biased and archaic policies protect those who wish to take part. Many people are offended by this, and are either removed or leave by their own volition. The controversy shrouding the organization has turned many away from an otherwise wonderful organization that leads to impressive personal growth, now within boy and girls of all ages. The hate and contempt bodes only ill for the massive youth organization for the future.
In my English class we had to write persuasive essays on a controversial issue, and I chose to write about the Gay policies in the BSA, and was wondering i about feedback to make it stronger.
Regarding Gays in the Boy Scouts of America
In the years since its inception in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America have had what has been known as the three G's. These G's represent the three main groups that are barred from entering the program. The Gays, the Godless, and the Girls. In recent years, however, women have been allowed and the Boy Scouts are experiencing a drastic increase in females, as adult leaders, and youth through the venturing program. For the purposes of this argument, I will be focusing my efforts on the policies against gays in the Boy Scouts. The Boy Scouts have had an adamant policy barring and removing homosexuals from their ranks. This has been detrimental to the Boy scouts in recent years, as it has resulted in controversy and the loss of many members.
Recently, an aspiring young man had reached his eagle board, a feat few reach. Shortly before, it became apparent that he identified as gay and for this, he was removed, and denied his Eagle Award. On appeal, a board decided unanimously that he should be awarded the highest honor of Boy Scouting. It was the understanding that once a candidate passed through their board, then they were safe, however Scout Executive John Fenoglio rejected the boards decision. Many cried out in anger, as he had an irrefutable character, as testified to by many, and he had completed all of the requirements, including his Eagle Scout Project, no small feat. A petition was started in which nearly 500,000 people signed, asking to stop the discrimination. This effort failed as the BSA re stated their policy banning homosexuals.
The policy towards those who go against the archaic christian ideals on which the BSA was formed hurts the aforementioned organization. In the present day, as publicity and activism strives and sometimes succeeds to create change, the BSA remains rigid in its ideals, but to what extent? It results in the exodus of many many very good men women and children each year, and the resulting bad publicity keeps many other from joining this organization in the first place. My father has had many opportunities to work with and teach the boys in my troop, but has his reservations and has never joined the troop for this exact reason.
These policies also promote a safe protected place to preach open hatred of atheists and gays, and this I have experienced personally on many occasions. I have seen a scout master openly preach how "Gays are invading this world, and degrading this society" and "Gays are a disease upon this earth." now, the Scoutmaster was protected by the Boy Scouts to openly preach this, as this is their official policy on gays. The majority of the youth present in the room felt offended by this, never the less, and one out them decided to mention it to the Scoutmaster. The scoutmaster responded with threats to potentially remove this kid from the Boy Scouts...For being offended by his open contempt and hate, a position that the entire room held. The boy was not removed, however the next few weeks consisted of very pointed lessons promoting hate and obedience towards authority, to the room, however directed at this one boy.
In summary, the BSA has become an open forum for hate and discrimination, and its biased and archaic policies protect those who wish to take part. Many people are offended by this, and are either removed or leave by their own volition. The controversy shrouding the organization has turned many away from an otherwise wonderful organization that leads to impressive personal growth, now within boy and girls of all ages. The hate and contempt bodes only ill for the massive youth organization for the future.