Re: Jewelry in Uniform
Robert Gerhard (RAGerhard@AOL.COM)
Sat, 27 Sep 1997 11:52:10 -0400
In a message dated 97-09-25, Alan Schup posted:
<< This is because as a group, the piercing of
these body parts is a sign that the person has low self-esteem to multilate
his body. The gang wannabees body pierce and tattoo themselves to stand
out, and hardly anyone else does. >>
I've not had this experience. Many of those who have body piercings have
quite good self esteem, both teens and adults. Many have done it because
they think it looks cool or have heard some of the urban legends about body
piercing. And the vast majority of those I know who do have tattoos and body
piercings have no gang affiliations or aspirations. Same, incidentally, goes
for amazingly long/short hair, bell bottoms, hip huggers and those God-awful
polyester shirts!
However, I include this only to dispute a point. Overall, I'm not so
concerned with why a boy wears jewelry, only with whether that jewelry
detracts from the presentation of his uniform.
Another point to dispute:
Rod Bidinger posted:
<< I am 41 years old, retired from 20 years of service in the Air Force,
have been a scout or scouter for over 27 years.
My left ear is pierced and I have 6 tattooes on my arms. I also wear a
religious medal.
>> snip <<
If anyone were to tell me I could not wear my earring in a scout uniform
I would politely let them know that there is NOTHING and I repeat
NOTHING in any publication relating to uniforming that prohibits such
apparel. >> snip << Two of my sons have earrings. If any unit were to say
they couldn't wear them. I would either move to another unit or that
particular unit
would be hearing from a lawyer. Because it is a violation of anyone
right to expression.>>
You will remember, then, that the Air Force doesn't allow men (or at least
didn't) to wear earrings, or even more than one ring per hand. Keep in mind,
also, that membership in BSA is voluntary. Should National decide to
prohibit jewelry, they are well within their rights. I believe National also
deliberately leaves several things to individual units to decide. This can
and apparently does include the wearing of jewelry, just as it can and does
include the wearing of specific neckerchiefs as part of the uniform. Because
membership is completely voluntary, you decide which unit's rules you can
live with and join the appropriate unit.
Robert Gerhard
Cubmaster & Webelos ADL
Pack 83, Ft. Worth, TX
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
