Re: Push-ups and Hazing, etc. (final)
James H. Brown (jbrown@BURGOYNE.COM)
Thu, 23 Jul 1998 14:22:23 -0600
I'd like to say thanks to everyone for the comments (both public and
private) that I've received. I'm pleased to say that *almost* without
exception, the comments were delivered in an appropriate and engaging
manner. I appreciate the discussion and the thoughts, on both sides of the
issue.
Let me make a quick summary of what *I* have gotten out of the discussion.
I have not seen any canonical reference that push-ups are specifically
outlawed. Several people have argued, some quite persuasively, that this is
covered by the "no hazing / safe environment" policy. My basic stance is
that anything, if taken to extremes, *can* be hazing. I also believe that
there is a clear distinction between hazing and discipline. Regardless, you
must, at all times, keep the boy in mind. You have to constantly ask
yourself "How will whatever I do impact this, and every other, young man?"
To set some of your minds at ease let me also say that, in all my years of
cubing and scouting, I have never asked a boy to do pushups. I also don't
condemn those that do. I feel that, if administrated properly, pushups are
just as acceptable as many other forms of discipline.
I promised to get back to some with a list of psychological studies showing
the relative merits of various forms of correction. Behavioral psychology
is not my area of expertise so I'll leave it to my SM (who does it for a
living) to give me the references. As soon as I get them from my SM I will
post them to the list.
Again, thanks for the lively discussion and information. I feel we've about
talked this out on the list but please feel free to mail me directly with
further comments and discussion. I'm still responding to several mails that
were sent to me directly so please be patient.
YIS,
- James
jbrown@burgoyne.com
I used to be a beaver ...
"Hey you, on top of the latrine! Where's your buddy?"
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City |
