Re: hazing

paccerelli wrote:

> Hi all
>
> i think as an eagle scout with one plam and 39 mbs hazing is very good
> for team buliding

and a lot of other things I wont quote.

First, I wonder at the Scoutmaster and BOR that would let this kind of language
pass when reviewing an Eagle candidate. If it was concealed from them it must
indicate Mr. Paccerelli realized it was not acceptable in Scouting, much less
polite company.

Second, Hazing doesn't show manhood or team building, it only shows bullies at
their worst. Hazing does not make better citizens. There is no leadership in
hazing, only cruelty sometimes concealed in high sounding sentiments.

Third, the numbers speak for themselves. How many troops that permit hazing
show regular increases in membership? Long term retention? Regular
advancement? None in the many Councils I have served in.

I am a fat (former) Scoutmaster who never made Eagle but has spent the last
thirty years working with youth to help them become better physically,
mentally, and morally fit citizens. If they made Eagle it was wonderful. If
they didn't, it was still wonderful as long as they caught the Scouting
spirit. Occasionally I failed. So far I haven't seen one of my failures make
a similar posting, but I may some day. I will be as embarrassed for him as I
am for Mr. Paccerelli. I wonder how BP would have reacted to this tantrum?

As usual, Ian Ford said it far better than I can. There is no place for hazing
in Scouting. It does nothing to make the kids grow up straighter. Yes, we
have expectations, rules and consequences. But we reinforce the positive, not
the negative.

In brotherhood,

Jerry Johnson
Bellevue, WA

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