Re: Language and gender (BSA)
Godbout, Marc (GodboutM@ANDOVERCONTROLS.COM)
Wed, 2 Sep 1998 07:20:31 -0400
I think you're looking at a different definition of "master". Another
definition relates to someone who has mastered a skill or an art. In
this context, Scout MASTER fits better, describing someone who has the
mastered scout skills.
FWIW, I do like the term scout leader better than scoutmaster. For one
thing, I'm quite sure that I have not mastered *all* the skills
necessary. I learn something new every time I go out with the boys.
Certainly, a first year scoutmaster has a ways to go before mastering
his or her craft. Secondly, I prefer the term scout advisor even
better. If we were to really make this a boy run program, I would like
the *leader* to be a boy, as in Senior Patrol *Leader*, and keep my role
as advisor.
Just my opinion.
Marc Godbout
SM (or is that SCA - Scout Chief Advisor?:>) Troop 98
Derry, NH
http://www.derrynh.com/bsa98
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Ian N Ford FRSH [SMTP:addvent@DIRCON.CO.UK]
> Sent: Thursday, August 27, 1998 7:20 AM
> To: Multiple recipients of list SCOUTS-L
> Subject: Language and gender (BSA)
>
> I looked at the headers on my messages today ... one was " Cross
> Dressing
> at Camp " and the other was " Cubmaster as Stripper "
>
> Then I realised that the CubMASTER (sic) was female and not the cross
> dresser
> at camp. <g> I know that Cubs are a bit young to have mistresses, but
> stripping Cub Masters ? Maybe BSA needs to use the gender neutral Cub
> LEADER ?
>
> But on a serious note, I have always felt that the title Scout MASTER
> (or Scout Mistress for that matter ) is inappropriate for the last
> five
> hundred days of the twentieth century. Surely we are Scout LEADERS who
> should be leading by example, not " masters " who impose authority on
> inferiors ?
>
> This is not a matter of gender PC, more a definition of roles and
> relationships. As a LEADER I see myself as a counsellor / adviser /
> facilitator and also as an adult who has a legal and moral
> responsibility
> for the health, safety and welfare of young people entrusted to my
> care.
> That does not mean that the relationship should be of a master and a
> subordinate. What do others think ?
>
> Ian Ford
> London UK
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