Re: Beaded OA Sash
RYAN KEIL (RYAN.KEIL@M.CC.UTAH.EDU)
Sat, 18 Jun 1994 00:56:04 -0600
Lew writes about being obedient to National's policy in re the sash,
saying he has trouble with the idea that this may be a policy to ignore.
I think there is a time to obey the word of the law, and a time to heed
the spirit of the law. In the instance Lew brings up of a uniform
inspection, an official, formal function. The inspector, like those being
inspected, needs to be in the most complete, accurate uniform possible,
after all, he is the example, ergo, no beads on the sash.
On the other hand, we have occassions in which we participate. Per
policy, activity badges (summer camps, camporees, etc.) do not go on the
reverse of the merit badge sash, but many scouts have a pride sash that is
used for informal occassions. Pins on hats, pocket flaps, red jackets,
etc, aren't always proper--and aren't always worn, but we do so in
informal capacities. Likewise, the beaded OA sash has a place in
the Spirit of the Law and in the purpose of the Order. It can serve to
heighten the awareness of the wearer (and others) to his obligation to
serve. It can increase knowledge about the particular Indian culture the
individual, clan, etc., uses for a pattern. It can even help to make
others more aware of the Order and its purposes. [And, yes, it can, if
used incorrectly, i.e., overly proud, be detrimental to each of these].
So, my own feeling is, when wearing an official BSA uniform to function in
an official BSA capacity, wear the standard sash. When wearing a
Spirit-of-the-Order uniform (i.e., costume) and functioning in this type
of capacity, wear the sash that best conveys the Spirit and the Order.
Btw, when acting in the former capacity, one can often display the
_enhanced_ sash on a table or stand so that it can still serve its purpose.
YiS/WWW
Ryan Keil, BEAR-ly Scoutin'
ryan.keil@m.cc.utah.edu
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City |
