Re: New Cargo Pants
Robert Caron (robert.caron@UMB.EDU)
Tue, 12 Jan 1999 11:16:13 -0500
Settummanque, the blackeagle - Mike L. Walton wrote in part:
>
> *Finally, the BSA has chosen uniforms which would tend NOT to cause
> confusion with any official uniforms worn by our military, whether
> informally (as the Battle Dress is worn, as a "work uniform") or
> formally (as various styles of Naval uniforms are worn). Our
> uniforms are carefully selected, carefully designed and carefully
> trademarked and litigated upon to prevent those "errors" from
> happening.
Agreed, completely. What follows is an observation, NOT a challenge,
accusation, insult, flame or other put-down.
All this being said over and over again, and for years and years, let's step
back from the forest a bit so we can see the trees. There are a few
inescapable facts that, I believe, will cause this controversy to continue
until a major change takes place.
First, B-P was, of course, a military officer, and the origins of Scouting
bore the influence of that orientation. As we proudly display images and
history of Scouting's beginnings, the secondary or even subconscious message
delivered is "military orientation."
Second, Scouting was, is and apparently will continue to be a UNIFORMED
organization. That in itself draws people to make comparison with other
uniformed organizations. And when people make those comparisons, what do they
think of:
- is there a similarity between a Scouting uniform and the white pants and
shirt of a chef's uniform -- no;
- is there a similarity between a Scouting uniform and the green pants and tan
shirt that some sheriff's officers wear -- yes;
- is there a similarity between a Scouting uniform and the pastel blue or
green scrubs that hospital personnel wear -- no;
- is there a similarity between a Scouting uniform and an army uniform -- yes.
So, it seem to me that the Scouting uniform tends to remind people of
military, law enforcement, or other para-military type uniforms. And I
understand and agree that BSA has gone to great lengths to distinguish its
uniforms from others, but is that really a distinction without a difference?
I can't speak for others in my age bracket (baby boomer), but when I see a
person in a uniform consisting of green pants and a tan shirt, I immediately
think Army.
So, unless BSA plans to eliminate this controversy by outliving everyone who
thinks this way, it seems to me the only way to do it is a MAJOR change in the
BSA uniform -- primarily the colors -- or elimination of the uniform
altogether. In the meantime, those who are dissatisfied with the BSA uniform
and try in all good conscience to resolve that dissatisfaction understandably
see an easy, readily available solution, right or wrong.
--
Robert Caron
Troop Committee Secretary, Northborough Troop 101
Brotherhood, Chippanyonk Lodge #59, OA
Knox Trail Council #244, BSA
Massachusetts
