fred8033

Why would this badge have a different MBC vetting process? I really, really hope this is not an issue.

I just read and watched the YouTube video. Extremely well produced. Comments seemed to reflect real concern. It's interesting as the video mentioned fosturing open discussion. As a professional ... and because of my gender and race ... to protect my career and future ... the last thing I can do is participate in an open discussion on this topic. It's best for me to quietly listen. Any response or comment can quickly get out of control.

The scout should download the Eagle Project Workbook from scouting.org. Learn to save it to the computer, close the web browser and then open it. Get used to working with the workbook. READ IT COVER TO COVER. The Parent should also download the Eagle Project Workbook and read it cover to cover. The workbook as messages specifically written both for the scout and the parent. https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/advancement-and-awards/eagle-scout-workbook/ As for the best way to choose the project, it happens many different ways. The key is to keep the scout moving forward. And, if the scout reaches a dead-end, change directions and try again.

Over the last week, I talked to a few scouts about it. I heard the same thin you said above. Those close to Eagle want to finish before the badge is required. Those further away treat it as another hoop to jump thru. Those already Eagle view it as a reflection of the time. None of them are thrilled at it, but see it as scouting reflecting the times and jumping on the bandwagon everyone else is jumping on. It's probably my big probem with the badge. The scout's aren't asking for it and they are already getting it elsewhere.

Agreed ... Today's generation is much less native and has seen way more. Old fashioned ceremonies do look hooky in today's eyes.

I agree. Historical art connects us with the past, good or bad. That's art. It triggers thoughts and feelings. Yes, some art and names do need to come down as there is little value and it's mostly inciteful. But then again, some should stay to trigger conversation and reflection. When I was a kid, I attended a summer camp that taught the German language and culture. Ladderhosen. Drinking songs. etc, etc. "Historically", it was not that long after 75 million died in WW2 and 20 million in WW1. Those camps still exist and are still attended. I'm surprised people don't complain about promoting a bloody history. Similar protests could be made against every nation / culture in the world.

That's my view. Even if used inaccurately or loosely or just wrong, it helps promote history. Even when used wrong, it raises awareness and people begin to learn more and even recognize the wrong use was wrong. It's one reason I hate seeing art and statues and monuments taken down. It's hiding history. Example: Recently a Christopher Columbus statue as taken down by protesters. When I think about Christopher Columbus, it brings many thoughts. Good and bad. Taking the statue down reduces awareness for future generations.

BSA has worked with NA in the past. The problem is there will always be protesters and those that interpret things differently. It's time to stop using another culture for our purposes. IMHO, we'll be worse off because of it as NA awareness and knowledge will drop. Sadly, our scouts first experience with NA culture will be at a local casino. In many ways, today's world is much more puritanical than the past and can't really talk about the hard stuff.

I hugely agree. Focusing on labels to promote equally and diversity is an oxymoron.

Kids are already thinking about these things. It's being shoved down their throat all the time.

I've sat on many EBORs. I've never seen a scout asked that question. In fact, most boards avoid such potentially self-destructing questions like this. That issue is between the scout and himself ... and maybe his family.

MBCs are rarely "selected". Rather, warm bodies are often found willing to teach the MB.

Does race exist? Duke ... https://scienceandsociety.duke.edu/does-race-exist/#:~:text=In a landmark paper based,between two different population subgroups. National Geographic ... https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2018/04/race-genetics-science-africa/ Is it right to tax current/future children to pay for the sins of the past? Should the U.S. pay reparations? How to know who receives money? Policing ? Defund? Is it acceptable to call all cops bastards? Should cops benefit from being assumed innocent? Is it right to fire a police officer before the formal investigation? When is it acceptable for a police officer to discharge his gun? What can an officer do if someone is not following instructions? How many police officers are killed each year? Homeless? Are they a result of how society has discriminated against these people? Why do we have all these homeless encampments popping up everywhere for the last five years? Are they safe? STORY: Our troop had a lawyer volunteer to teach family life. They lawyer had appropriate related experience. Later during down time, the scouts were just chatting and they started talking about girl friends, social media, consent, problems / cost of girl friends. ... Then their conversation migrated to it would be better to legalize prostitution. The MBC and I were just on the side just relaxing. Either the MBC joined the conversation or the scouts pulled him in because he was a lawyer. ... It was interesting watching the MBC guide the discussion on legalizing prostitution. ... Later I told him I was glad he guided the discussion because I'm sure I would have fumbled. And, he did a great job. MBs are defined as adults providing their expertise to the scout. It's inherent in this being a MB. My issue is our youth get this 24/7/365. During the school day. During Sunday school. In their music and entertainment. From their families. ... A badge in this will be a joke to the scouts. If we add this badge, it's probably time to add a Sex Education badge. ... Many of our scouts (past and present) father children while being a scout. Let's add a badge on Parenting (diapers, feeding, etc). ... While we at it, probably a new Disease Prevention badge that can talk about immunization and how to stop viruses. ... Perhaps the citizenship badges need more discussions on how the government is funded the best way to fund the government. Flat tax, progressive tax, payroll tax. My big fear is what happened yesterday. I chatted with a good friend and he offered to be my son's DE&I MB counselor. Now this person has mentored my son with other badges and I'm fine with it. BUT, his views are located somewhere off the left coast of California. I want him no where near my son talking politics. That's the issue. I'm betting he would not want me as the MB counselor for his sons.

Links don't work

LOL ... You are right. ... no pun intended ... For the longest time, I could not remember who was left or right. A very conservative friend (to the point I try to avoid the discussions ... LOL) ... made a comment about California, calling it the left coast. It's the only way I remember who is left and who is right.

Title is bad. Obviously right leaning. But the content is well assembled and useful to the discussion.

Censorship can occur in any group and does not need government or a public forum. Censorship is about blocking ideas.

Martin Luther King. Morgan Freeman. Lil'Waye. etc, etc. YouTube video "What the left won't tell you about the plight..." It is right leaning, but the comments are reasonable, polite, concise and to the topic.

The video was 100% on target and useful to the discussion. The point is the D,E&I badge will pull in politics. Period. The video was 100% on-topic. BSA was the original non-political organization. Hold up and wave the flag. I'm good with that. Pledge of allegiance. Fine. Teaching how government works fine. I've been involved for almost 20 years. Perhaps it's time for me to finish up too. It's not that I don't want to be part of an organization like BSA. I'm not sure I want my kids involved and subject to the whims of political discussions like this, left or right. Teach them fire, knives, camping, tenting, etc. Teach them responsibility and taking care of themselves. Teach them that their choices have results. Don't zip up your tent, you will eventually sleep in a soggy sleeping bag. You want a badge like D,E&I, fine. Prepare for discussion. But let it be real discussion.

The video was 100% on-topic. Many people believe the DE&I badge is propaganda and can't be taught constructively without pulling in individuals personal political beliefs. The video has 100% on-topic discussion topics. Is race real? Is it useful to discuss? Where do the issues start? How to work with police? Removing that video is today's canceling culture and is censorship. If you want this badge, we need the ability to discuss and debate the topics in the badge.

What was violated by that video? The video seemed 100% useful and appropriate for this discussion.

Removed

Outstanding video ... You are braver than I am. I would not post such a video because there are too many that are too quick to toss out words such as racist and biggot. I find the video very useful and 100% worthy of discussion. But I don't want to be the target of the stereo typing by people who would use such ugly and hateful words.

Two sided discussion is important. This badge can not sit in a one-sided political vacuum. The issues raised here really reflect that we've failed to teach "civics" as a school topic and "civility" as a social need. We need to be able to discuss these topics. That means that videos like about should be discussed without people getting upset and irate at each other. Welcome to the D,E&I (pronounced deny) badge.

Because we are continually working with our scouts teaching how to work with each other, be respectful, etc. It's what the whole scouting program is about. Scout Law and Oath. But we do it thru activities and the necessity of working with each other. I think @CynicalScouter had a great response above. But even more, it's offensive because I'm not sure I want to trust my scout to joe-blow MBC to get their view on diversity.