Long time readers of my blog will know my opinion against the heart breaking policy of the Boy Scouts of America allowing discrimination against both gay scouts and gay leaders. In 2013 they voted to allow gay boys to be involved in BSA but they had to leave the organization at age 18, not a victory of any kind since boys were still being taught that discrimination and hate were "okay".
The topic has caused a lot of heated debate from both sides and many communities and the Scouts for Equality have fought hard to end the discrimination. But not Wisconsin's Governor Scott Walker who not only saw nothing wrong with the ban but also called the Supreme Court's decision regarding gay marriage a 'grave mistake'. Of course, in true Scott Walker style he is now back-pedaling on the Scout issue since two weeks ago the BSA finally removed the ban on gay adult leaders.
Their decision had a lot to do with the mounting tide of lawsuits, I'm sure, and they are still allowing local groups to "make their own decisions" about who to allow to be leaders so areas that are entrenched in patterns of discrimination will most likely continue for the time being. The Mormon Church is considering forming their own scouting organization so they don't have to adhere to the policy of non-discrimination at all. Their church isn't the only one still discriminating, other Christian churches have ended their affiliation with BSA and even the Archdiocese of Louisville won't allow an openly gay leader to return to lead due to the loophole left by the wording of the BSA's new rules. I'll never understand the phrase "Christian values" when used in this kind of context. Didn't Jesus teach about loving thy neighbor?
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| Mural in Reno, Nevada |
In Reno I saw this mural of what appears to be a Native American boy. The Boy Scouts of America is also guilty of rampant "cultural appropriation", if you don't know what that's about check out this link to a great blog post and its comments, not the only one I found on the internet just the one I liked. I didn't know they were doing this myself since we didn't let Cory be a part of scouting due to their discrimination policies against gay leaders. Girl Scouts of America has never discriminated and to my knowledge they don't disrespect other people's cultures either but instead put effort in to helping girls explore other cultures which in my opinion is a better way to build leaders for tomorrow. Just saying.
If I'm not mistaken, the artist's blog can be found at this link . More murals at Monday Mural here.
Hey, let's all keep working to end hate and intolerance, okay? Progress is slow but recent political events show that it's working and each generation will hopefully be better educated about and more tolerant of ALL our citizens.
My father, son and I are Eagle Scouts. In the past I was prepared to return by award in protest. How did Scott Walker get elected? Tom The Backroads Traveller
ReplyDeleteTwice, no less. I ask myself the same question often.
DeleteI will simply say that I am heartened to see the nice mural. Such a lovely and informative find!
ReplyDeleteMay Peace & Love reign!
Great Mural. BTW I was a Boy Scout once in the UK
ReplyDeleteThe UK does not have the same intolerance policies to my knowledge. Forgot to mention that in the post, thanks for reminding me!
DeleteI was a girl scout growing up and I loved it! I also don't understand all of the discrimination of late that falls under the "Christian values" umbrella. Jesus was a friend to everyone, especially those more on the edges of society. But I do love this mural!
ReplyDeleteThe article on cultural appropriation Is very well done, and certainly makes me think!
ReplyDeleteI really like this mural and the other work I saw on OU35's blog. Finally an image of a young guy in a black hoodie that isn't made to seem like a criminal. Thanks for contributing to this week's Monday Mural.
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