Boy Scouts Research Paper

Scouting was developed at the turn of the 20th century by British officer Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell. After discovering that his men did not know basic first aid or the elementary means of survival in the outdoors, he was prompted to teach them by writing a handbook called Aids to Scouting . Chicago publisher William D. Boyle experienced the working of the book when he was helped by a young man who claimed to be a scout, after refusing to take a tip for helping Boyle. Inspired by this act, Boyle met with Powell and with the same ideals in mind founded the Boy Scouts of America. However, in modern times, the values that the Boy Scout was founded upon has been shaken by the legalization of homosexual members to join the organization.

Society now lives in an age where it is becoming ever more difficult to maintain tradition. In each family, there are certain arts that are passed down to the from generation to generation. Similarly with the Boys Scouts of America, a tradition is passed down from one generation to another. However, by allowing homosexual members in the organization it can corrupt the
core values instilled by the Boys Scouts of America since its founding. One tradition that the organization is well known for is instilling teamwork in youth. Yet with the addition of homosexual members in the team it may disrupt the comfort of the whole unit and create unnecessary problems. For example, some people who are raised in a conservative environment to where they view homosexuality as immoral and uncomfortable to be around would therefore refuse to work with the homosexual members. Another tradition that the Boy Scouts is famous for is its ability to nurture the country’s next generation of male leaders. If a homosexual member is allowed in the organization it sets an example to the children that being homosexual is morally okay and part of the Boy Scout tradition which contradicts the main existence of Boy Scouts of America. It is rather unfortunate and unjustifiable to the children and the parents that are affected by the changes that are occurring within the organization. Opening the door to homosexual members automatically opens the door to homosexual leaders. How many parents would feel comfortable leaving their children with a homosexual scout leader? This type of rash decision can one day only lead to a series of problems that will haunt both the members and the community. If one is to be allowed to join the organization as a homosexual it breaks the very ethics that the Boy Scout is founded upon; to serve God and follow the teachings of the Bible. Also, it is unfair to the parents of the scout members to have their children involuntarily exposed to an environment deemed morally contradictory to the beliefs of those very parents. The homosexual community may believe that their beliefs area being overlooked however, they themselves are actually overlooking other peoples' beliefs. For example, if a person’s notion was shut down by the community it does not necessarily mean that that person is being oppressed, it just simply means that his idea is not beneficial to the community as a whole. As First officer Spock once said: "The Needs of the Many Outweigh the Needs of the Few". The crusade to establish a homosexual agenda and ideology in a youth organization such as the Boy Scouts of America is a despicable and self-centered act by the adults.
The goals and means of this movement include indoctrinating citizens in public and private organizations, restricting the free speech of opposition, obtaining special treatment for homosexuals, distorting Biblical teaching and science, and interfering with freedom of association. Advocates of the homosexual agenda seek special rights for homosexuals that other people do not have, such as immunity from criticism. If such a movement is to continue to thrive in this society, not only are the Boy Scouts of America going to be affected but sooner or later the majority of the community will be influenced and will be forced to accept and follow the doctrines and traditions that they disapprove
of. It is sad to see how far a minority group will go to promote themselves and seek acceptance for their beliefs and objectives no matter what the cost. They do not care how traditions, beliefs, and morals can be influenced and altered so their demands and needs can be met. It is unfair to the communities and families that have been part of the Boy Scouts organization for many years to be suddenly forced into a belief that they deem immoral and unethical, as such the move to legalize homosexual members in the organization can potentially lead the families and communities to losing their confidence in the ability of the organization to care for and promote a good foundation to nurture the next male generation of leaders. To conclude, the Boy Scouts of America should amend its recent decision to allow homosexual members to join the organization for it can strain the trust, destroy morals and corrupt a tradition that is based on faith and good moral conduct.