Our minds and bodies are made for playing piano and for watching films, but not for loving relationships with people of the same sex?
Sexual relationships, or eros love in the Greek sense. This doesn't apply to Philia, Storge, or Agape.
Says who?
Says the process of sexual reproduction. You know, the penis and vagina being intended (evolved) complements of each other.
How can you possibly make this argument with a straight face?
I'm not trying to force it upon others. I'm not saying states should ban civil unions between them, or that there should be anti-sodomy laws. I think it's immoral, not that it should be illegal.
Thus why I am so confused that you would force your moral code into places where my moral code should take precedence. I don't want my morality to dictate our laws, why do you want your morality to dictate the operating procedures of my church and private organizations?
Our senses and motor abilities are "intended" to allow us to survive in a hostile environment, feeding ourselves and fending off predators. Do you see it as "disrespectful" when someone plays a beautful piano aria, enjoys a film, kicks around a football, or just lies down in the grass on a warm spring day without a care in the world?
Nope, because our mind and body are intended for those activities, including even sex. With sex, there is an emotional bond between the participants that doesn't exist otherwise, and ignoring it is the disrespectful part.
I base everything off of respect, for onesself and others. Something doesn't have to outwardly or obviously hurt others to be disrespectful, which is what may cause us to have different views on what causes immoral behavior. For example, recreation drug use is disrespectful (IMO), thus I find it immoral. I expect you disagree because it doesn't directly harm another person.
As for sexuality, I see truly monogamous relationships as the only way to truly respect a spouse and one's own sexuality. I also see sexuality as intended for the complementary sexes. They're intended for each other, whether you believe it was designed or if it evolved that way. To do otherwise is to disrespect one's own body.
I don't expect you to agree with me, but if your argument is never going to go beyond 'trust me, there's ignorance and fear there', then you might as well not bother. Give me evidence of the 'ignorance and fear'. Otherwise there can be no debate.
A field manual that doesn't teach the basics, like a figure-4 and a dead-fall, is far from complete.
Are you sure you aren't thinking of the standard manual? The field manual (a supplemental) does have a wide variety of survival and extreme environment information.
Well, here's a difference. Chess is pure strategy mixed with mathematical harmony. It's a logic exercise that helps develop the mind's ability to critically assess a situation.
There is only one video game that does this: chess. Starcraft comes close, but no cigar.
Tetris doesn't? It seems very closed-minded to assume that chess is the only acceptable form of strategy. I wouldn't say it's even a better practice in strategy for elementary schoolers. It's likely that a cub scout would be better able to form complex strategies in games other than chess.
Video games have more complex rules and variety, but many require just as much tactical thinking. And both are games, so what's the real difference? Why does one specific game get special treatment? Why chess and not Go or Othello?
"would a video game merit badge be less useful that indian lore?" - Yes. Indian lore raises cultural awareness, provides history lessons, and demonstrates the philosophical worldview of a primitive culture. Coin collecting teaches history and economics. Basket weaving and pottery are skills that few have these days and teaches one about manipulating physical properties.
And video games teach time management, coordination, and problem solving. So there's no problem here.
And don't try the argument that it's not worth because it's fun. You think a 10-year old boy collects coins because of the historical lessons he learns, or because it's fun?
The problem with video games as a merit badge for Cub Scouts is that Cub Scouts is the type of place you send your children to get them off their ass and stop playing video games. It's like giving a merit badge for watching sitcoms. It just doesn't compare to things like camping, first aid, and community service.
And part of the merit badge is to teach the boys how to spend a responsible amount of time on their most common leisure activity, and to learn other lessons while doing so.
I don't remember claiming video games were as important as camping, preparedness, and service. Rather, these pins (and later merit badges) are intended to create well-rounded experiences. I just don't see how teaching kids to be responsible and educated about their leisure time is a bad thing. It doesn't (and shouldn't) displace camping or sports. Hence why there are cub pins for bowling and marbles as well.
You've kidding, right? How to research a purchase? Yeah, that's just what we need, teach our children to be even more consumeristic than we are.
How is researching an item promoting rampant consumerism? Wouldn't that be the opposite, just making snap purchases? Are you honestly saying that researching a purchase before you make it is wrong?
The ESRB ratings? Kids know about these - if it says anything other than T or M it sucks. They also know to make sure their parents don't know about the ESRB.
If they already followed the ratings, they wouldn't need to demonstrate it to earn the pin. The requirement is just as much to inform the parents as the boys.
Schedule time? Yeah, I'd like to see that one (filling out a log to make sure they fulfilled their badge requirements doesn't teach them to be responsible).
How would you teach them, then?
And the lovably laughable "how to connect to a television." This is the type of thing parents have their ten year old do for them. Not to mention the only skills required are being able to connect the yellow cord to the yellow input and knowing how to work a television remote.
I think it's naiive to assume all children know about technology just because many or most do. Every kid needs to have a first experience with hardware at some point.
I play videogames and all but I don't delude myself, I know it's a waste of time.
Right, it's a leisure activity, just like most of the other pins in cub scouts. That's also why it's completely optional. Should they stop reading for enjoyment, just because they enjoy it? Games can't also be educational?
That's not an answer, that's a clarification of your earlier statement.
Why is it not appropriate?
For the same reason you don't have a problem with it: your moral code. How do you explain any other moral question without going down a long rabbit hole? There's a reason that morality is generally relegated to philosophy, where intrinsic proofs are hard to come by.
I'm alright with you disagreeing with my moral code. I'm alright with you saying it's wrong (I think you're wrong as well). What I'm not alright with is you claiming that because my moral code is different, it must be based upon 'fear and ignorance'.
Because an appropriate relationship (morally) is between a man and his wife. If he has sexual relations with someone other than his wife, whether it's another man, a child, or some other woman, it's inappropriate.
One needs not fear something to disapprove of it on moral grounds. Nor does disapproval imply ignorance.
I'm sure there are those who do base their disapproval on fear or ignorance, but that's not necessarily the case.
I actually have heard of ventures, but it is harder to get into, and find a crew than scouts. It is also a step up, and some of us just like regular scouting. I mean, its fun and all but I never got into it. The venture crew off of my troop had a requirement to wear shoes, and I just couldn't deal with it, especially on longer trips.
Agreed, YMMV. So why do you claim it is systematically a set-up?
Very true about the girl scouts, but like I said there is much to be gained from some kind of merger. Maybe there would be less sexism.
There's also much to be lost. Why not teach the boys to become men, and the girls to become women, rather than trying to turn them into the same gender?
Boys and girls are different, they learn differently, they're interested in different things. Let's not turn the argument against sexual discrimination into an argument in favor of removing all defining characteristics between men and women. I'm not saying that girls can't or shouldn't learn the same skills as boys, but even the differences in learning methods seem enough reason to keep the organizations separate. What's good for the goose isn't necessarily good for the gander.
And because it's a different age group, the bar for what is expected is far lower.
In this case, the boy scouts are expected to manage their responsibilities in all areas of their life. In cub scouts, they are starting with learning how to manage their video game time so it doesn't interfere with other responsibilities.
...Yeah, if shotgun shooting and Rifle shooting are currently badges that you can earn, I'm not thinking they would have a problem with shooting games.
*SIGH*
Firstly, the quote in the summary about banning FPSs is from someone completely unaffiliated with BSA.
Secondly, the requirement in this pin tells the cub scout to play age appropriate games, as rated by the ESRB and determined by parents. Nothing prevents them from playing an age appropriate shooter, such as Deer Hunter, or Nerf N-Strike.
Thirdly, the shooting-sports merit badges emphasise safety and responsibility. There is no relation to the vast majority of FPSs.
Fourth, this is cub scouts, younger than boy scouts. They are only allowed to shoot BB guns at scouting events. As well, this is a cub scout pin, not a boy scout merit badge.
What they should have a problem with is (as merit badges for Boy Scouts) is video games in general. This new badge will go straight to the top of the list of badges I DON'T want my son to "earn" as a Boy Scout (along side Sculpture, Theater, Cinematography, Computers).
Why not? They still teach skills that are applicable outside the confines of the activity itself. I taught basket weaving at a summer camp, and the biggest benefit I think the scouts learned was patience. Without patience, your basket looks like crap.
You would be doing your son a disservice if you prohibited him from completing a merit badge simply because it was not an outdoor activity. Perhaps a better method would be to encourage as many outdoorsmanship skills as possible, but what practical purpose would preventing your son from earning Computers or Pottery serve? Wouldn't he be more likely to utilize Computers after completion than Indian Lore?
I actually quit the boy scouts as a kid because we didn't do any scouting. Showing up to every meeting and going to clean parks and talk about the evils of drugs wasn't my thing. I actually liked to spend my time out in the woods, hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, etc. Our troop did very little of such things, however, and I quickly lost interest.
Sounds like you had a lousy troop. It's unfortunate you weren't able to find a better one. That said, I think the public service aspect is equally important, but it shouldn't overshadow camping and outdoorsmanship.
There are definitely too many troops set up as 'Eagle factories', where they just rush to get the minimum requirements for Eagle done as quickly as possible. Quite a shame.
I've never owned a gun, but I did do that once. Did every shot hit the bullseye? Nope. Did every shot land within 3 inches of the centre of the target's chest? Yep.
How close to the target were you on your little trip? Think it's a little closer than the most likely distance you would be firing on?
I'm sure that shooting accurately requires lots of practise. I'm also sure that shooting accurately enough to grievously injure someone requires no practise at all.
A shooting occurred at my old high school. The guy fired four shots with a.44 caliber handgun at close range, yet two years later she's fully recovered. She did have a bit of luck due to a metal plate in her shoulder, but just being close and having a gun doesn't make it effective.
No, it's easy to criticise, because there's no rational reason for them doing so.
For some values of 'rational'.
We're talking primarily Christian-based morals, sex being appropriate only in marriage, which likewise is only between a man and woman. From a secular-humanist or strictly political view, there is no rationality. From an Abrahamic religious standpoint, it would be irrational to cherry-pick moral issues to which scouts should adhere to.
How about a merit badge for creating Web pages or setting up a Web site.
Maybe one for completing a simple self-taught course in a simple language like Java?
That said, Cub Scout awards are more about participation and providing learning opportunities, rather than judging proficiency. Merit badges, on the other hand, do require a demonstration of proficiency.
No first person shooters? Are the scouts aware that they actually offer a merit badge in SHOOTING.
Perhaps you should read the summary again. It is an 'expert', unaffiliated with the BSA, who says no FPS. The actual requirements only point toward age-appropriate games as determined by the ESRB, rather than singling out any genre for exclusion.
Yes, there is a manufactured reactionary response by people that FPSs cause violence, but not from the BSA.
In the sixties, I got so disgusted with "Scouting" I got out before We-Be-Los(t). As a youngster, I'd studied all my Dad's scouting manuals from the forties, and thought we'd be doing some serious woodcraft. One of the things I learned from TFM was that a REAL SCOUT can survive anywhere you dropped him with only a knife and an axe. Once again, I fail to see the application. I taught myself to make a fire using a bow-drill. (Well, I did it once, good thing it wasn't a real situation...) Maybe if you could learn how to short out the game's battery battery pack and make a fire it would serve a purpose.
Ever cross your mind that you got out before the 'good stuff'? I mean, don't you think even though they teach certain skills to boys up to 18 years old, they may not teach the same things to 9 year olds? That's the reason I didn't participate in cub scouts, and instead worked to earn my Eagle.
My experiences? I did a 70-mile backpacking trek at Philmont in New Mexico, earned the mile swim award, all three shooting sports merit badges, and became a BSA certified lifeguard. Sure, one could get away with doing the bare minimum of outdoor activities, but I've not experienced any that did. It's unfortunate you had a poor (cub) scouting experience, but I don't think it truly applies to scouting overall.
This latest move is stunning in it's lameness, but not really surprising, given their increasingly desperate attempt to remain relevant.
Really? Perhaps you are just ignorant of the requirements. It's teaching personal responsibility, time management, and how to spend money wisely, it just uses video games as a trick to interest the boys. Why? Because they're 11-years old, at the oldest!
And how is disallowing homosexuals (or atheists) based on 'fear and ignorance'? Why not the simpler explanation of 'it doesn't fit with our moral beliefs'? Are you saying they should compromise on their morals, just to be politically correct?
Otherwise they should be FORCED to place a warning on the boxes of every new product that says "Warning: Online multiplayer for this product will no longer work after this date. Any and all purchases of this product after the date stamped on the package shall be for single player ONLY!"
On the new boxes? You think in 2004 Bungie should have included on their box art "online multiplayer will be discontinued April 2010"? How do they know? Or, should they plan to shut down their servers earlier, so they can give an accurate date?
I saw, just buy the retailer stickers to place on each box that says: "Online service discontinued" They are the ones who use the shady practices to continue selling obsolete games (like WalMarts who were still selling Tabula Rasa boxes a few months ago).
I think we should merge boy and girl scouts to just have 'scouts'. Canada does that and it works fine, but in the US? Hell no, they might see each others parts in the group shower, and that would just be the end of the world.
You must not have heard about Venture. Not only is it a branch of the BSA that allows boys and girls, they do all the cool stuff. Long backpacking trips, high adventure, stuff like that. My sister did it and had a blast.
Cub scouts really is a crock, as is Girl scouts. My ex was a girl scout, and their merit badges were like sandwich making, how to keep a kitchen clean, knitting, needlepoint, parenting. Not even kidding.
Cub scouts is intended for kids younger than 12. How much do you really expect from them?
While I'd generally agree that girl scouts isn't as comprehensive or stringent as teh BSA, part of that is just because there's less distinction between the equivalents to cubs and scouts. Was your ex in the program very young, and completing the equivalent of cub awards? Most of their awards look similar to BSA merit badges. Seems reasonable to me.
In all honesty, kids don't need more encouragement to game. Yes I'm a parent, but I'm young enough to still be a gamer and trust me, I didn't/don't need more encouragement.
Have you read the requirements? It's using video games as a cover to teach useful skills. For example, how to research a purchase, about the ESRB and content ratings, how to schedule leisure time so it doesn't interfere with responsibilities, and how to connect a console to a television. It's teaching them to play responsibly, which is probably more than they had done before, while teaching them a few more life skills.
You're thinking of the cub scout belt loop, which is designed for children younger than 12 (and as young as 7). Of course it's meant to be easy.
There is an actual computers merit badge, and it is much more in-depth.
Do ONE of the following:
a. Visit a business or an industrial plant that uses computers. Observe what tasks the computers accomplish, and be prepared to discuss what you have learned.
b. Using a software package of your choice for computer aided design (CAD), create an engineering-style drawing of a simple object. Include the top, bottom, and at least one side view and the dimensions.
c. Use a general purpose programming language to write a simple program application of your choice, subject to approval by your counselor.
d. Design a Web page for your troop, patrol, school, or place of worship. You need not post the page to a Web site. However, if you decide to do so, you will first need to get your parent's permission and your counselor's approval, as well as permission from the host site.
In other words, Boy Scouts do exactly what the GP suggests, while cub scouts do not.
Slashdot Mirror
Our minds and bodies are made for playing piano and for watching films, but not for loving relationships with people of the same sex?
Sexual relationships, or eros love in the Greek sense. This doesn't apply to Philia, Storge, or Agape.
Says who?
Says the process of sexual reproduction. You know, the penis and vagina being intended (evolved) complements of each other.
How can you possibly make this argument with a straight face?
I'm not trying to force it upon others. I'm not saying states should ban civil unions between them, or that there should be anti-sodomy laws. I think it's immoral, not that it should be illegal.
Thus why I am so confused that you would force your moral code into places where my moral code should take precedence. I don't want my morality to dictate our laws, why do you want your morality to dictate the operating procedures of my church and private organizations?
Our senses and motor abilities are "intended" to allow us to survive in a hostile environment, feeding ourselves and fending off predators. Do you see it as "disrespectful" when someone plays a beautful piano aria, enjoys a film, kicks around a football, or just lies down in the grass on a warm spring day without a care in the world?
Nope, because our mind and body are intended for those activities, including even sex. With sex, there is an emotional bond between the participants that doesn't exist otherwise, and ignoring it is the disrespectful part.
Alright, the short version:
I base everything off of respect, for onesself and others. Something doesn't have to outwardly or obviously hurt others to be disrespectful, which is what may cause us to have different views on what causes immoral behavior. For example, recreation drug use is disrespectful (IMO), thus I find it immoral. I expect you disagree because it doesn't directly harm another person.
As for sexuality, I see truly monogamous relationships as the only way to truly respect a spouse and one's own sexuality. I also see sexuality as intended for the complementary sexes. They're intended for each other, whether you believe it was designed or if it evolved that way. To do otherwise is to disrespect one's own body.
I don't expect you to agree with me, but if your argument is never going to go beyond 'trust me, there's ignorance and fear there', then you might as well not bother. Give me evidence of the 'ignorance and fear'. Otherwise there can be no debate.
A field manual that doesn't teach the basics, like a figure-4 and a dead-fall, is far from complete.
Are you sure you aren't thinking of the standard manual? The field manual (a supplemental) does have a wide variety of survival and extreme environment information.
Well, here's a difference. Chess is pure strategy mixed with mathematical harmony. It's a logic exercise that helps develop the mind's ability to critically assess a situation.
There is only one video game that does this: chess. Starcraft comes close, but no cigar.
Tetris doesn't? It seems very closed-minded to assume that chess is the only acceptable form of strategy. I wouldn't say it's even a better practice in strategy for elementary schoolers. It's likely that a cub scout would be better able to form complex strategies in games other than chess.
Video games have more complex rules and variety, but many require just as much tactical thinking. And both are games, so what's the real difference? Why does one specific game get special treatment? Why chess and not Go or Othello?
"would a video game merit badge be less useful that indian lore?" - Yes. Indian lore raises cultural awareness, provides history lessons, and demonstrates the philosophical worldview of a primitive culture. Coin collecting teaches history and economics. Basket weaving and pottery are skills that few have these days and teaches one about manipulating physical properties.
And video games teach time management, coordination, and problem solving. So there's no problem here.
And don't try the argument that it's not worth because it's fun. You think a 10-year old boy collects coins because of the historical lessons he learns, or because it's fun?
The problem with video games as a merit badge for Cub Scouts is that Cub Scouts is the type of place you send your children to get them off their ass and stop playing video games. It's like giving a merit badge for watching sitcoms. It just doesn't compare to things like camping, first aid, and community service.
And part of the merit badge is to teach the boys how to spend a responsible amount of time on their most common leisure activity, and to learn other lessons while doing so.
I don't remember claiming video games were as important as camping, preparedness, and service. Rather, these pins (and later merit badges) are intended to create well-rounded experiences. I just don't see how teaching kids to be responsible and educated about their leisure time is a bad thing. It doesn't (and shouldn't) displace camping or sports. Hence why there are cub pins for bowling and marbles as well.
You've kidding, right? How to research a purchase? Yeah, that's just what we need, teach our children to be even more consumeristic than we are.
How is researching an item promoting rampant consumerism? Wouldn't that be the opposite, just making snap purchases? Are you honestly saying that researching a purchase before you make it is wrong?
The ESRB ratings? Kids know about these - if it says anything other than T or M it sucks. They also know to make sure their parents don't know about the ESRB.
If they already followed the ratings, they wouldn't need to demonstrate it to earn the pin. The requirement is just as much to inform the parents as the boys.
Schedule time? Yeah, I'd like to see that one (filling out a log to make sure they fulfilled their badge requirements doesn't teach them to be responsible).
How would you teach them, then?
And the lovably laughable "how to connect to a television." This is the type of thing parents have their ten year old do for them. Not to mention the only skills required are being able to connect the yellow cord to the yellow input and knowing how to work a television remote.
I think it's naiive to assume all children know about technology just because many or most do. Every kid needs to have a first experience with hardware at some point.
I play videogames and all but I don't delude myself, I know it's a waste of time.
Right, it's a leisure activity, just like most of the other pins in cub scouts. That's also why it's completely optional. Should they stop reading for enjoyment, just because they enjoy it? Games can't also be educational?
Perhaps it is you who must be kidding?
That's not an answer, that's a clarification of your earlier statement.
Why is it not appropriate?
For the same reason you don't have a problem with it: your moral code. How do you explain any other moral question without going down a long rabbit hole? There's a reason that morality is generally relegated to philosophy, where intrinsic proofs are hard to come by.
I'm alright with you disagreeing with my moral code. I'm alright with you saying it's wrong (I think you're wrong as well). What I'm not alright with is you claiming that because my moral code is different, it must be based upon 'fear and ignorance'.
Why is it not appropriate?
Because an appropriate relationship (morally) is between a man and his wife. If he has sexual relations with someone other than his wife, whether it's another man, a child, or some other woman, it's inappropriate.
One needs not fear something to disapprove of it on moral grounds. Nor does disapproval imply ignorance.
I'm sure there are those who do base their disapproval on fear or ignorance, but that's not necessarily the case.
I actually have heard of ventures, but it is harder to get into, and find a crew than scouts. It is also a step up, and some of us just like regular scouting. I mean, its fun and all but I never got into it. The venture crew off of my troop had a requirement to wear shoes, and I just couldn't deal with it, especially on longer trips.
Agreed, YMMV. So why do you claim it is systematically a set-up?
Very true about the girl scouts, but like I said there is much to be gained from some kind of merger. Maybe there would be less sexism.
There's also much to be lost. Why not teach the boys to become men, and the girls to become women, rather than trying to turn them into the same gender?
Boys and girls are different, they learn differently, they're interested in different things. Let's not turn the argument against sexual discrimination into an argument in favor of removing all defining characteristics between men and women. I'm not saying that girls can't or shouldn't learn the same skills as boys, but even the differences in learning methods seem enough reason to keep the organizations separate. What's good for the goose isn't necessarily good for the gander.
And because it's a different age group, the bar for what is expected is far lower.
In this case, the boy scouts are expected to manage their responsibilities in all areas of their life. In cub scouts, they are starting with learning how to manage their video game time so it doesn't interfere with other responsibilities.
*SIGH*
Firstly, the quote in the summary about banning FPSs is from someone completely unaffiliated with BSA.
Secondly, the requirement in this pin tells the cub scout to play age appropriate games, as rated by the ESRB and determined by parents. Nothing prevents them from playing an age appropriate shooter, such as Deer Hunter, or Nerf N-Strike.
Thirdly, the shooting-sports merit badges emphasise safety and responsibility. There is no relation to the vast majority of FPSs.
Fourth, this is cub scouts, younger than boy scouts. They are only allowed to shoot BB guns at scouting events. As well, this is a cub scout pin, not a boy scout merit badge.
What they should have a problem with is (as merit badges for Boy Scouts) is video games in general. This new badge will go straight to the top of the list of badges I DON'T want my son to "earn" as a Boy Scout (along side Sculpture, Theater, Cinematography, Computers).
Why not? They still teach skills that are applicable outside the confines of the activity itself. I taught basket weaving at a summer camp, and the biggest benefit I think the scouts learned was patience. Without patience, your basket looks like crap.
You would be doing your son a disservice if you prohibited him from completing a merit badge simply because it was not an outdoor activity. Perhaps a better method would be to encourage as many outdoorsmanship skills as possible, but what practical purpose would preventing your son from earning Computers or Pottery serve? Wouldn't he be more likely to utilize Computers after completion than Indian Lore?
Back in my day, the BSA had a merit badge for rifle and shotgun marksmanship that was a wee bit more applicable.
Still do. Archery, too.
I actually quit the boy scouts as a kid because we didn't do any scouting. Showing up to every meeting and going to clean parks and talk about the evils of drugs wasn't my thing. I actually liked to spend my time out in the woods, hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, etc. Our troop did very little of such things, however, and I quickly lost interest.
Sounds like you had a lousy troop. It's unfortunate you weren't able to find a better one. That said, I think the public service aspect is equally important, but it shouldn't overshadow camping and outdoorsmanship.
There are definitely too many troops set up as 'Eagle factories', where they just rush to get the minimum requirements for Eagle done as quickly as possible. Quite a shame.
I've never owned a gun, but I did do that once. Did every shot hit the bullseye? Nope. Did every shot land within 3 inches of the centre of the target's chest? Yep.
How close to the target were you on your little trip? Think it's a little closer than the most likely distance you would be firing on?
I'm sure that shooting accurately requires lots of practise. I'm also sure that shooting accurately enough to grievously injure someone requires no practise at all.
A shooting occurred at my old high school. The guy fired four shots with a .44 caliber handgun at close range, yet two years later she's fully recovered. She did have a bit of luck due to a metal plate in her shoulder, but just being close and having a gun doesn't make it effective.
I'm saying that if their morals promote fear and ignorance, then they are bad morals, and inflicting them on kids is irresponsible and abusive.
Where is the fear and ignorance, though? I just don't see it.
Saying 'this is not appropriate' isn't some witch hunt.
No, it's easy to criticise, because there's no rational reason for them doing so.
For some values of 'rational'.
We're talking primarily Christian-based morals, sex being appropriate only in marriage, which likewise is only between a man and woman. From a secular-humanist or strictly political view, there is no rationality. From an Abrahamic religious standpoint, it would be irrational to cherry-pick moral issues to which scouts should adhere to.
How about a merit badge for creating Web pages or setting up a Web site. Maybe one for completing a simple self-taught course in a simple language like Java?
Already been done. Computers Merit Badge, for Boy Scouts.
That said, Cub Scout awards are more about participation and providing learning opportunities, rather than judging proficiency. Merit badges, on the other hand, do require a demonstration of proficiency.
No first person shooters? Are the scouts aware that they actually offer a merit badge in SHOOTING.
Perhaps you should read the summary again. It is an 'expert', unaffiliated with the BSA, who says no FPS. The actual requirements only point toward age-appropriate games as determined by the ESRB, rather than singling out any genre for exclusion.
Yes, there is a manufactured reactionary response by people that FPSs cause violence, but not from the BSA.
In the sixties, I got so disgusted with "Scouting" I got out before We-Be-Los(t). As a youngster, I'd studied all my Dad's scouting manuals from the forties, and thought we'd be doing some serious woodcraft. One of the things I learned from TFM was that a REAL SCOUT can survive anywhere you dropped him with only a knife and an axe. Once again, I fail to see the application. I taught myself to make a fire using a bow-drill. (Well, I did it once, good thing it wasn't a real situation...) Maybe if you could learn how to short out the game's battery battery pack and make a fire it would serve a purpose.
Ever cross your mind that you got out before the 'good stuff'? I mean, don't you think even though they teach certain skills to boys up to 18 years old, they may not teach the same things to 9 year olds? That's the reason I didn't participate in cub scouts, and instead worked to earn my Eagle.
My experiences? I did a 70-mile backpacking trek at Philmont in New Mexico, earned the mile swim award, all three shooting sports merit badges, and became a BSA certified lifeguard. Sure, one could get away with doing the bare minimum of outdoor activities, but I've not experienced any that did. It's unfortunate you had a poor (cub) scouting experience, but I don't think it truly applies to scouting overall.
This latest move is stunning in it's lameness, but not really surprising, given their increasingly desperate attempt to remain relevant.
Really? Perhaps you are just ignorant of the requirements. It's teaching personal responsibility, time management, and how to spend money wisely, it just uses video games as a trick to interest the boys. Why? Because they're 11-years old, at the oldest!
And how is disallowing homosexuals (or atheists) based on 'fear and ignorance'? Why not the simpler explanation of 'it doesn't fit with our moral beliefs'? Are you saying they should compromise on their morals, just to be politically correct?
Otherwise they should be FORCED to place a warning on the boxes of every new product that says "Warning: Online multiplayer for this product will no longer work after this date. Any and all purchases of this product after the date stamped on the package shall be for single player ONLY!"
On the new boxes? You think in 2004 Bungie should have included on their box art "online multiplayer will be discontinued April 2010"? How do they know? Or, should they plan to shut down their servers earlier, so they can give an accurate date?
I saw, just buy the retailer stickers to place on each box that says: "Online service discontinued" They are the ones who use the shady practices to continue selling obsolete games (like WalMarts who were still selling Tabula Rasa boxes a few months ago).
I think we should merge boy and girl scouts to just have 'scouts'. Canada does that and it works fine, but in the US? Hell no, they might see each others parts in the group shower, and that would just be the end of the world.
You must not have heard about Venture. Not only is it a branch of the BSA that allows boys and girls, they do all the cool stuff. Long backpacking trips, high adventure, stuff like that. My sister did it and had a blast.
Cub scouts really is a crock, as is Girl scouts. My ex was a girl scout, and their merit badges were like sandwich making, how to keep a kitchen clean, knitting, needlepoint, parenting. Not even kidding.
Cub scouts is intended for kids younger than 12. How much do you really expect from them?
While I'd generally agree that girl scouts isn't as comprehensive or stringent as teh BSA, part of that is just because there's less distinction between the equivalents to cubs and scouts. Was your ex in the program very young, and completing the equivalent of cub awards? Most of their awards look similar to BSA merit badges. Seems reasonable to me.
Really? This? Are you going to have a merit badge for going to the movies?
Yes.
But this isn't a merit badge, it's a cub scout award. That's like saying an elementary school graduate has their diploma...
Nobody said homosexuality was their only concern. It's just the easiest to criticize because it isn't politically correct.
In all honesty, kids don't need more encouragement to game. Yes I'm a parent, but I'm young enough to still be a gamer and trust me, I didn't/don't need more encouragement.
Have you read the requirements? It's using video games as a cover to teach useful skills. For example, how to research a purchase, about the ESRB and content ratings, how to schedule leisure time so it doesn't interfere with responsibilities, and how to connect a console to a television. It's teaching them to play responsibly, which is probably more than they had done before, while teaching them a few more life skills.
You're thinking of the cub scout belt loop, which is designed for children younger than 12 (and as young as 7). Of course it's meant to be easy.
There is an actual computers merit badge, and it is much more in-depth.
Do ONE of the following:
a. Visit a business or an industrial plant that uses computers. Observe what tasks the computers accomplish, and be prepared to discuss what you have learned.
b. Using a software package of your choice for computer aided design (CAD), create an engineering-style drawing of a simple object. Include the top, bottom, and at least one side view and the dimensions.
c. Use a general purpose programming language to write a simple program application of your choice, subject to approval by your counselor.
d. Design a Web page for your troop, patrol, school, or place of worship. You need not post the page to a Web site. However, if you decide to do so, you will first need to get your parent's permission and your counselor's approval, as well as permission from the host site.
In other words, Boy Scouts do exactly what the GP suggests, while cub scouts do not.