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The Boy Scout's Gordian Knot

[ Posted Thursday, May 23rd, 2013 – 17:27 UTC ]

Boy Scouts, traditionally, have been associated with the tying of knots. Knot-tying has always been a part of scouting, and even today just about any Boy Scout would be able to tell you the difference between a square knot and a granny knot. But today, the Boy Scouts seem to be attempting to unravel a Gordian knot, instead.

The Scouts are in a bind, so to speak, because they are caught between traditionalists and the newly-evolved mainstream tolerance for homosexuality. Scouting has always held an element of religion (atheists are still excluded), and individual troops are often supported by churches and other religious organizations. But the Boy Scouts are also financially supported by donations from large charities and corporate sponsors. Which makes their problem even knottier, since corporations and nationwide charities have modernized a lot faster than some churches. And it has been reported that the Boy Scouts are feeling the pinch as sponsor after sponsor refuses to donate until the Scouts end discrimination against gays.

Today, the Boy Scouts historically tried what can only be called a Solomonic decision, by voting to allow gay youngsters as Boy Scouts, but then to exclude them from the organization's leadership when they become adults. But a knot half-unraveled does not lead to freedom.

Rather than trying a "cut the baby in half" strategy (OK, I apologize for my horrendous mixture of mythologies, here), the Boy Scouts are sooner or later going to have to adopt the only real solution. You know -- the one Alexander the Great came up with for the first Gordian Knot. Slash the whole thing to bits. Cut the ropes of the knot.

Because equality should not end when you turn eighteen years old, or when you attain Eagle Scout rank. If youth discrimination isn't acceptable, how can the case be made for adult discrimination? Equality is not something where halfway solutions have ever worked, historically. The Boy Scouts' baby step forward today should be applauded -- and perhaps it will, in the end, convince the Boy Scouts that the world isn't going to end if gays can enjoy scouting equally. But sooner or later, this knot is going to need cutting once and for all. Equal is equal.

-- Chris Weigant

 

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8 Comments on “The Boy Scout's Gordian Knot”

  1. [1] 
    db wrote:

    Y'know CW,

    That whole, "Slash the whole thing to bits." really doesn't work when you're talking about Solomon & the baby.

    I'm inclined to think the BSA have made the best possible choice at this time. The adult discrimination comes from the leadership position adults hold & the potential blow back from less understanding parents.

  2. [2] 
    Michale wrote:

    The adult discrimination comes from the leadership position adults hold & the potential blow back from less understanding parents.

    And, in America parents (and everyone else) have the RIGHT to be "less understanding"...

    No???

    Michale

  3. [3] 
    db wrote:

    Michale,

    "And, in America parents (and everyone else) have the RIGHT to be "less understanding"..."

    No, but only a fool ignores reality. There is still a deal of discrimination against gay folks & the BSA (rightly) don't want to deal with the problems openly gay Scout Leaders wold bring.

  4. [4] 
    Michale wrote:

    db,

    There is still a deal of discrimination against gay folks & the BSA (rightly) don't want to deal with the problems openly gay Scout Leaders wold bring.

    Don't me wrong. I agree with you.. We do have to acknowledge the reality of the here and now..

    My only point is that "tolerance" is a two-way street...

    Or at least, it SHOULD be...

    Michale

  5. [5] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    My only point is that "tolerance" is a two-way street...

    not necessarily. just because homophobes need to become more tolerant of gays, does not mean gays need to become more tolerant of homophobes. black people don't need to become more tolerant of racists. equal rights does not mean everyone is equally right.

  6. [6] 
    Michale wrote:

    just because homophobes need to become more tolerant of gays, does not mean gays need to become more tolerant of homophobes. black people don't need to become more tolerant of racists. equal rights does not mean everyone is equally right.

    If a person has a moral issue with the gay lifestyle, that person has the right to feel that way..

    I think what you are trying to say is that they don't have a right to actively discriminate based on that moral objection.

    In that, you would be correct.

    However, as Americans they have EVERY RIGHT to feel as they do..

    Which is my biggest beef with the gay activists.

    They are trying to legislate acceptance..

    And that is as un-American as the IRS targeting groups based on their political ideology..

    Michale

  7. [7] 
    Michale wrote:

    equal rights does not mean everyone is equally right.

    That's a helluva profound statement, Joshua.. :D

    Did you make that up?? :D

    Michale

  8. [8] 
    Michale wrote:

    just because homophobes need to become more tolerant of gays, does not mean gays need to become more tolerant of homophobes.

    I submit to you that THAT is *exactly* what it means...

    How can one demand tolerance from others if he/she is not willing to be tolerant themselves??

    It's hypocritis extremeus...

    As I am fond of saying..

    If one wants respect then one must learn to be respectful.

    If one wants tolerance than one must learn to be tolerant..

    Michale

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