http://newsfeed.time.com/2012/10/06/was-a-boy-scout-denied-an-award-because-hes-gay/
Progressing upwards through the different levels of Boyscouts is an honor in the United States of America. I believe that anyone who works and strives hard enough, shows enough dedication, and fulfills the necessary requirements to become the highest rank of Boyscout (called the Eagle scout) rightfully deserves to earn that honor. Ryan Andreson was denied his Eagle scout badge not because he didn't meet the requirements, but because of his sexual orientation. I was outraged by this incident. And especially given the conditions--the fact that the boyscouts encouraged Andreson to join after he dropped out due to being bullied about his homosexuality, then denied him his Eaglescout because of his homosexuality--is hypocritical and contradicts what boyscouts are all about. Linking this event with another, the "don't ask don't tell" policy relates a lot to this issue at hand. (This article explains about the policy: http://www.hrc.org/laws-and-legislation/federal-laws/dont-ask-dont-tell-repeal-act-of-2010?gclid=CPWanP7_7LICFVGd4Aodf0gA0Q). In both cases, the controversy was the validation of discrimination towards homosexuals. To contrast the two events, the don't ask don't tell policy was recently repealed by Obama, while the boyscout incident is still up in the air.
Why do you think gay discrimination is prevalent when it comes to positions of honor (boy scouts/military)? What do you make of this incident and do you think we should pass a law abolishing discrimination among boyscouts clubs alike?
Progressing upwards through the different levels of Boyscouts is an honor in the United States of America. I believe that anyone who works and strives hard enough, shows enough dedication, and fulfills the necessary requirements to become the highest rank of Boyscout (called the Eagle scout) rightfully deserves to earn that honor. Ryan Andreson was denied his Eagle scout badge not because he didn't meet the requirements, but because of his sexual orientation. I was outraged by this incident. And especially given the conditions--the fact that the boyscouts encouraged Andreson to join after he dropped out due to being bullied about his homosexuality, then denied him his Eaglescout because of his homosexuality--is hypocritical and contradicts what boyscouts are all about. Linking this event with another, the "don't ask don't tell" policy relates a lot to this issue at hand. (This article explains about the policy: http://www.hrc.org/laws-and-legislation/federal-laws/dont-ask-dont-tell-repeal-act-of-2010?gclid=CPWanP7_7LICFVGd4Aodf0gA0Q). In both cases, the controversy was the validation of discrimination towards homosexuals. To contrast the two events, the don't ask don't tell policy was recently repealed by Obama, while the boyscout incident is still up in the air.
Why do you think gay discrimination is prevalent when it comes to positions of honor (boy scouts/military)? What do you make of this incident and do you think we should pass a law abolishing discrimination among boyscouts clubs alike?
Em, I totally agree with your sentiments regarding this Boy Scout not receiving his Eagle Scout Award. For me, judgment based on one’s sexuality is the same as judgment based on things like race, religion or cultural beliefs. In an ideal world, there would be no preconceived notions regarding others. But, as we can see from this article, unfortunately, this is not the case. As someone who finds the idea of not honoring this Boy Scout because of his sexuality despicable, I think there should be more action against this type of discrimination. What gender(s) someone is attracted to/ who someone loves should never be a determining factor into how that person is viewed by others.
ReplyDeleteEmma Houston, G Block World History
I completely agree with what Emily and Emma have to say. It is wrong for one to be denied of the Eagle Scout Award only based on their sexual orientation. This is pure case of injustice which shouldn't be taking place under our system of law. The fact that the troop leader was aware of Andreson's situation beforehand gives him no reason to stop Andreson from getting the award. Boy Scout is all about honoring hard work and therefore the fact that someone is being denied of reaching the top due to their sexual orientation clearly goes against the purpose of Boy Scout since the amount of hard work isn't being factored in when deciding whether one receives the award or not. There are several reasons why the troop leader didn't want to give the award to Andreson, one apparent reason is the fear that others may think he is supporting gays only or to prevent opposition from families against homosexuality which are an evident or significant part of Boy Scout. Regardless, it is wrong for someone to be denied an award when they clearly deserve due to their hard work. Considering our president, Obama has repealed the "don't ask, don't tell" policy shows that it is important to put an end to gay discrimination in small scale organizations. Leaders of such small organizations often feel that they can get by with allowing discrimination against homosexuals. This should never be the case, no one should be stopped from reaching the top if they clearly deserve it. I feel that Andreson must receive justice and therefore get the Eagle Scout Award putting an end to gay discrimination in that particular Boy Scout organization. If gay discrimination ends in one Boy Scout organization, there is a great chance that other organizations will follow and soon start the chain of ending the injustice against homosexuals.
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