Tonight Bubba and I splurged on some Ci-Ci's Pizza in Pekkkin. (That's misspelled on purpose...I loathe Pekin...that for another post) Anyway, just so all of you know, I got my bills paid. My phone should remain on, my cable is paid. SO...all that's left to worry about is the car insurance/payment/and tags. Narrowly escaped...whew.BUT...
That's not what this post is about.
Like I said, we splurged on pizza buffet with my leftover $15. and we had an "interesting" conversation.
Bubba asked me if he could be in boy scouts.
UH OH.
I have very strong feelings about this, and quite frankly I am torn.
On one hand, Bubba may actually learn some discipline in the scouts, and some very practical skills he can use later in life. They say it's "character building" but, I'm not so sure of the kind of "character" it really builds in actuality.
You see, the scouts are openly discriminatory against homosexuals. They make no bones about their beliefs being a "christian" organization.
Hmmmm....
Since when did bigotry and hatred become "christian" standards?
Oh wait...isn't that the standard of christianity? (sorry, I had to add some "meow" mix...couldn't resist)
Anyway, I have a MAJOR problem with this line of thinking.
I would like my child to understand the basic philosophy of leadership, integrity, and honor...but is it truly honorable to say that it's ok to keep someone out because of their sexual orientation?
I could go on a major rant here, but I will only state the following obvious points:
1. All gay men are not necessarily pedophiles.
2. Gay men are still inherently men, and are able to lead young men the same as a straight man can.
3. Being around a homosexual does not make you a homosexual.
This goes back to the nature vs. nurture debate that has long since been talked about around the family bible for years and years.
I have no problem with telling you how I believe it to be:
A person is BORN homosexual...not made that way...period.
The issue is not whether homosexuality is right or wrong--whether it's moral or immoral--it has to do with this issue of alleged discrimination, and who, in fact, has the high moral ground.
My point is this:
This is not about discrimination.
That is not what this is really about.
It's about moral clarity.
So...getting to my real point.
Do I stand my ground and tell Bubba "absolutely not" and the reasons why?
OR
Do I tell him about the reasons first (if he is even able to truly understand at 7 years old) and then let him make the decision for himself, hoping he will do the right thing?
OR
Do I just let him do it and keep my beliefs to myself?
Option three is really not in me, quite frankly...I am ALOT of things, but I am NO hypocrite.
I even talked to my brother about it since his 8 year old son is heavily active in cub scouts, and he gave the garden variety wealthy right wing reply:
"Why would you want your son to be lead by a gay guy? Aren't you afraid that he'll "do something" to him?"
I swear, I am not making this up...
And I was truly surprised to find that most of the people I asked had the same answer.
WTF????
Are we really that ignorant?
As a parent, I really want to do right by my son and allow him to be involved in all the positive activities that this world has to offer. I do not want to limit his possibilities. Sheltering a child too much can ultimately damage them. I know this.
I know that letting him learn to make his own decisions in life (to a point, of course) even at this early age is imperative. Learning to trust him and his decisions is an integral part of life experience and growing up.
But...
I feel like just allowing him to do it without completely understanding the bigger picture of this organization is becoming a traitor to my beliefs, and hopefully as he grows...his beliefs.
I'm just not sure what to do here...
Ahh...parenting inexperience...gotta love it.
Last thought-
"Morality is simply the attitude we adopt towards people whom we personally dislike..."
~Oscar Wilde
On my honor-
Jaded
Comments
It ended up just fine, they only asked once or twice. Now that they are older, we did tell them why we wouldn't support the BSA and they completely agree.
Don't be afraid to say no. He won't be scarred for life.
We also don't sell the popcorn. The majority of the money goes to BSA instead of the group so we sell candy bars and get to use all the profit instead of pennies on the dollar.
Ultimately you will have to make the decision. If you are in the right group it can be a wonderful thing.
HOPE YOU ALL HAD A GREAT MOTHERS DAY!
But the issue of whether I want to support an organization with such discriminatory crap laced into its message...well...that's where I'm at a loss.
Perhaps I should speak to the local den leader and see what he has to say on the topic.
Thanks Michael...
Glad to see you reading!
I added you to my blogroll.
:o)
And, while I respect EBB and others when they say it depends on the local group - I am sure that is true. However, I could not reconcile with myself or my children why it is OK to support a local group that is part of the larger group who we disagree with.
If you are looking for an activity to calm him down and channel his energy - I would suggest martial arts instead.