With all the furor over gays in the Boy Scouts, it’s worth remembering we weren’t the only group the organization was happy to discriminate against.
When it was founded in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America sidestepped the issue of segregation by allowing local councils to decide—much as they’ve indicated they won’t force them to accept gay scouts.
All-black troops popped up shortly after the BSA was founded, but as NPR reminds us, many white chapters opted to ban African-American scouts. (Asian communities were similarly forced to start their own packs.)
Other councils admitted black youth, but prohibited them from wearing the scout uniform. “Boy Scout officials in Richmond, Virginia, once even threatened to stage a public burning of Scout uniforms if black boys were permitted to wear them,” writes reporter Gene Demby.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
The Boy Scouts of America finally did become racially integrated—in 1974. Keep that in mind as loudmouths defend the Scouts right to remain “morally straight.”
Dakotahgeo
Quite frankly, I’ve lost all respect for the BSA, et al. They’ve ruined it themselves. What on earth were they thinking, ostracizing multiethnic children from being Scouts? Ugh!! Double Ughhh!!!
Spike
Wow, the BSA have a history of being discriminatory . . . . who knew. Just as Jesus would have done I’m sure . . . .
Charli Girl
197freaking4!!!! OMG! Well I suppose they don’t want gays in BS bc the heterosexuals will be exposed and have no one to blame for their discretionary behavior.All gays will protect theses children from the creeps in the world!
Ruhlmann
Allowing them in and not allowing them to wear the uniform would have been worse than just barring them outright. I was a boy scout for two years but quit when I realised my best friends who were First Nations Ojibwa brothers knew more about lighting a fire, building a shelter and catching a fish than anyone I knew. The beaded moccasins their grandmother made me were more important to me than the scout uniform because they gave me more of a sense of inclusion into their family and tribe. That’s what Scouts or Guides should do in the end. They should foster a sense of community and contribution to a greater end. What they have done in the past and are doing now seems to be everything but that.
Avenger
Another ploy to tie the gay struggle to the black struggle to manipulate people into supporting the agenda.
rextrek
@Avenger: awe poor you – dont like EQUALITY do ya? awe……educate yourself about histroy asshole….any WHY are you on a gay site…..”interested are you”???
Out Military
FYI – Former Eagle Scout starts http://OutScouts.com – Social Network to support Gay Scouts and Leaders.