Boy Scouts have been using Indigenous imagery on badges, uniforms, and campsites for a century. And despite a recent survey to members, 'there are no plans to eliminate Native American traditions,' a spokesperson says. grahambrewer reports:
Philip Deloria, a Harvard historian and author and member of the Dakota Nation, said the imagery and themes still used by the Boy Scouts build upon exaggerated and offensive depictions of Native life. They’re fantasies that lead to distorted perceptions of Indigenous people, said Deloria, who was nominated to the Order of the Arrow when he was in middle school.
“It’s assuming that members of the Scouts and the Order of the Arrow have perhaps come to some kind of new sort of cultural consciousness around these kinds of issues, which is probably a debatable proposition,” he said. “In instances where BSA’s standards for accuracy and respect have not been met, the organization takes action to educate our youth and adults, and where necessary modify our programming,” the organization said in its statement.
A spokesman declined to specify who exactly it consulted with or provide additional details, saying any changes would be unveiled later this year. On the night of his induction about 20 years ago, he said a white troop leader wearing a feather headdress led him and the other boys silently through the woods of what was then the Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Around a bonfire, scout leaders chanted while wearing masks and animal pelts, Rice said. Then they told the boys to safeguard the secrecy of the ceremony and sent them off to spend a night silently in the woods.
Rice said he struggled to understand how and why using those songs could be viewed as harmful. Just like he had been taught in the Boy Scouts, Rice said, he had believed he was honoring the Ojibwe.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Long accused of Indigenous appropriation, Boy Scouts ask if it’s time to changeBoy Scouts have been using Indigenous imagery on badges, uniforms, and campsites for a century. And despite a recent survey to members, 'there are no plans to eliminate Native American traditions,' a spokesperson says. grahambrewer reports:
Read more »
Boy Scouts exits Chapter 11 bankruptcy after $2.46B abuse settlementThe three-year bankruptcy case resulted in the largest sexual abuse settlement fund in US history.
Read more »
US Boy Scouts exits Chapter 11 bankruptcy after abuse settlementThe Boys Scouts of America said on Wednesday it had emerged from bankruptcy after battling back appeals over its $2.46 billion settlement of decades of sexual abuse claims.
Read more »
Boy Scouts bankruptcy plan in effect; appeals likely go onThe Boys Scouts of America’s $2.4 billion bankruptcy reorganization plan is formally in effect
Read more »
Boy Scouts bankruptcy plan in effect; appeals likely go onThe Boys Scouts of America’s $2.4 billion bankruptcy reorganization plan is formally in effect.
Read more »
Thin Mints, Raspberry Rallies, and the Girl Scouts’ Recipe for SuccessGirl Scout Cookies are sold for only a few months each year, yet they generate $800 million in revenue annually, according to Girl Scouts USA. WSJ takes a look
Read more »