Grey Areas

Sometimes at summer camp, or a camporee I have taken offense, or witnessed others taking offense with the content of some skits or songs, or some similar public expression.

I have never vetted campfire skits, nor really had any reason to be embarrassed by the content of the ones our Scouts have chosen or made up on their own. They seem to have an innate sense of appropriateness. When I encounter something that I find personally offensive in a campfire program, speech, dining hall program, or even a chapel service I attempt to first allow the anger or distress to subside.

I then remind myself of all the times I may have said or done something that intentionally or unintentionally offended someone. Then it is time to quietly discuss the issue with someone who can help me gauge my reaction and form an appropriate response. Then, if it is really still necessary, I will take it to the person who offended my sensibilities or their superior. It would be nice if I never go off hot-headed and speak out of anger again- but that happens sometimes. No good ever comes of it.

Quiet, reasonable discussion usually goes much farther towards restoring harmony. We aspire as Scouts and Scouter to be respectful; to weigh our words and actions against offending anyone in particular or in general. We are circumspect in crossing the line from humor to ridicule and that we will be considerate of the sensibilities of everyone whom we may influence in word or action.

I believe that we can work towards this without being humorless prudes or inconsiderate oafs. We will never all agree on just where the line should be drawn so black and white policies like the ‘gray area’ are doomed to fail. To my knowledge it has been around for fifteen years or more in NE region National Camp Schools. If there was any lasting merit in it becoming a national policy it would have been adopted long ago.