3.08.2010

Standing up


Mostly, I just am a mom who tries to instill good values in her kids.  I don't get up on a soap box. I don't point out where others are missing the big picture. But more and more, I see that people are letting their morals go.  Once in a while, I have to say something. 

Tonight, I took my son to Cub Scouts.  Being a Tiger Scout means that he is in the first grade at school.  With the Pinewood Derby coming up this weekend, the men were talking cars. And typically, there are 2 moms there and 10 dads.   Then the conversation turns and one man, who happens to be in charge of Pinewood, decided to tell us about a man, "Bob" in a different pack.  Reportedly, "Bob" had a "barbie fetish" and every year, he'd stick a barbie doll on the car.  Quite elaborate.  And this man was chortling through the entire conversation.  And well...the first year, Barbie was in a bathtub...use your imagination.  But the second year, she was on a pole.  So I calmly piped up, "And no one objected to this car?  No parent there had a problem with it?"  Oh no, that car was for the adults.  "Did it race on the track that day at the Cub Scout Pinewood Derby?"  Oh yes sure...it was great. The pole was too tall so they had to cut it down.  "Well, that is totally unappropriate, " I replied.  "It is a Scout Event.  If they wanted to have an adult race at home, fine. But the boys were all there to see it."  He just went on and on about this other man's wife...didn't look like Barbie at all. She was completely the opposite, etc.  Right where any scout could have heard him.   So, then he mutters something unintelligible about Playboy...teeheehee.   So I asked "What? I didn't hear you."  He says well, the boys all learn about playboy at scout camp.  "I am sure that boys learn about Playboy before Boy Scout Camp.  It is still unappropriate."  I didn't talk very loud.  But very soon, everyone in the room had moved  in to hear this conversation.  I held my ground and my eye contact and my calmness.   (B/c again, I'm a mom and I don't talk to big groups of men.)  And, yes, the others started shifting a little on their feet or in their seats.  Some throats were cleared. 

They got the point.

Again, I'm just a mom.  But a mom who is there to make sure my boys grow up morally strong.  So, I sure hope that if your husband is a Cub Scout or Boy Scout leader, this follow these guidelines:

Scout Oath (or Promise)
On my honor I will do my best

To do my duty to God and my country

and to obey the Scout Law;

To help other people at all times;

To keep myself physically strong,

mentally awake, and morally straight.





Scout Law

A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly,

courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty,

brave, clean, and reverent.


I'm putting my soapbox away now. .  But I will not hesitate to bring it back out if I need to do so.

11 comments:

Michelle VP said...

Wow, how sad that this conversation even happened at a scout event. Good for you for speaking up and standing your ground.

Unknown said...

Way to go Dawn! Stand strong...soap box or not!

Anonymous said...

I am glad you spoke up! I am sure their conversation would have changed if it was their daughters being compared to barbie. Too bad these Dads are teaching this to their young boys:(

Starla said...

I only hope that I would have the strength to do the same if I was in that same position!! good for you!

Kim P said...

You "look great" on a soap box!!

I cannot believe this conversation even occurred, and that the "adult car" was accepted in the past! Inappropriate doesn't begin to describe that!

I would point out to these "men" that if the Scouts are learning about/looking at Playboy at scout camp, they might lose a sponsor or two. I certainly would not buy popcorn from a pack that took such a flippant attitude. They better hope the word doesn't get out!

Lisa Kind said...

You go girl! I'm a teacher and I love moms like you! Stay on your soap box for as long as you want! :-)

Kim said...

Good for you! I can't believe who ever was in charge allowed this to go on for so long.

Susan said...

i totally agree with Anonymous. Remember it the next time such a situation arises..and it will. You do the comparison between the naked Barbie doll and the man's daughter, or his mom, or his sister. Place it where it would hurt the most but I wonder...would this man even hurt in any of those places? Does he even care about women? My guess is NO.

Make your soap box portable. Never put it away. It's part of the whole armor

JP said...

You go girl!

Jill

Connie Lambropoulos said...

I am a BSA District Commissioner and am appalled that this happened at a scouting event. I shared this with my local District Executive and he would like to have this reported to your council so that it could be addressed with those involved to prevent future incidents. Please contact me.
Connie

KOstvig said...

Way to go MOM!...sorry I didnt see this post sooner...I would have been hear to support you earlier.

The world needs many more Morally straight Men,...and Boys..Thank you for Getting up on the Box!!