If you thought that our country couldn't get anymore high off of fighting terrorism...think again! The New York Times reported Wednesday on a unique coeducational training program called The Explorers in affiliation with the Boy Scouts of America. This program is designed to equip teens with skills in combating terrorism, strengthening border control, and halting "illegal immigration." At first glance, this may seem like nothing more than a modernized military experience for the young scouts; however the description of training activities can paint a pretty disturbing picture of the ways in which our youth are being advised to view our country's most sensitive political issues. The Explorers offer examples of scouts "chasing down illegal border crossers", practicing drug smuggling raids on a simulated marijuana field, to "rescuing hostages from a bus taken over by terrorists" dressed in "traditional Arab dress" all while toting airsoft, plastic pellet shooting guns.
Though I'm not against the notion of educating young people on diplomatic, peace and conflict resoultion strategies to confront issues of immigration, drug and human trafficking, and national/global security; I'm especially disguisted with the reinforcement of racist, hyper-masculine, violent indoctrination imposed on young women and men who may ultimately continue to uphold archiac, destructive political ideals.
In the words of Whitney Houston, "I believe the children are our future. Teach 'em well and let them lead the way." Well, that depends on who's doing the teaching.
Peace.
In the words of Whitney Houston, "I believe the children are our future. Teach 'em well and let them lead the way." Well, that depends on who's doing the teaching.
Peace.
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