The 2015 Boy Scouts of America National Shooting Sports Manual sparked a bit of a stir after it designated “water gun fights” as off-limits for members. According to the rules, water guns and rubber bands can only be utilized against non-human targets. This is not a new regulation, but it has suddenly garnered significant attention and mockery.
A blog entry on Scouting Magazine might have contributed to this renewed focus. An adult leader from the Boy Scouts shared an interesting perspective: “A Scout is kind. What part of pointing a firearm, even if it’s simulated, at someone is kind?” The Guide to Safe Scouting makes it clear that “pointing any type of firearm or simulated firearm at any individual is unauthorized.” However, Scouts can still engage in activities like paintball or laser tag, as long as they target non-living objects.
Discussions about guns, even toy versions, tend to ignite passionate debates. Opinions vary widely: some support the rule, others find it ludicrous, and some worry that future military forces will suffer because boys can no longer aim toy guns at each other.
On a recent episode of Outnumbered, Fox News host Lisa Johnson questioned the implications of the ban, asking, “If we keep emasculating our boys and not letting them be boys, how are we going to raise the next generation of elite Navy Seals?” She labeled this trend as “the feminization of boys.” Her co-panelist chimed in, suggesting, “What we’re witnessing is the wussification of America.” Johnson suggested that limiting toy gun fights might lead to more “basement boys” – men who spend all day gaming in their mother’s basements.
In response, co-host Sarah Thompson lamented, “There are too many thumb-sucking, pajama-wearing boys wandering around.” It does make you wonder if anyone with a voice can host on Fox News!
It’s not shocking that an organization emphasizing values like trustworthiness, loyalty, and kindness would enforce a rule like this. No one is dictating parenting styles, and Scouts can still engage in water gun battles at home. The notion from the Fox hosts that banning kid-targeting water gun games could jeopardize our future military might or undermine boys’ masculinity is simply baffling.
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In summary, the recent uproar over the Boy Scouts’ water gun ban has reignited debates about masculinity and childhood play. While some see it as a necessary rule for promoting kindness, others view it as an unnecessary restriction that could have implications for boys’ development.