"In a world where masculinity is too often thought of as toxic and men disappear from the labor force and marriage, scouting was a place boys could be taught as boys, by men.
Every other Monday evening, a chaotic scene erupts at our local Presbyterian church.
Eventually, a man in a tan shirt steps to the front, his hand held high in “the quiet sign.”
A few minutes later, with the boys settled down, the ritual begins.
It starts with the pledge, and is followed by the sacred words: “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.”
Next comes: “A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.”
When they are young, they struggle with the words, their faces scrunched as they try to remember the order.
When they are older, they recite in monotone, the words slipping off their lips in a way that makes you wonder if they are internalizing the importance of the words.
Rituals for Becoming Men..."
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