I'm not against video games, per se. We do game around here. But a Boy Scout pin? For video games? Really? And not just a pin, but an academics pin (at least they didn't call it a sport). Next thing you know the schools'll be giving out high school credit for improving your hand-eye coordination in front of a video screen. Maybe you can rack up life skills by killing zombies or become a mathematical genius while sinking that putt.Are we already lost in the virtual world? Does anybody know how to do anything real anymore? Anyone wanna build a campfire?
Oh, I hear you... but for the record, this is in Cub Scouts, not Boy Scouts. Not that that makes it any better.
ReplyDeleteAnd I was reasonably impressed with the requirements for the belt loop --
1) learn about ratings and explain why it is important
2) create a schedule of your time that includes chores, homework and videogames
3) learn to play a new video game that your parent approved
The pin includes a couple options for saving up to purchase a game, playing educational games, or compete in a family tournament.
Nevertheless, we have not allowed our Cub to work on this "academic" belt loop just yet... just not sure I want to go there.
The other new belt loops are far better -- nutrition, reading and writing, photography, family travel, pet care... and a couple others.
So I don't think it is TOTALLY over yet :)
Point taken, but I think it opens door that maybe should have been left closed. Although if it encourages parents to teach their kiddos to game responsibly, it could be a positive thing.
ReplyDelete