Paroles de scouts: Le malaise américain

I haven't even had the opportunity to finish this documentary and I'm already mortified. I am 25 minutes into it and the testimonies are awful. These poor kids had their safety, security and their childhood ripped away from them from disgusting and sick perverts. It's a really good documentary with some unfortunate graphic details that must be heard because we don't understand the gravity of what they gone through if you've never been abused in your life. We're at a time in a country where now we're more aware of these things and people can hide behind their name, title, or employer to protect themselves. Be vigilant for the kids!

This is not a particularly well done documentary, but I think it is a very important story. It's the story of how the Boy Scouts of America hid abuse from parents and the authorities. It's also the story of how an immensely powerful organization is using bankruptcy proceedings to evade justice. It's also the story of how an organization can claim on the one hand that it doesn't have any problems with abuse and on the other blame any problems it does have on homosexuals. Because, the logic goes, if they can keep homosexuals out of the organization, they can keep abusers out. But that does not make any sense whatsoever. Just think about the logic of that argument for one second, and you'll see how flimsy it is. It's an important story, as I have said, but I think the history of it is much better detailed in a podcast serious called behind the bastards. So if you want it better understanding of this topic you would do better to listen to that podcast about the founder of The Scouting movement Lord Baden Powell.

I'll start off by saying how incredibly brave it is for these grown men to talk about what they survived as children. This was hard to watch, these poor boys really suffered at the hands of such evil men. To think these children's parents were so unaware of what was happening really bothered me, common was your young boy not acting out of character after the sexual abuse he was going through? This is not a series but it took me a few days to finish because that's how much their torment affected me. Again I am so proud of these men who finally get to tell their stories and can hopefully start the healing process if it has not begun.

Even though I personally had a positive experience with Boy Scouts sans a few racist leaders these revelations are extremely upsetting. Is there a lawsuit for victims of racism?? The documentary did a good job finding victims to share their horrible experiences and a few good investigating teams it would have been great to feature more opposing viewpoints. Also to feature positive aspects of scouting. Many troops were completely different from each other! I do hope all of the victims are receiving extensive therapy and support! And whatever criminal men are locked up for life! Nasty! Compensation should be hefty!

This is a crucial watch for everyone, and probably a good argument to encourage Netflix to create a free catalogue, where they make their most important and informative documentaries available for public access.

If there is a child in your life you care about and if you want to understand how pervasive abuse is, then please watch Scout's Honour. It is an especially vital watch for parent/carers to boys, so that we can better understand what stops boys and men from reporting their abuse. There was a lot of harrowing testimony - that detailed how boys were targeted, the impact abuse had on their lives and how they were rendered silence by what happened to them.

I could write an essay as to what makes this programme essential, but please just watch it. I cried often, and I am also glad a man like Detective Michael Johnson exists. I am also very proud of the men who shared their experiences with us, they are helping a lot of other children and adults by doing this.