Scout's Honor: The Secret Files of the Boy Scouts of America

First of all I am appalled by the abuse showed in this documentary. As a parent of a Boy Scout and a group leader and friend of many leaders please let the public realize that not all groups or leaders were involved in criminal abuse of children. This makes me so sad! I believe that every organization has good and bad people involved and in my experience I never saw any abuse. There was much good done and is still being done by this group. While I would never defend the terrible things that did happen please recognize the good done by BSA. Please show the good along with the horrible! There are a lot of good leaders still!

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.

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!

The movie "Scouts Honor: The Secret Files of the Boy Scouts of America" is a documentary that deals with unsettling allegations of sexual abuse within the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). The documentary provides a platform for survivors to share their harrowing experiences. Very similar to the documentary "Procession", which explores sexual abuse within the Catholic Church, the director, in this case, Brian Knappenberger embarks on a journey to interview lawyers, journalists, victims of sexual abuse within the Scouts, and senior leaders of the Scouts. This is done to construct a comprehensive view of the decades-long sexual abuse perpetrated against young Boy Scouts.

The most alarming aspect is that the leadership of The Boy Scouts of America was reportedly aware of all the cases. Yet, they seemingly prioritized financial power and chose to "sweep the issues under the carpet". This raises serious questions about the organization's commitment to the safety and well-being of its members.

At times, the documentary tends to be sensational, with a significant number of interviews with young boys who have suffered molestation. There's a sense of an unfinished task. It gives the impression that the movie may not have fully delved into the issues it aimed to tackle.

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.