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Topic: Be loyal, kind and don't steal movies
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Snuckles
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 2764
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posted 20 October 2006 06:14 PM
quote:
THE ASSOCIATED PRESSLOS ANGELES -- A Boy Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, etc., etc. He is also respectful of copyrights. Boy Scouts in the Los Angeles area will now be able to earn a merit patch for learning about the evils of downloading pirated movies and music. The patch shows a film reel, a music CD and the international copyright symbol, a "C" enclosed in a circle. The movie industry has developed the curriculum.
Read it here.
From: Hell | Registered: Jun 2002
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Michelle
Moderator
Babbler # 560
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posted 20 October 2006 08:46 PM
Well, that's not a big surprise. The whole Scouts movement is all about making kids conform to the religious, cultural, and economic status quo. Turn the kiddies into little do-gooder automatons who do what they're told without ever questioning authority. So, this isn't all that surprising, and certainly no more controversial to me than some of the other stuff they instill in kids. P.S. Check this out: quote:
The program is being introduced to the 52,000 Scouts in the Los Angeles area, with plans to offer it to other California councils early next year. The program will reach Scouts ages 6 to 21.
A 21 year-old Boy Scout!? Are they kidding? There are 21 year-old Boy Scouts? Holy Jebus. [ 20 October 2006: Message edited by: Michelle ]
From: I've got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell. | Registered: May 2001
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Martha (but not Stewart)
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 12335
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posted 21 October 2006 07:51 AM
First, I will confess that I regularly download movies and TV shows, and that I have downloaded over 900 music albums.... I do feel a bit guilty about this, since (1) I am violating copyright laws, and (2) copyright laws are reasonable. (I might note that I never feel guilty about violating unreasonable laws.)That said, it seems perfectly OK for the Scouts or school systems or whoever to educate children (and adults for that matter) concerning the laws of the land, and, when those laws themselves are reasonable, to encourage children (and adults for that matter) to obey those laws. (I repeat: when the laws are reasonable.) I might also add two things: (1) It is my understanding that in the US but not in Canada, copyright violation is criminal. (2) In Canada, there is an explicit exception made in the Copyright Act for music -- see Section 80 in particular. (Thread drift warning: we could get into a big debate about how to interpret that section, etc.)
From: Toronto | Registered: Mar 2006
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Martha (but not Stewart)
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 12335
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posted 21 October 2006 10:11 PM
quote:
Originally posted by -=+=-:
This scout troupe is in Los Angeles. The program just seems to be reflecting community "mores" i.e. the largest employer in the region -- Hollywood.If it was New York, or Toronto, that might be more alarming.
The program is reflecting not only community mores, but also U.S. federal law. It is not clear why it would be "alarming" for the scouts or any other organization to encourage awareness of the laws of the country it is operating in --especially when those laws are reasonable (at least prima facie), and extremely easy and tempting to break. Maybe we should start a new thread with the following question: are copyright laws appropriate or inappropriate? Should Canada simply repeal the copyright law?
From: Toronto | Registered: Mar 2006
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arborman
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 4372
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posted 22 October 2006 10:52 AM
Recording a movie on TV is illegal too, but how many people on here have done that? I'd be astonished if there was one Canadian over the age of 12 that hasn't recorded a movie or tv show at some point.The problem with the Boy Scout thing is that the MPAA is vigorously trying to export punitive copyright legislation. They are making a profit in lawsuits against small fry for music downloads etc, and they are actively working to install punitive software and hardware that doesn't work as a way of keeping their obsolete business model alive. Remember Sony's DRM disaster, that caused so much trouble awhile ago? A CD is a fragile item. I buy a CD to listen to the music on it. If the 5 cent CD gets scratched, am I legally obligated to pay another $20 for the music I've already bought?
From: I'm a solipsist - isn't everyone? | Registered: Aug 2003
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Dana Larsen
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 10033
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posted 23 October 2006 09:37 PM
Teaching Scouts about the law is one thing, but this badge is a bad idea.I was in scouting for many years, from Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Venturers. I learned many skills and had experiences I wouldn't have had otherwise. As an adult, I do find the scouting movement very disappointing in their unwillingness to accept gay scoutmasters. But as a kid it was a good experience for me. But the badges are to be earned as acknowledgement of a skill learned. Knowing that "stealing" copywritten movies is against the law is not the same as knowing how to tie a dozen knots, or how to build a shelter in the woods. I think this badge produced by the Copyright Association is for the US Scouts, which is different than scouting in most other nations.
From: Vancouver | Registered: Jul 2005
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