The Boy Scouts of America was founded in 1910. It's now called Scouting America, and girls are welcome, but they still have merit badges for achievements in learning new skills. In fact, the reason they take girls now is because attaining the rank of Eagle Scout is such a well-known career-booster that banning girls from that opportunity is discrimination. But the skills thought necessary to become a well-rounded adult 114 years ago are not the same as they are today. For example, at one time, you could earn merit badges for butchering, taxidermy, or making weapons. Remember, a hundred years ago children were expected to help support the family long before they were grown. The world has changed, and those badges are no longer encouraged, or even available. But they can't hold a candle to one that has simply been renamed. Read about seven of the most egregious former Boy Scout merit badges at Cracked.
(Image credit: Douglas Muth)
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