As a movement we are very prone to stereotyping in people’s minds. Some people still believe that Scouts dress in the traditional Baden Powell style (some do, but most don’t), we are lying in wait to help old ladies cross the road (again nothing wrong there, see the BSA ad!) and we are always saying ‘DYB, DYB, DYB, DOB, DOB, DOB’ (Do Your Best and Do Our Best – not that we’ve used these abbreviations for over 40 years!).
The Scout Association is very good at promoting Scouting as a modern and relevant movement for the young people of today, and they do a very good job of it. Bear Grylls becoming the new Chief Scout is a fine example.
But then we have to put up with adverts like this –
Phones4U is a mobile phone retailer who originate in North Staffordshire, where I live. They don’t have the best of reputations round here for their business practices and sales techniques. Indeed, a friend of mine worked for them for a while when he was at university told me that his colleagues kept getting their work mobile phones cut off as the bills weren’t paid! Not too clever.
Obviously a lot of Scout Leaders have been annoyed by this (me included), despite the fact the company have been very careful to use an old style uniform and no current badges. The Union Flag badge is current, but I doubt we could claim copyright on that (Her Majesty may be upset if we did!), but the District badge does look like it could be a current one – can’t really tell.
It would appear a Cease and Desist order has been sent to Phones4U, the ad has been withdrawn and they have issued an apology of sorts!
What is it with these people and the image of Scouting? It was only just over a month ago I saw the political cartoon using the image of Scouting in an appalling manner.
Perhaps we should think of the ‘creative types’ as always knocking back their champers in the trendy London wine bars? Not really, as I know some people in advertising are also Scouts and are just as appalled! The last link goes to the Escouts discussion on the matter and people are not happy. There is also a Facebook page with over 1800 members who are not happy with this ad!
However, if nothing else, Phones4U have shot themselves in the foot and a large proportion of Scout Leaders wouldn’t touch them with a barge pole now and it gives the SA another chance to publicise the positive.
A final thought. Here is a poster made by Chris of the Be Prepared blog (thanks Chris) in response to the Phones4U ad. I think his is better!
