Ep 1. The Boy Scouts

The Boy Scouts is the first episode of the fourth season of Penn and Teller Bullshit, a documentary television series that seeks to debunk and expose various myths, misconceptions, and frauds in modern society. As its title suggests, this episode focuses on the Boy Scouts of America, a popular and influential youth organization that promotes outdoor activities, leadership skills, and moral values.

Penn and Teller begin the episode by introducing the Boy Scouts as a beloved and respected institution that has been around for more than a century. They acknowledge the positive aspects of the Boy Scouts, such as the camaraderie, the camping, and the community service, but they also hint at some controversial issues that may be lurking in the background. They ask a few scouts and scoutmasters about what they think the Boy Scouts stand for, and they get answers such as "honor, loyalty, and bravery," "preparing young men to be leaders," and "doing good for others."

With that warm and fuzzy introduction out of the way, Penn and Teller go straight to the heart of the matter: the Boy Scouts' policy on homosexuality. They reveal that the Boy Scouts had a long-standing ban on openly gay members and leaders, and that this policy was controversial and divisive. They interview a few former scouts and parents who are disappointed with the Boy Scouts' stance on homosexuality, and they contrast them with some current scouts and parents who defend the policy as necessary to maintain the Boy Scouts' traditional values. Penn and Teller also expose the fact that the Boy Scouts receive millions of dollars in public funding and tax exemptions, which begs the question of whether they should be allowed to discriminate based on sexual orientation.

The next part of the episode deals with the Boy Scouts' safety record and its policies on abuse and harassment. Penn and Teller interview some former scouts and parents who allege that the Boy Scouts have covered up and mishandled cases of sexual abuse and other misconduct. They also point out that the Boy Scouts have a strict policy of not allowing adult leaders to be alone with individual scouts, which may be a wise precaution but also creates an atmosphere of suspicion and fear. Penn and Teller also reveal that the Boy Scouts have a controversial policy of expelling members who do not adhere to their religious oath, which raises the specter of religious intolerance and discrimination.

The final part of the episode deals with the Boy Scouts' environmental record and its policies on conservation and sustainability. Penn and Teller interview some environmentalists and activists who are critical of the Boy Scouts' use of public lands and resources, and who accuse them of damaging ecosystems and endangering wildlife. They also reveal that the Boy Scouts have a policy of not allowing girls to join their organization, which has sparked a debate on gender equality and inclusion. Penn and Teller also highlight the fact that the Boy Scouts have a rather bizarre and arbitrary set of merit badges, some of which include skills like basketry, insect study, and fingerprinting.

Overall, The Boy Scouts is a thought-provoking and entertaining episode that challenges some of the assumptions and stereotypes people may have about the Boy Scouts. It presents a balanced and nuanced perspective on the organization's strengths and weaknesses, and it raises important questions about its policies and practices. Whether you are a current or former Boy Scout, a parent, a taxpayer, or just a concerned citizen, you will find something of interest and value in this episode. So tune in, and join Penn and Teller in their quest for truth and Bullshit.