In the given quote, Robert Baden-Powell discusses the significant allure that cinema holds for young boys. He acknowledges the widespread concern among adults about this fascination and suggests that while there are ongoing efforts to mitigate its influence, it might be challenging to entirely prevent or control such a powerful attraction.
Delving deeper into the quote's meaning, Baden-Powell highlights the inherent difficulty in trying to manage youth's strong affinity for cinema. He implies that while the impact of cinema on young minds is recognized as potentially problematic, finding effective solutions to curtail its influence without infringing upon personal freedoms or stifling natural curiosity could be nearly impossible. This statement also reflects broader societal challenges when it comes to balancing entertainment and educational responsibilities for children.
Robert Baden-Powell was a British army officer who founded the Scout Movement in 1907, which later evolved into the global Scouting organization known today. His insights on youth development often touched upon various aspects of contemporary life that influenced young people, including technology and popular culture. The quote provided is an example of his broader observations about children's interests during a time when cinema was becoming increasingly prominent in society.