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Discussion: Franchise

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Sir Edward:
I'm quickly using up a lot of the Knightly/Chivalric topics for these discussion posts, it seems. :) After a break for the holidays, how about we have another one?

The concept of "Franchise" is a relatively nebulous one. It encompasses "talking the talk and walking the walk" so to speak. It's presenting yourself in a knightly and respectable manner, practicing what you preach, and carrying an air of strength and dignity about you. This can also include general appearance-- dressing well, having good posture, and good hygiene.

I think we can also extend this to your gear. That a knight should be inspired to have his kit in order and looking good. Historically this was true. Knights were expected to have a disdain for money itself, and yet have a solid and rich looking set of gear if possible. Wealth to have a horse, training, and equipment is often what separated a knight from other classes of warrior, and yet it was somewhat dirty to handle coin itself, with the squire often handling the money for him.

How important do you feel these aspects are? Is it disingenuous to present yourself in this way if you don't adhere to the other chivalric concepts as well? Or does it help to act knightly first so that the other virtues will more easily fall into line? Who do you know that simply looks knightly to you?

Personally, I notice that people react to me differently in armor. I don't just mean the kids (or the drunks), but there's a slight rise in people's overall respect and courtesy. It's subtle, but I think it's real.

Sir Wolf:
awh and here i thought it meant a knight could have a marketing and merchandising center: Space balls the key chain, space balls the lunch box, space balls the flame thrower (the kids love that one)

Sir William:
LOL @ that flame thrower

I think you're onto something, Sir Edward...the question is, how do we get people to view us in our everyday lives as IF we were fully garbed in our respective kits?  I've noted the general looks of respect and a rise in courtesy when I'm in my kit- also noticed it moreso from people with similar interests but maybe not the...balls...to pull it off.  We're sort of an elite group of people who believe strongly enough in the ideal to espouse it, but w/out feeding into the bystander aspect of it.  That is, not worrying about what others think of you as you're doing it for yourself.

And I do feel somewhat different when I'm in my armor...but I think it is all in my head.  Why shouldn't I feel the same w/out the armor?  I think because to me, the armor represents a hardier, less yielding side to my nature; and while I am not hiding behind or in it, it is something I notice in the reactions of people I pass by at a Faire for instance.

Not sure if that makes sense to anyone but me, but there you have it.

Sir Wolf:
yes, how do you set yourself from any other patron say at a faire or real life for that mater? SCA has white belts in which everyone knows that is a knight. or a red belt for a squire etc. being clean? looking at people in the eyes? always with a smile? etc??

Sir Matthew:
I know exactly what you mean about feeling different while in kit. For me, I've always attributed it to the stepping out of myself and into my personae, but I think that the reality is that I feel more free in kit and while at Faire. I'm not constrained by the modern standards of political correctness to which we chain ourselves and I'm able to express my opinion more openly. That's maybe not quite the way to say what I feel but the closest I can put it into words. I have a habit of being a little too free with my opinion and little too blunt with it that sometimes offends or just simply puts people off. I think while in kit that aspect of my personality fits a little more with what people expect.

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