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SCA Culture Question
B. Patricius:
--- Quote from: Sir Edward on 2013-05-24, 23:55:20 ---That really is a shame. If I'm understanding correctly, they pushed you away for being too interested in authenticity? That's a big shame, if you weren't pushy to everyone else. I can understand in the case of a true "period nazi", but just setting a high standard for yourself is a different matter entirely.
--- End quote ---
That's exactly how it went down Sir Edward. Basically, long story short of it, we were all at a SCAdian's house having a sewing party. The kids were watching "Brave," and I couldn't help but make a few comments about the blue paint, great kilts, and every other sort of ethnocentrism shown therein. I, being Irish-Scot/Gaelic, found it a bit offensive. Also, as an anthropologist I couldn't help but stir the pot as it were, and said "isn't it funny that if everyone dresses up in full Sioux war gear and calls themselves Apache it's racist but it isn't the same for genericeltvikings." I just don't condone any sort of ethnocentrism. I also made a comment of how the great kilts were 16th century, blue woad paint was ancient times, and the lead girl wore a 14th century cotehardie. Which, for me is a big deal, as it seems before this film, Disney did an okay job at historical details, so I felt it worth discussing.
All I got back from a the peer in the group was "you're a stitch nazi aren't you?!" in a very accusing way. I replied, "no, I just care about my kit, and look for authenticity within it. This is all just for discussion's sake." She then replied, "well isn't that a diplomatic way of putting it." and to put it plainly, we haven't been back since.
Beyond that, it was my second burn, if you will, with the SCA. The first was a knight and his two squires that are anything but chivalric. Needless to say, I actually was debating if jail was worth it beating on the guys, which is always a bad way to go. It's also sad to say the only reason why I didn't was because I firmly believe it wouldn't have taught them anything!
So, burn once, shame on them, burn twice, shame on me, and I've left. My lady had similar experiences with her hand-sewn cotehardie she's working on with that peer at that sewing party, and those same two squires and knight.
Probably, it's the strongest reason why I enjoy it here. I gotta say again, because I feel it can't be said enough, the level of respect and open minds shown here is very commendable. That, and for me, after hanging out with you guys here so much, it's worth it to take a roadtrip of sorts to make it to Kentucky eventually for DoK. That is somewhere that would be just pure awesomesauce for me.
Sir Edward:
Yeah, that's something I think we all highly prize here on this forum, is a friendly atmosphere to discuss things with an open mind. Everyone has a different threshold for how much pain and expense they're willing to go through for authenticity, so some folks just don't put a huge emphasis on it. And that's OK. I think the only time it really bothers me is if people pass non-authentic stuff off as authentic. As long as people don't do that, I'm cool with whatever they want to do.
I mean, we all have to start somewhere, and some people really want to aim for a more fantasy or movie-like appearance, or are working with a tight budget, or whatever. You just never really know.
And I think the most effective way to encourage people is by setting an example. :)
B. Patricius:
--- Quote from: Sir Edward on 2013-05-27, 03:13:06 ---
Yeah, that's something I think we all highly prize here on this forum, is a friendly atmosphere to discuss things with an open mind. Everyone has a different threshold for how much pain and expense they're willing to go through for authenticity, so some folks just don't put a huge emphasis on it. And that's OK. I think the only time it really bothers me is if people pass non-authentic stuff off as authentic. As long as people don't do that, I'm cool with whatever they want to do.
I mean, we all have to start somewhere, and some people really want to aim for a more fantasy or movie-like appearance, or are working with a tight budget, or whatever. You just never really know.
And I think the most effective way to encourage people is by setting an example. :)
--- End quote ---
QFT especially the last comment. I can't express how much Sir Ian's kit got me started two years back on following more authentic looking kits. I started going crazy over effigies and manuscript miniatures.
I'm totally a fan of the fantasy and even the "I'm a Celt, but with a definite Skyrim Nord with Rohan feel to it." And there's definitely places for that, and I do think the SCA, whether they want to admit it, has "Creative Anachronism" in their name for that very reason. There are some beautiful kits out there that have no real precedence but functionality that look amazing!
I'm just more driven towards authenticity to history and the archaeological record. I can't help it. It just upsets me when people see me doing that, and then automatically think "oh, so that means he hates mine" when usually it's the opposite. I've played Jedi, Mandalorian, and CloneTrooper. I'm currently working on a Halo ODST kit, and want to make a LOTR inspired literally Dwarf kit too! It's just when I hear "medieval - renaissance reenactment" I go for what really was there and let my fantasy just be it was all puppies and kittens without a plague, and still have all of today's modern conveniences :D
The great news is now I'm part of the Adrian Empire around here, and they have their quirks just like any and all groups. What I love, is today, just for a weekly training session, I came out in my just made cotton flannel hose, muslin braies, muslin shirt, and Templar cappae. It was over 95 degrees, and it breathed well, but I was hot, no doubt about it. But it was so worth it. Especially when they said, "wow, it's machine stitched. From far away I assumed it was all by hand because of how great and authentic it looks!" My knight that's training me, he looked me up and down, got a smirk on his face and said "fix yer boots." Him being a retired Marine, having only that comment of constructive criticism, I was floored and humbled.
I think it depends more on the individuals that make up the local groups more than the group as a whole, but there are definitely some "culture" things that permeate throughout. Like Sir Ian said as his first post, a lot of SCAdians are all over the viking kits right now, and to me, be it more fantasy (SKYRIM!!) inspired, or historical, they can look amazing doing it. They also like to hit really hard. Adrian Empire is wicked fast with their shots, but they have little to no "pop" behind them, much like WMA, and I love I can train in just a t-shirt and boardshorts if I want because a shinai can only do so much.
To each their own, I'm starting to think. We only get one shot at all this, so why not make it a good one right? At 30, I've already been to far too many funerals.
And yes Sir Wolf, I understand after posting that above, I gotta post pictures quick or be banned :o ;D
here's my answer from my heraldic device's inspiration!
;D ;D
Sir Wolf:
ewhh honey badger ate a snake
Hrolfr:
--- Quote from: Lord Dane on 2013-05-24, 22:01:22 ---I'm going to suit up in "Ford" armor, call myself "Cadillac" and kick Nissan in his "Dodge" when he is not looking. :)
--- End quote ---
Gotta see his 'Daimler Benz' persona armor. Complete with Halberd's made 'devil hoof' sabatons. Truely wicked :)
I fight in just over SCA mins (I wear hardened leather vambraces). I have a tendency to 'take light'.
Had a gentle that did not know me (several years ago at a high profile tourney) questioned my 'shrugging' a blow to the thigh. Until he saw my thigh armor (aka nothing but virtue).
My 14th C kit is going to be different, I am going to have to readjust my calibration. ymmv
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