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Ren Faire Peeve
Sir Edward:
There are a lot of rennies who get upset at the use of the word "costume" instead of "garb" or "clothing", since "costume" downplays the authenticity (and perhaps durability) of really properly made stuff. I don't usually worry about it too much. But it throws me for a loop when I'm wearing 60+ pounds of armor, and they still say "costume". It may not be the most authentic stuff (far from it in fact), but considering I can fight in it, it's functional equipment.
Sir Douglas:
Yeah, it can be kind of irksome. My idea of "costume" is knitted mail, plastic helmet, and a surcoat with a zipper up the back, as well as one's choice of either tennis shoes or sandals. But I don't let it get to me for the reasons Dimitry listed. Most people at RenFaires don't care, and that's fine.
Plus, dealing with all the unwashed, uninterested masses makes it all the more sweet when you do run into somebody who knows what's up. :)
Sir Rodney:
--- Quote from: Sir Douglas on 2015-06-04, 19:33:27 ---Plus, dealing with all the unwashed, uninterested masses makes it all the more sweet when you do run into somebody who knows what's up. :)
--- End quote ---
Two years ago, while in civilian clothes, I noticed a gentleman in a sweet mail hauberk. This was not butted, nor poorly fitted off-the-rack mail. This was very nice wedge riveted mail that was well fitted; noticeable from 50 feet away. I made my way over, politely introduced myself and complimented his kit.
He was genuinely pleased that someone had noticed so we “talked shop” for quite some time. That is, until we both realized that our wives were bored with the “shop talk”. :-[
Sir William:
--- Quote from: Lord Rodney on 2015-06-05, 03:29:08 ---
--- Quote from: Sir Douglas on 2015-06-04, 19:33:27 ---Plus, dealing with all the unwashed, uninterested masses makes it all the more sweet when you do run into somebody who knows what's up. :)
--- End quote ---
Two years ago, while in civilian clothes, I noticed a gentleman in a sweet mail hauberk. This was not butted, nor poorly fitted off-the-rack mail. This was very nice wedge riveted mail that was well fitted; noticeable from 50 feet away. I made my way over, politely introduced myself and complimented his kit.
He was genuinely pleased that someone had noticed so we “talked shop” for quite some time. That is, until we both realized that our wives were bored with the “shop talk”. :-[
--- End quote ---
Love when that happens; it is how I got here to begin with. I still remember that day; Sir Ed was dressed as a stylishly appointed nobleman, Sir Brian as a Teutonic knight. We started talking shop, they passed me a MC card and the rest is history. :)
scott2978:
I'm not usually put off too much by general public ignorance about medieval stuff, it's hard enough for dedicated enthusiasts to get accurate info much less the general public. It's when my girlfriend calls it a costume that gets me. I have a bascinet made by Jeffrey Hildebrandt that's a reproduction of the Wallace Collection A69 helmet, with hand made aventail, painstakingly historical hand sewn linen liner, the works. And my girlfriend (who lives with me and knows all about my obsessions) called it a "hat". The sound that I made was kind of a groan of dismay, and that was enough for her to correct herself, but I was like... Well, I don't know sh** about her designer purses either... so I can concede that not everyone can be knowledgable about everything, especially when it's stuff they don't really care about. For most people medieval stuff is just a curiosity. Never forget that. The minutia about our passions are only important to us and others like us. What's important to get across to everyone else isn't all the material details, it's the enrichment and broadening of their mind and conscience that comes from the ideas, ideals and thought behind it all.
Though I did make the point to my gf by calling her designer purse a "bag" next chance I got. ;)
Scott
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