ANST - Chivalry and Politeness...
Lori Campbell
LCAMPBEL at ossm.edu
Sun Jun 28 23:11:36 PDT 1998
> When "we" talk about chivalric and/or polite behaviour,
> what is meant?
My definition of chivalry includes: fairness, generosity, kindness,
selflessness, gallantry, bravery, courtesy & consideration. I feel
any act based on these things could be considered synonymous with
"chivalrous behavior." I've always felt that these values are what
makes the SCA different from the mundane world.
As to what one has to do to be chivalrous, well, I think that depends
on who is defining the word. To some, it is refusing to speak badly
about others. To many, it is never missing a chance to carry things
or open doors for someone. To others, it is always giving your
opponent the benefit of the doubt by calling a questionable shot.
I'm sure there are a million other examples.
In general, the SCA is filled with people trying to live up to the
word "chivalrous." As with most goals, we can only try.
Sometimes we succeed, often we fail.
In the long run, I've found that I'm much happier when I focus on
how I'm doing rather than how others are failing to live up to my
expectations. It sure has been more productive.
In the SCA (just like the rest of the world) some people hurt
or wrong others on their way to achieving their goals. However,
taking someone to task because we feel they've done wrong is taking
on a huge responsibility. It puts us on the position of acting as
self- appointed judge and jury - a job that, if done badly, causes
more harm than good. Who is right and who is wrong ceases to matter.
If people hurt us (or those we love), we have a choice. We can
respond "chivalrously" or we can adopt the "I'll show you" attitude -
which only escalates already angry and hurt feelings. The fight has
to stop somewhere....
HRH Kat >"<
********************
Katrionna MacLochlainn
Barony of Wiesenfeuer
(These opinions are strictly my own and do not necessarily reflect
the opinions of the Crown, the Crown Prince, my Kingdom, my Barony,
my employer, my mom, my cat or my goldfish. Well, I guess I can
speak for my goldfish. After all, he's just a fish, and he can't
correct me if I'm wrong :-)
*******************
Lori Campbell
lcampbel at ossm.edu
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