ANST - Why am I playng this game?

[Jennene Stanley]

Greetings,

For my learnings in the SCA during the past 15 years I have been playing, I understand that dignity and honor are the highest goals for what we strive. It is what we base our awards, choose our rulers and create peers. Last night I was an unwilling witness to an event that not only had me questioning the honor and dignity of our group but had me wondering if I even wanted to continue membership. 

An altercation occurred between 4 people (2 being peers) and another person who is also a peer. The four obviously had a grievance that they wished to discuss as they initiated the altercation. While I was not privy to the subject matter (nor do I wish to be) I was rather distressed by the raised voices (one screeching) of the people initiating the discussion. From what I can see, they had the one peer backed up against a display with no real means of escape. They then proceeded to reduce the single peer to tears. This was conducted in a *very* public place with many non-SCA people watching (if not hearing) I am not sure if I can ever show my face in that establishment again.

The question that I wish to pose is "What should I do?" "What should we all do?" I thought about trying to discuss this with some of the people in question, but that would open myself up to character assassination and words can be twisted to suit the person telling the story. What can someone do when a situation occurs and some of the people involved are peers and are answerable to only themselves and the Crown (who would be more inclined to believe a peer over a non peer).

It is situations like this that drive away members who get enough of altercations in the "real" world. I am going on a week vacation to a family reunion in North Carolina. I plan to take that time to reflect whether or not I wish to continuing playing. I thank you for your time and attention.


The Honorable Lady Anya Gordon Lamont

Award of Arms, Kingdom of Calontir 
Holder of the Sable Thisle of Ansteorra
Member of the Order of the Iris of Merit

**********
Jennene R. Stanley
***********************
"Mooharpist"   e-mail at tstanley at ou.edu



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