[Ansteorra] Period Ambiance (was mobility issues)

[Marc Carlson]

From: "Linda" <keyna at hot.rr.com>
>My thought to the whole matter is this person who had the gall to say that
>will some day need something like a wheel chair or crutches or what ever
>that is (NOT PERIOD) will be in or using something better quit the sca
>because this person will (SPOIL THE AMBIANCE) for everyone. In my opinion I
>hope this person can get on here and appoligizes to everyone for her 
>badwith
>or just leaves and not come back.

Are you reading the same thread I am?   I think Chas was saying that someone 
(as yet unidentified) had come to him at an event and said his wheelchair 
spoiled the ambience for them and that he ought to leave the site.

Anyway - since we're on the topic of Period Ambiance, I am finding it 
interesting where people apparently fall out on the topic.

Let’s step back for a moment and look at this:

I’m going to make some generalized comments – I’m sure that you all can 
easily find examples that will contradict what I’m about to say, but that do 
not in fact invalidate the over all observations.  Note – these are only 
observations, not criticisms

Some folks don’t like using period terminology and jargon in favor of SCA 
traditional terms.

Some people spend too much time having clearly non-period discussions at 
events.

There are exposed ice chests, modern chairs, pop cans, blue tarps and 
whatnot

Many things that some people clearly require for participating, such as 
eye-glasses, cpap machines, and (usually) wheel-chairs are not even 
questioned by most people (or if you do question them, you are thought ill 
of).

Some people meticulously research their costumes, and then use inappropriate 
modern materials to make them (the correct materials, or even appropriate 
modern alternatives are frequently seen as being too expensive).

Primitive sites/sites without modern conveniences are not even considered as 
possible event venues. (no AC, no electricity, no plumbing, etc)

Modern style feasts

A fighting style that uses duct-taped rattan as its principle form of 
weapon.

Jerry-rigged modern inventions meant to bypass the frequently far simpler 
and more effective medieval ways of doing things.

Events consist of a mix of different periods and concepts, sometimes on the 
same person at the same time.

And so on…

Now, whether you think that these are the way things should be or not, I 
think the overall situation begs the question – since pretty much everyone 
gets to do their own thing, in their own way, how in Ralph’s name can 
anyone’s ambiance be spoiled?

Marc/Diarmaid