[NR] a challenge of peace

[aelfwyn at coxconnect.net]

Just a suggestion, folks, but why don't we all accept that the Arch, like the Dream itself, will mean different things to different people, none of whom are "right" or "wrong" in their feelings.

Like Mahleah & Kat, I have done my grieving for those whom we lost, & while I will always miss them, I have come to terms with their absence. While I don't see how those deaths have any significant bearing on the current problems in the region, I understand that there are those who feel the need for some way of reaching out to deal with unresolved pain remaining from those terrible years. The arch will be a good way of doing this.

To those of you who don't feel that need, I would add this to HE Caitrinne's challenge:

Think of the person who has hurt you, angered you, betrayed you, done whatever to you the most, the person who you can't see eye to eye with and never will, the person you can't stand. Now, think up one - just one - good thing about that person, write it down & put THAT on the arch. Don't try telling me that you can't think of one good thing; there are several people in the SCA that I don't care to be around, can't stand, etc., but I can name at least one good point (usually several) about each of them, whether it is artistic talent, fighting skill, being willing to speak their mind or whatever.

The point of this being that no one here is evil. Differing points of view, acts of stupidity & even occasionally deliberately hurtful acts, yes, but no real evil. Just plain old people making mistakes, & the biggest mistake that we can make is thinking that "they" are bad and "we" are good. THAT to me is the root of the problems in the north: people deciding that one person or another is the great Satan of the moment & must be stopped from destroying all that is good.

It's all melodrama, folks. I've been caught up in it myself more than once, but while it livens the game up - who doesn't want to be the hero who saves the world from evil? -the ultimate price is too high. When you run out of villains, you have to start manufacturing them, & that's when people really start getting hurt.

This is a game, played for enjoyment. It's not worth threatening other people, trying to damage their reputations, slandering them or any of the other things that have happened in the last few years.

So think up one good thing about that person you can't stand & remember that just as no one here is evil, no one here is perfect. Cut each other some slack, treat each other to a little patience & give that person whose post annoyed you the benefit of the doubt before you start tossing off judgements in your replies.

Aelfwyn


From: Burke McCrory <burkemc2 at home.com>
Date: 2001/07/22 Sun PM 03:22:54 EDT
To: northern at ansteorra.org
Subject: Re: [NR] a challenge of peace

At 01:07 PM 7/22/2001 -0500, Maleah wrote:
>Greetings unto the North,
>     While I agree with the sentiments behind HE Catrin's post I must
>strongly disagree with the actions called for. I value the memories I have
>of the people who have gone on but I think it's time to focus on the future
>not on a death roll. We've worked too hard to overcome our grief to drag it
>back out into the spotlight. It's time to move forward and let the past
>rest.
>     Namron will gladly help with the arch, but I believe the premier use
>should be at Northkeep's investiture. It would start the tradition in a
>positive light and give them something unique to start a new era.
>
>Maleah
>Baroness of Namron
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "margot k-k" <catrin at sirinet.net>
>To: <northern at ansteorra.org>
>Sent: Sunday, July 22, 2001 10:02 AM
>Subject: [NR] a challenge of peace
>
>
>This is a multi-part message in MIME format.
>--
>[ Picked text/plain from multipart/alternative ]
>Greetings unto the Northern Region,
>
>Yesterday there was a picnic/fighter practice held in Moore.  Many people
>attended this and had the opportunity to talk with Their Majesties.  In
>light of my conversation, I propose the following.
>
>I have heard from different people, at different times, that many of the
>problems that we have here in the North can be traced to the many deaths we
>had a some years ago.   Looking back, I can agree with that.  The North
>didn't have time to heal from one death before another occured and we all
>rode a roller coaster ride of grief.  These people that passed also provided
>a certain stability that went with them.
>
>Her Majesty suggested an arch.  I will talk with artisians to build this
>arch, and have it ready by Samhain.  On this arch, we can place items of
>memory and tribute to those who have passed.  I would also suggest that we
>put items on this arch for those we admire and respect.  Let this arch be a
>symbol of what is strong and good in the North.
>
>This is my challenge.  Bring items to add to this Arch.  We can start this
>at Samhain, but it doesn't have to end there.
>
>In Service to the Ideal,
>Catrin Mac Cracken

I am disappointed with the somewhat combative tone of HE Maleah
response.  While I think that we all agree that we do need to go forward I
think that there is some truth in HE Catrin's comments about the past.  I
applaud HE Catrin for offering to spearhead this effort and support the
unveiling of the arch at Samhain.  This arch can be a living symbol of what
is good and noble in the north and can grow with time.  As HE Catrin said
"We can start this at Samhain, but it doesn't have to end there" so the
arch can go forward to be at Northkeep and other Northern events.  Perhaps
each Barony and shire will volunteer to make a specific piece of the arch
with their emblems and unique symbols on it.  This way the arch would
symbolize the coming together and rebirth of the North.  In any case I rise
in support of the project and will help any way I can.

Sir Burke

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