[Ravensfort] viking garb

[jacinth]

Kief wrote:
>Great rant...!

I am glad you enjoyed it.  I was cringing after I sent it...

>We do not, in the SCA, even come close to approaching some of the
>more focused reconstruction and reenactment organizations... Not
>by a long shot...with the obvious exceptions...of those that have
>made an intensive and extensive study of a particular
>subject...like fabric and methods of clothing construction.

This is an excellent comment.  We have it even harder than many of the
reenactment organizations because of the sheer span of time that we 
cover.  I don't think it was ever conceived for accuracy, but it is exceedingly
difficult to be an expert in everything. ;)  At least in those groups each of
the members can help the others with their kit by bartering what they know
and have for what they don't because they are all close in time period.

>Usually those that have made that serious effort at an authentic
>piece of clothing or complete outfit...are *not* the ones that
>"snipe" at those who, in their innocent ignorance, get it
>incorrect. 

Wow, that is pretty much rings true.

>A "linen look alike" and "Viking sword" made in India
>is far better than tie-dye and elf ears...........

Which is where I sometimes hear that "This is the SCA, not...." comment.
>From people who don't get it.  My ex- refused to come out to SCA events
for the simple fact that people were "required" to dress up; he simply didn't
"get" it that one of the reasons we do it (besides being compelled by SCA
law) is to present the illusion of being part of the eras we depict.  That is
one aspect of "The Dream" that many talk about.

There is, however, a small bit of "fantasy" in our society, and that is the
fact that an 9th century viking can share victuals with a 15th century
Italian lady. ;)

>What some folks out there in SCA land tend to forget is that they
>too were once a "newly come" bright eyed and idealistic time
>traveler...and they have become so hidebound in what they "know"
>as fact that they fail to see it is no longer supported by the
>evidence. But, like many in the academic community...they have
>based their reputation on something being a particular way...and
>cannot afford to "lose face" by admitting they were wrong... So,
>they become "snobs" and deride those that they see as "lesser in
>skill and knowledge" yet refuse to see the progress that has left
>them standing in the dust. 

I thought that this was particularly insightful.  I don't know what you can
do in such a situation.  I pity the person who doesn't/can't change, but
at the same time want to protect the person attacked.  In an odd way,
they are both vicitms, only one is sabotaging themselves by not adapting
to change while at the same time wrecking the others self-esteem.

>So, if the new person actually
>survives the "snob attack" and really wants to learn what the
>heck is fact...there are plenty of folks out there that can
>assist them in creating a more authentic kit... Folks like
>Gunvor, Fionna, Jacinth, Lorraine, and many others in the
>Research and applied Arts and Science community...

Well, I remember a day when I wore pirate-pants and a blouse that I had
removed all the buttons and the collar from to make it "period" looking.  I am
sure we all have things like that in our past, and I try not to forget them.
Fortunately I never had someone jump on me for "not being up to scratch",
but I still did learn to make things better... mostly because I recognized that
I needed a lot of improvement... heck, I even wear _dresses_ now.
It took me a while, but with love and support from this group I got better.

I think it is key to teach new people from the start, and explain to them that
there are those out there who can be not so nice, but help them understand
that it is OK not to be perfect as long as they know they have made an 
attempt at doing it the right way.... especially in the beginning when it is
all so new, and you find out that everyone has _two_ names for you to
memorize, not to mention titles, alternate personnas.... talk about "culture"
shock!  While we probably cannot totally eliminate the prospect of someone
being criticized for their kit, we can help support them, and show them how
to make it better.... teach them "how to fish", so to speak.  I realize that 
this is probably pretty idealistic, but I think people need to learn to dodge
rather than retaliate when attacked.  Honestly, the only criticism that hurts
me now is from those that I respect... all the rest I can hardly give a hang
about... and usually those I respect couch their terms in a nicer way.

I really enjoyed reading (and thinking about) your thoughts. :)

Regards,
-Jacinth-