Authenticity, philosophy, and advocacy (was Re: SC - questions)

[LrdRas at aol.com]

In a message dated 6/16/00 1:47:12 AM Eastern Daylight Time, 
CBlackwill at aol.com writes:

<< Again, if this were a job or a prison, rather than a simple hobby, >>

I think I can understand some of what you are saying and I suppose that there 
are those that view it as a hobby. Truthfully, though to many the SCA and the 
ideals it stands for is a way of life. At the very least it is an 
organization, a community. All communities have set standards which they 
expect from those who are a part of it. As members of a community each member 
has certain obligations to every other person on an individual basis and 
responsibility to the community as a collective. Freedom and anarchy are 
completely different things. The former encompasses responsible behaviors 
based on self-discipline or community need. The later is self-centered and 
does little good for the community. 

IMO, within the community a teacher has an implicit responsibility to teach 
through word and deed without having to be asked to do so. Belonging to a 
community implies a willingness to be taught. The methods used to teach and 
the amount of knowledge absorbed are varied but the end result is a group 
dynamic that makes for a better community. 

Ras