(IKA / Fencing) Cross-PollenNation

Out of a veeeeeerrry long series of discussion-threads on liamstliam 's journal and elsewhere, I slowly realized that to some people in other kingdoms, the rather large community of self-sufficient,  fully-integrated busy-bee fencers many of us know in the EK is, to put it mildly, atypical.    I had no idea.   Truly.


( Cut for my friends with loooooong friends pages )

Having seen firsthand how often Easterners bristle with indignation at the idea that we should adopt ANYTHING that has worked (or even just been fun) in another kingdom, I can understand how "WTF" - ish it must be to hear oneself defined solely by the One Thing You Don't Do That Evvybuddy Else does.    Especially if one of the voices clamoring for change seems to feel entitled to support  or resources without having explored the option of self-sufficiency.      One of the loudest discussions I ever witnessed involved  "How Event Organizers Could Make Our Activity Better For Us" complete with suggestions for a handbook / "list of demands".     I could clearly see the world of hurt at the end of that road.    

The people in the SCA whom I  consider my best role models have always brought their own fun (and support systems) to the events and demos and been prepared to make their own fun.     If they meet other like-minded people, well then "shared joy is doubled".     If not, then the activity remained time well spent regardless of what others did or didn't do.    That capacity to make one's own fun coupled with an inclination towards helping with whatever dirty-hands work is necessary to make an activity / event run smoothly is the crux of a long and happy SCA life. 

Oh, and watching out for stray piles of Smelly  Drama when necessary  8)