[MR] Miss Manners: Authenticity Police

[Magy Freyser]

I don't post here normally, but here is my 2 cents...
I am not only an SCA participating member, but also a participating member
of Civil War reenactments.  I can testify that YES, people will walk up to
you and try to see your period undergarments, hoop skirts, corsets or look
at the construction of your clothing.  Generally, those people want to see
what you have done so that they can learn to do it themselves.  In those
cases, I am only too happy to share what I know and admit to what I do not
know.  I never claim to be an expert, because I am not (even after 10
years of doing it).  I have only had one or two instances with someone
telling me that I was not proper or correct or questioning my sources.  I
simply informed that person that I was terribly sorry that I was not as
perfect as themselves and what wonderful shape they are in to be as old as
they are.  The only way anyone can be THAT certain and that perfect is to
have lived back then, and to my knowledge, none of us ever have.  
It is just a great shame that some people are so insecure that they have
the need to harass others who are putting forth the effort.  I was nowhere
near "period" at my first event, but I gave it a gallant effort and since
then have become more informed and better dressed.  I am also much more
likely to ask for help from someone who told me what a great job I did. 
That makes me want to do even better and research even more.  Someone
telling me *unsolicited* what I did wrong just makes me want to smack 'em.
 (not advocating violence here, just one of my southernisms)

Hint hint - if you are one of these garb police, and you feel you MUST
tell someone how wrong they are dressed, at least compliment them first
for their effort, otherwise, you probably won't see them again.  Of
course, Mama says if you can't say something nice, don't say anything!!

Magy

=====
Magy Freyser
Deputy Minister Arts & Sciences, Deputy Minister of Lists
Canton of Elvegast, Windmaster's Hill, Atlantia

"You can't buy happiness - but you can rent the heck out of some fun." - Gaston du Valmont
Check out my website...  or send me an AOL IM at canushag http://www.geocities.com/canushag/Kimberly.html

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