[MR] ON the phrase" our women" and pennsic security

[Susan Tillery]

First I apologize if I gave offense when I wrote about the use of the 
phrase "our women", no offense was intended, just as I am sure no 
offense was meant when the phrase was used.  An earlier poster pointed 
out that the phrase was bothersome when the problem was a danger to both 
men and women at Pennsic.  The tenor of the conversation had been 
bothering me and I gave back up evidence from history as to why I was 
sensitive to the language.  I am showing my age since I grew up in the 
midwest in an era when most of my feamle classmates had no further 
career plans than to become wives and mothers and indeed some found it 
shocking to wish for anything else.

I have not found the men of the SCA to be sexist and I gratefully 
appreciate the chivalry, courtesy and protective instincts shown by men 
and women alike.  As far as security at pennsic is concerned, it is my 
feeling that no one should have to walk alone, but if one knows the 
risks and takes them open eyed then no one should be prevented from 
walking alone if they wish.  Incidents such as the one which sparked 
this conversation cannot be prevented but steps can be taken so their 
chances of happening are minimized.  Several of these have Been 
suggested: each of us should volunteer to take a shift as official 
pennsic security, an official event escort service with individuals that 
can be called on to walk people from point to point is good, and a 
general willingness to get up and accompany someone when they leave camp 
party or whatever is also good.

Honestly, I would have it that things were as in Thomas Moore's song

Rich and Rare Were the Gems She Wore
Air — The Summer is coming

	
	
	     RICH and rare were the gems she wore,
	     And a bright gold ring on her wand she bore;
	     But oh! her beauty was far beyond
	     Her sparkling gems, or snow-white wand.
	
5	     "Lady! dost thou not fear to stray,
	     So lone and lovely through this bleak way?
	     Are Erin's sons so good or so cold,
	     As not to be tempted by woman or gold?"
	
	     "Sir Knight! I feel not the least alarm,
10	     No son of Erin will offer me harm: —
	     For though they love woman and golden store,
	     Sir Knight! they love honour and virtue more!"
	
	     On she went, and her maiden smile
	     In safety lighted her round the green isle;
15	     And blest for ever is she who relied
	     Upon Erin's honour and Erin's pride.



Aela