[MR] Peerages in general

[Chris and Sue]

So I've been thinking (yes, that was what you smelled).  All this talk of
peer this and that, and wanting a peerage for this and that, I feel, is
missing the point.  The peers I've known, and the peer I hope to be one day,
were not an atta-boys, and not something they or I covet for the recognition
it brought.  While being a peer is definitely a recognition of achievement
on some level, that's not what it's about (in my limited view - feel free to
disagree).

I've been playing this game for 17 years, in four different kingdoms, and
have had the opportunity to get to know many peers and people who I've later
discovered were elevated.  None of them have viewed their peerage as a
recognition of "you are really good at this or that so you should have this
award."  Universally, they've viewed their peerage as a responsibility to
achieve even more - especially because they were suddenly highly visible.
Do people go to knights when they want to better their heavy fighting or to
inquire about aspects of honor and chivalry?  Absolutely.  Do people seek
out a Pelican when they want to know how to best serve our game?
Universally.  Do people inquire of a Laurel when they desire a greater
understanding of some aspect of Medieval culture, art, or science?  Of
course.  So, the question I pose is: if I were a rapier fighter, would I go
to a White Scarf to better my rapierness (to include dress and behavior).
Every time.

With that said, if all these people (Scarves included) treat their area of
expertise as a responsibility and a service to those around them, if we did
away with every peerage, order, and AoA, would we still be the same Society?
Even more so, if the King (or Queen) was not chosen by heavy combat, would
they be diminished in some way?  I say no, they wouldn't.

So, and maybe I'm missing the point, it seems to me that all this clamoring
about regarding peerage for this and peerage for that is mostly an exercise
in covetousness.  You (general you, not you specifically) want what other
people have not for what it represents, but what you think it might get you.
That is not the game we play, nor should it be.  We are not a Society of
racking up awards and SCA resume bullet points to make ourselves appear more
impressive.  I realize that some people think this way, and I won't venture
my opinion on them because it's inflammatory and not in keeping with a sense
of honor.  If you live what you love, and follow your passion, does it
really matter who recognizes you for what?  I'll reiterate: peerages are not
about power or status.  They are about capability and responsibility.  If
you already have those, who cares if someone else puts a title on you.

I encourage everyone to convince me otherwise.
YIS,
Lord Dagobert DeGalia
(non-peer, non-ordered, lord and master of the Baronial pig-farms of
Hawkwood)