[MR] My two doubloons on the dead horse....

[Jack Black of Flint]

Achbar brings up a very valid point, that I think I might have seen glossed over a couple of times during this ridiculous farce.

We are supposed to be an educational organization.  One of our biggest tools is our ability to walk up to people and say "Hi, I'm so and so, let me tell you about this."

As I believe Marie Helene stated, the chances of someone strictly having one specific symbol that could have religious complications are slim. ((Besides Templar personas, which are the only one that immediately comes to mind to have simply one symbol on their shields and tabards.))

I can see why people are concerned about both sides of this horse that should have been sent to the knackers some time ago, though, and folks within our own organization are proving it.

Yes, people are sheep.  However, the individual person is more intelligent than many would give credit for.  It's not until mob mentality comes in, that serious problems arise.  If one is truly concerned about using the symbol, don't use it.... No one can honestly believe that just because the College has removed the ban, that everyone is going to immediately don that symbol and start running around, pushing their personal beliefs on others, as so many here seem to be saying.  Yes, I believe that there are folks who are going to submit devices with the symbol on it, but again, who cares?  If they can prove the symbol was used in period, so be it, no matter what combination of other symbols around it are used.

Yes, to the general populace, perception is 90% reality.  But the best way to influence that perception is to not make a big deal out of a particular device at a demo/event, because if the public sees US reacting negatively to EACH OTHER, what hope do we have to get folks to join us, and learn for themselves the history behind things?

As another gentle pointed out, as a new member to the SCA, just from reading this list alone, they have begun to rethink their position on the SCA.  I have seen new folks pushed away from this organization for lesser things, than what someone may be displaying as a PERSONAL DEVICE.  Just because a symbol they have chosen may have one meaning, it may have a totally DIFFERENT meaning to the individual.  You may see one symbol that you belive represents (insert name of religion you choose to bash here), and they may see something that TO THEM symbolizes the unity of heart, mind, body, and soul.

All I am asking folks to do is to take a minute, count to ten, and think like the rational, educated adults we all are, instead of the lemmings we are all acting like, jumping up and down, unhappy because they don't like the decision.

Take the effort, do the research if it bothers you, and take the proper steps to get it removed, if you feel that is what you need to do.  But ranting and raving on a relatively public list, or possibly creating scenes at demos/events is not going to help anyone, or anything.  Just like at work, it's us and them.  Whether it be Managers and line staff, or SCAdians and mundanes.  If we don't work together, we all fail, and after 43 years, this dream we all love will come to an end.

And in the immortal words of Forrest Gump, "That's all I have to say about that"

 Until the next,
Yours in service,


Cap'n Jack Black of Flint
((AKA: BlackJack))
Lord and Master of "The Raptor"
Seneschal, Barony of Hidden Mountain 
Brute for Hire




________________________________
From: Achbar Ibn Ali <achbar at earthlink.net>
To: Roy B. Scherer <rscherer at infionline.net>
Cc: The Merry Rose <atlantia at atlantia.sca.org>
Sent: Thursday, July 23, 2009 9:00:26 AM
Subject: [MR] it's perception...not just the facts... See?! This is what am talking about

On Thu, 23 Jul 2009 08:52:57 -0400, you wrote:

   This is a fun dead Horse to kick, and I see the party continues.
The humor degenerates and I salute it.  I can't wait until this
conversation turns to Kingdom recruitment and how each and every one
of us should do what we can to get new members to join this game.
Next, we will be talking about period Clowns and Jesters!   That clown
at least can tie his own balloon dead Horse to kick  LOL    ( smile)


Achbar
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