[MR] Egyptian Personas in the SCA

[Gina Shelley]

Actually, yes. A lot. A LOT. In fact, I'm tired of it. Enough it's starting to leak down and sour my own good feelings. I'm tired of feeling embarrassed over other people's behavior I have no control of. I'm tired of the uphill battle of putting out fires I didn't start and cleaning up messes I didn't make. 

In fact, I've managed to salvage a few people. In fact, I wish I had a nickle for every person who said to me personally, "Well, I just didn't find the local group (fill in the blank here) welcoming." or "I did the best I could but the first thing that happened was I got busted on about my garb not being good enough." or "I found it hard to join in with anything, everyone just seemed like they had their own group." or "I felt intimidated." or "I thought about trying out the SCA but I was scared my clothes wouldn't be enough" (and the part two to that, "I heard horror stories from someone else who went and they said they're really tough on garb. I don't want to offend or be embarassed."  or "you won't believe with this jerk just said to me."

I hear a lot of "well, I'm glad I met you guys, I feel better now." I guess mainly because we try to encourage people instead of discouraging them. 

That's all stuff I've heard personally. You can ignore that if you like, I've been saying the same thing for years and I don't expect it to be treated like news. 

Most of the time, you won't hear that you've offended someone, or made them feel small, or embarrassed them or openly and publicly criticized them. Mostly, folks will just quietly eat it and go away and you'll never hear why. 

I hear why. A lot. However, I'm sure I don't' hear it all. And considering how much I HAVE heard over the years, that's scary. And inexcusable. 

Knowing what I know, and the wince-inducing conversations I've had over the years with various people, and the stuff I've seen here, the idea that you're now accusing me of passing on unfounded hearsay is really, really rich. Truly. 

Well, I'm sure you're right. I guess we need too teach everyone the fine art of giving unsolicited negative comments to people we don't know before our next membership drive. Clearly, it's working out for us. 

Dulcy