The SCA as a level playing field

[dametheadee]

I was thinking about this in the context of the additional peerage discussion that has been going on of late (and no, I would not like to have another debate about that right now - that is not the point here)

I think the SCA provides unique opportunities for those who are willing to do the work to achieve excellence in their field.  It doesn't matter whether you were the geek, nerd, jock, popular kid or whatever in the past.... everyone has a chance to be a Peer, a King or Queen, or a regional officer or whatever.  It is a place where people who have shyness and are introverts in the daily world can show their stuff and really shine if they choose to, or vice versa.  And it is everyone's choice about how they proceed.

Before you comment that "not everyone can be a peer/crown/officer" I will step in and say that is true, but I also don't believe everyone wants to be.  What I do believe is that everyone can have a *chance* to be who and what they want to be.  And it doesn't matter to me that this is "pretend" - I am not talking about ignoring real-world stuff to "be someone" in the SCA.  I am looking at it from the viewpoint that there are real-world skills, feelings and such that get wrapped up into the SCA experience.  I am tired of dealing with people that have the mentality of wanting others to hand them what they want, and I find that a lot less in the SCA than I do in daily life.

I am talking about looking for and creating opportunities here, dear readers.   They are out there - a person just needs to open their minds to them.  I am also posting this as a reminder to myself to help others find those opportunities when they are looking for them and can't see them, but I can. 

OK - these are the thoughts of a caffeine and sleep deprived Thea - I reserve the right to edit later.

Comments

[malkinallardsen.livejournal.com]

Beautiful Thea.

You ROCK as always. The best part about the SCA is ... it is comparitively SAFE. Here it is OK if you fall flat on your face ... and there is a support system that will show you how to pick yourself up and try again. The modern world ... not so much some times. (two farthings only).

[damethea.livejournal.com]

Good point about the safety net... thanks for commenting on it.

[ula1066.livejournal.com]

There are a million opportunities in the SCA and you are right, anyone can do/be anything. There is no reason not to go after what you want. Our real life skills translate well to the SCA and I have certainly used skills learned in the SCA in the real world. I have even put my Kingdom office and autocratting experience on my modern resume. It is great experience and helps get a conversation going that outside of the normal interview questions.

[damethea.livejournal.com]

I think that is a fabulous idea. Being an officer in a worldwide non-profit volunteer organization (whether local, Kingdom (regional) or Society (corporate), and planning and executing events are both definite examples of translatable skills. Event management is a career for some people. :)
Thanks for your comment, Ula.