BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: Rapparee
Date: 22 Mar 06 - 01:06 PM

Odd. The "buckskinners" I know are hardly reactionaries -- their politics seem to follow the run of the US spectrum of such things.

But you have to be a bit mad or a bit of the romantic to do these things anyway.

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: Alba
Date: 22 Mar 06 - 11:22 AM

Your post Guest: AFR(NR) made me spit out my Coffee... really I ROTFLMAO.......
" a far better standard of tottie to be found elsewhere."

Haven't heard that expression for a long time.

Thanks for that.
J

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: GUEST,A former reenactor (now recovered)
Date: 22 Mar 06 - 11:07 AM

There is a lot of overlap between reneactors and loonies, at least in the UK. I can't speak for the fantasist-type of reenacting like the SCA (which, from looking at the websites, seems to me to be entirely aimed at the nerd/trekkie/saddo end of society) but even the more serious, historically-based sort can attract some oddballs.

My own period was the English Civil War and I encountered some very strange people indeed on the Royalist side. I had no qualms about fighting for either side, but some folk were far too keen on the whole King and the Cause thing. Usually, it has to be said, those who actually knew the least about the period and whose kit was the least authentic.

Among those without political baggage, there were a lot of people who were seriously interested in the period, but there were also an awful lot of rather maladjusted types for whom the Sealed Knot and the ECWS provided the social life they wouldn't otherwise have had - the sort of people you'd cross the road to avoid and would never want to introduce to any 'straight' friend who wasn't into reenacting. A bit like the folk world, really!

I joined primarily for the booze, bawds and ballads and had a huge amount of fun with all three, but eventually I found myself getting sick of making excuses for the societally maladroit. I also realised that most of the women involved were mad as rats and there was a far better standard of tottie to be found elsewhere. It was fun as a teenager, but by the time I left college it had become an embarrassment.

Even now it's not the sort of thing one admits to having done in the UK - for a lot of people it has too many connotations of bad breath, body odour and poor social skills. Far too many of its enthusiasts seem to know every word of various Monty Python sketches...

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: John P
Date: 22 Mar 06 - 09:13 AM

For me, the making of and the watching of reality TV shows are both a lot more indicative of being a loser than the worst sterotype of the SCA nerd or the buckskin reactionary.

John Peekstok

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: Purple Foxx
Date: 22 Mar 06 - 06:53 AM

BTW - Are the "Horrible Histories" series of books by Terry Deary available in the U.S.?
These are a humorous though factually accurate series of history books told partially in comic book style which present their subject matter in a way which makes it interesting to children.
That is with all the gory & scatalogical stuff left in.
They also contain period riddles, games,rhymes,recipes etc.
In addition to which there is often information on how to "get the look" on period costumes.
Many adults (myself included) adore these books.
They are well worth looking out for.

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: Purple Foxx
Date: 22 Mar 06 - 03:48 AM

It's not strictly pedantry (or indeed that newish) Bunnahabhain.
The Dark Ages were so-called because their seemed to be a lack of documentation from that era.
We now know that their was rather more than we previously believed.
The term Middle Ages was coined by Renaissance Scholars to indicate the gulf they perceived between the "Enlightened" Classical era, their own "Enlightened" times & the "Barbaric" period in between.
It tells you far more about the inflated self-esteem of Renaissance scholars than it does about a key period of European history.

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: Bunnahabhain
Date: 21 Mar 06 - 07:40 PM

Well, a newish trend here in the UK is to call anything after the fall of Rome-1066 not the Dark ages, but the Early Medieval.

The fun of Pedentry. Everyone gets to play...

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: Purple Foxx
Date: 21 Mar 06 - 01:41 PM

Kaleaa,could you give examples of the music you consider appropriate for each era?
My interest is genuine.

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: Kaleea
Date: 21 Mar 06 - 01:26 PM

I've played Music for a variety of events--Civil war enthusiasts having a doins at their place, reenactors, living history USA frontier era museums, and the gamut of "renn/midevil" faires. I do make an attempt to have my clothing at least look like it is period correct.
I think Robomatic is correct that the average attendee who's just there to wear a costume is clueless about the actual time period in history, but many of those there as participants are knowledgeable about the period they like the best.
It's all in good fun & a great excuse to look for a crystal or alleged "celtic" type jewelery, I suppose but I especially enjoy seeing things from a more historically correct view. I'm usually the egghead Musician likely to be playing historically accurate Music at those venues.

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: Irish sergeant
Date: 21 Mar 06 - 01:21 PM

Hi Uncle Jaque:
You're right about the wool:~)
I read Confederates in the Attic. I wasn't impressed. Our unit strives to be historically accurate but there are two things I tell my guys and gals in the 12th US aren't wise. Eating rancid salt port and starving yourself for the look. I don't want to get so authentic that I'm missing work because I have dysentery.
I've stood in trenches ankle deep in water at reenactment and I may do it again but I'd prefer not to spend the weekend living in the port-a-potties. But to be honest, I love the hobby AS I tell people, it's the most fun you can have with your clothes on. I remain, your obedien servant, Neil

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: Windsinger
Date: 20 Mar 06 - 10:05 PM

How odd of it.

(OK, done.)

Slán,

~Fionn

www.geocities.com/children_of_lir

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: Hollowfox
Date: 20 Mar 06 - 09:55 PM

Windsinger, I just tried to PM you, but the Infernal Machine says that it couldn't find your name. So, could you please pm me? Sorry for the bandwidth, all.

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: robomatic
Date: 17 Mar 06 - 10:29 AM

Medieval Era is generally considered the period between the invention of the abacus and the beginning of the non-linear slide rule. That embarked us on the Victorian age. skipping ahead, modern times evolved over the end of the reign of DOS.

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors
From: GUEST,Uncle Jaque
Date: 17 Mar 06 - 09:58 AM

I know what you mean - we have a couple of "Rebel" Units up here in Maine - the 15th Ala. and the 29th GA being the major ones.

A lot of folks keep both blue and gray in the same closet, and do whatever impression / time period suits the occasion (or they can afford; it gets expensive!).

But when we go down to VA for one of the "big ones", it is not uncommon to meet some of the "Real Rebels" who take this stuff almost a little too seriously, and by the look in their eyes as they advance on our lines, one has to wonder if they are starting to forget that this is supposed to be theatrical and "fun", and might be thinking of avenging Great-Grandaddy's "Lost Cause".   And it can get kind of scary.

Even around the camps some of them occasonally espouse sentiments that might not be appropriate for the 1860s,... or ANY civilized period, for that matter.

Fortunately they are among the minority, and even most of their fellow Graybacks cut them a wide berth.

The fellowship and camaraderie of the Reenacting community can be a wonderful thing to behold, and we do indeed become "Family" to one another.

You have to be a little deranged to run around in wool uniforms, lugging 30 or so pounds of musket and accouterments on a field in Gettysburg when it's 105 in the shade (if you can find any to "die" in) and 90% humidity, sleep (if you can) in a dog-tent in a pouring rain on mud and cowflaps, line up in the morning at fetid plastic porta-potties, get the runs eating stuff that used to make men sick 140 years ago...

And call it "FUN"!

So it's great to find and congregate with other people who are just as crazy as we are.

"Uncle Jaque"

Image - UJ Fifing

Field Music, 3rd Reg't MAINE Vol. Infantry

Third Maine Volunteers

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: frogprince
Date: 16 Mar 06 - 02:38 PM

Yes, it's true that "Confederates in the Attic" also contains a lot of observation of frightening things in Southern culture. I recommend it for that, too.

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: Windsinger
Date: 16 Mar 06 - 12:11 PM

there can be an almost mystical "time bubble" experience that's hard to describe.

Agreed. The stricter "living history" orgs achieve this through adherance to pretty rigid standards of authenticity.

In mine, we're less history Nazis (with some natural exceptions) than we are "atmosphere junkies," if you will. We're seeking a similar buzz, but have slightly more relaxed standards regarding what will maintain/kill one's ability to willingly suspend disbelief.

For example, at the same campfire it's possible to have an Elizabethan, a Viking, a Mongol and a Middle Eastern persona, all jawing, drinking and swapping songs without the mood being destroyed.

Someone showing up in jeans and a Harley Davidson T-shirt, bellowing out "Eagles" tunes...THAT'S a buzz-kill.

Slán,

~Fionn

www.geocities.com/children_of_lir

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: GUEST,Uncle Jaque
Date: 16 Mar 06 - 11:31 AM

I've been a History buff since childhood, particulary of the CW, since a few of my Ancestors were involved in it.

Only later in life did I get the opportunity to get into reenacting - in 1991.   I thought I knew a fair amount about it, but quickly found out that I had lots to learn!

As many Reenactors (including this one) say; "It's one thing to read about History; It's quite another to LIVE it!"

Reenactors run a wide spectrum of how seriously they take this stuff, but when done with a strict fidelity to History, there can be an almost mystical "time bubble" experience that's hard to describe.
All it takes is one idiot lighting up a cigarette with his bic or blazing away with a flash camera to spoil it all, though.

The last few big out of state events I went to were a bit of a disapointment, as there was a lot of this "Farby" (anachronistic) stuff going on. So I have probably done my last one.
Besides; I'm getting too old and fat for those bayonet charges on the rebs, anyway.

Every now and then I'll still put on the old blue woolies and do a school History class dog-and-pony show, or play some of the old CW tunes on my parlor guitar or minstrel banjo.
And I might fall in for the occasional parade with the Fife-&-Drum Corps as long as they keep the repitoire simple (I don't keep up with the fancy stuff much any more).

The people who did what they believed they had to back then deserve to be remembered, I reckon.

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: Scoville
Date: 16 Mar 06 - 10:24 AM

"Who's read "Confederates in the Attic?"; it's largely about civil war enactors. I cracked up at the description of a guy who prided himself on his ability to "bloat" when lying dead on the battlefield, but regretted that he couldn't extent the effect to his limbs. "

I haven't read this yet--my brother owns it and I have to go steal it from him--but I'm dying of laughter. We used to see bumper stickers that said: "Civil War Reenacting: It's not a hobby, it's a way of life".




GregF.--not disagreeing with you at all (I've known those guys, too) but I've also known guys who were driven out of reenacting, changed regiments, changed historical periods, or went civilian because they kept getting calls from said Neo-Confederates who were looking for anti-government groups. It was a sad loss for the hobby (lifestyle, whatever) when that happened.

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: Greg F.
Date: 16 Mar 06 - 09:18 AM

"Confederates In The Attic" is anything but amusing- particularly those parts that deal with the Neo-Confederate Cult & their wholesale denial of historical fact.

Scary might be a more appropriate description.

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 16 Mar 06 - 03:48 AM

look, let's get the basics right...

did all the people going to folk clubs wear check shirts and the women try to look like Marianne Faithful? apart from the ones in aran jumpers with pipes.

and did the fingers go in the ears after the song started or during it?

and which side of the belt did the real ale enthusiasts hang their tankards from, was it a bit like bunches of keys on gay nights? I mean where they trying to say something

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: Purple Foxx
Date: 16 Mar 06 - 02:20 AM

Slightly didactic & more than slightly scatalogical note...
The "raiders" were the Vikings.
The word "Viking" means "to beat" it has the same etymological route as "Fucking" (The Sparrow Hawk,smallest of Britains indigenous Hawks was more commonly known as the Windfucker until Victorian times)
Virtually all Vikings were Danes or Norsemen but most Danes & Norsemen were never Vikings.
(The Normans also belong to this group BTW the word Norman is merely a corruption of Norseman.)
               PF
            Foulmouthed Pedant.

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: Skivee
Date: 16 Mar 06 - 01:30 AM

I made sure to watch the show.
The Rennie family didn't seem to go to fairs , but was , rather, a semi-shut-in family that worn rennfair clothes all the time.
The had a fairly high "freaky" factor.
...And I work renaissance fairs regularly.

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: frogprince
Date: 15 Mar 06 - 09:02 PM

Who's read "Confederates in the Attic?"; it's largely about civil war enactors. I cracked up at the description of a guy who prided himself on his ability to "bloat" when lying dead on the battlefield, but regretted that he couldn't extent the effect to his limbs.

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: Greg F.
Date: 15 Mar 06 - 08:50 PM

AUTHENTICITY? Last thing we need is any steenking authenticity!!

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: Windsinger
Date: 15 Mar 06 - 08:32 PM

Hollow,

I haven't missed a Pennsic War in nearly a decade. ;) Barring disasters unforseen, I'll be there again this year, camped with the Great Dark Horde as usual.

Sure, we can hook up.

Slán,

~Fionn

www.geocities.com/children_of_lir

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: Windsinger
Date: 15 Mar 06 - 08:19 PM

UGH, Fooles. :P

Medieval and renaissance faires -- whether a weekend shindig put on by your local Lions/Rotary Club/Elks/high school/etc, or the professional ones at state-level with an 8-10 week run -- are a rather different animal.

They're less living history than they are "shows", with a distinct theme-park edge (complete with carneys!) And in the effort to keep appealing to the crowd, or doing what thay THINK will appeal to the crowd, some cheese inevitably results.

Still, if you're there for the atmosphere, it's a righteous buzz-kill to hear something like that. Why not just play some Skynyrd and be done with it?

Slán,

~Fionn

www.geocities.com/children_of_lir

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: Hollowfox
Date: 15 Mar 06 - 08:06 PM

Well, I've been in the SCA for about 25 years now, and you're all right in your assessments. But there are some folk who can accurately do all the period stuff without obsessing or being prigs about it. Myself, I've always found SCAdians to be rather dull and predictable when compared with folkies, but there have always been those treasured few who were worth my time, and I hope I'm worth theirs. I was fairly inactive until my three urchins decided that the SCA was the Best Thing Going, and after considering what today's teenagers *could* be interested in , I let myself be dragged back in, kicking (not too hard) and screaming (not too loud).
I wish I'd seen this episode. Since the SCA has so many varied martial arts as part of the general makeup, I find the idea of enrolling that family in a self defence course rather amusing.

By the way, GregF, one of the things I like about the SCA is the idea that the negative aspects of that millenium, while acknowledged, are not part of the mix. Sanitary facilities, medical care for participants, obeying the laws of the 21st century, all these are a good thing in my book. People whose personas would be at each others' throats, if they were even living at the same time, don't have to squabble in the name of authinticity.
Oh, the other thing I like? Since the time period covers 1,000 years, it's not tied to one narrow time period, usually to a war. That gives a lot more options to half the membership - the women. For the 18th and 19th century re-enactors, I'd be a camp follower or somesuch (translation: paying admission to a camping event so I could dress up funny and do the cooking.)

Say, Windsinger (or any other SCAdian Mudcatters), if you come down to any of the events at Cooper's Lake (Pennsic War, Aethelmarc War Practice), maybe we could link up, as I live nearby.

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 15 Mar 06 - 07:39 PM

"Also I remember looking at Wallpapers on Deviant Art one time & under the category heading of "Medieval" they had a picture of a steam train(!)"

At one 'medieval faire' the organisers insisted on playing a certain CD endlessly - while it had some good sounding stuff, ii was so annoyed with endless renditions of 'The Grey Funnel Line' (medieval Steamships even!!!) that I was inspired to write a parody that eventually turned into 'The Grey Flannel Line'.

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Mar 06 - 07:39 PM

Only if Mudcat gets to do that to all of its trolls first. :)

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: Greg F.
Date: 15 Mar 06 - 06:57 PM

Best thing that could happen to & with these "Reinactor" or "Historical Re-Animator" or whatever they wish to call themselves types would be to make them subsist on the available historically appropriate diet, issue 'em with live ammunition, sharp swords, innioculate 'em with pathogens appropriateto the period they pretend to portray [ from plague to typhus to septicaemia to smallpox to "The Bloody Flux" &c &c ] deny them antibiotics and modern medical practice and let 'em have at it.

Let's see some REAL "Living History" for a change.

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: Naemanson
Date: 15 Mar 06 - 06:46 PM

I have dabbled in SCA and Buckskinning. I know a lot of (USA) Civil War reenactors. Each genre has its group of those who are committed and those who do it for fun on the weekends. One of the buckskinners dressed in his pre-1840's garb through his regular week and used to light his pipe using flint and steel. If allowed I'm sure he would have walked around town carrying his flintlock.

The SCA people I knew in Georgia were not that committed though they worked hard at learning the period and the arts and crafts of the time. The fighters worked hard at honing their skills but also learned the other lessons needed to be educated enough to talk about their hobby.

My own persona in Georgia, The Shire Of The Crystal Keep, was Harald Naemanson, a farmer from Iceland in the 12th century. That put me into the Medieval period and still allowed me to be a "Viking" though by that time the raiding part of viking was done and it was mor trading.

I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed my time in both aspects of reencating and I prize my friendship with the people I met. One buckskinner I met was from Germany. He could handle a bullwhip so well he could take a cigarette out of a man's mouth. Many men I met could throw tomahawk or knife. One friend of my father's could use his flintlock rifle so well that he could hit the edge of playing cards and cut them in half with a bullet. He also used to split a rifle ball on an axe blade and brak two clay pigeons at the same time. Another built wood and canvas canoes that were so beautiful they could break your heart. They all made their own clothes or bought them and decorated the clothes themselves. They all cooked in the traditional style.

One adventure I participated in was helping the 20th Maine Volunteers (reenactors) demonstrate maneuvers under fire. We bucksinners hid in the woods and ambushed them as they marched. We fired wads of paper on black powder. They turned into a firing line, leveled their muskets, and started a volley fire that raised the hair on the back ov my neck. Then they fixed bayonets and charged. I was ready to surrender.

It was all good clean fun, better than a lot of what passes for fun these days. I would do it again if I could.

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: Windsinger
Date: 15 Mar 06 - 06:10 PM

most of the CW guys thought the SCA was a great source of laughs.

Scoville, this is because Civil War and Revolutionary reenactment groups are just that: reenactment groups. Strictly academic in nature, re-creating actual historical events.

The SCA (by contrast) was founded by a bunch of students at Berkeley campus in 1966, who were holding a medieval-themed birthday party for a friend. So some of the energy that went into that first "event" is evident in the group to this day: loose, unscripted and improvised.

Having said that, we do sport a pretty wide grab-bag of personalities.    You have your "serious" authenticists, who are the spiritual cousins of the CW/Revolutionary people. You get the party crew, who are there for titties and beer. You get New-Age types, jocks, artisans, and in some cases the leftover odds and ends of other subcultures...

But in between those extremes, you do have a fair spectrum of "normal" people who just love the time period and want to know more about it.

Slán,

~Fionn

www.geocities.com/children_of_lir

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 15 Mar 06 - 06:05 PM

one day they'll re-enact the folk revival and there'll be people dressed up as us.

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: Rapparee
Date: 15 Mar 06 - 05:58 PM

When I've reenacted I've had to be both knowledgable and (reasonably) entertaining. Mind you, I haven't been living in a tipi, I don't own a marquee tent, and I much prefer a nice warm shower to standing out bathing in the rain or the creek.

My reenactor friends run the gamut from those who do their best to live the period (off the electrical grid, for instance, but with solar power in the house) to those like myself who would rather stay in a brick tipi than a canvas one.

Now, the Brigade of the American Revolution, where you have to sew (by hand) uniforms made from materials woven at the original mills...I respect them, but that's not me!

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 15 Mar 06 - 05:47 PM

" new-age types with a sketchy grip on historical accuracy"

That's pretty much the SCA in a nutshell

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: Scoville
Date: 15 Mar 06 - 05:45 PM

I've decided that everyone is crazy if you just get to know them well enough. Even the most "normal" people are completely irrational about something, you just have to find out what it is.


I admit I saw part of the "medieval" episode (I don't watch it regularly, don't worry). I don't know that I'd call them reenactors--those were some dog-ugly costumes. If that was part of that mom's homeschool program, I'd worry about her kids' education.

I don't know much about SCA people on the whole. The few I've known were mostly sort of new-age types with a sketchy grip on historical accuracy (this would probably fall under the "loonies" heading), but they may not have been representative of SCA as a group. The SCA kids at my college used to brew mead in their dorm rooms. I've done Texas history and Civil War reenacting and they run the gamut from frightening civilian-militia gun nuts to frighteningly intense experts; I've never known anyone who did both and I seem to recall that most of the CW guys thought the SCA was a great source of laughs. Maybe it depends on the personalities of the people who make up a particular group?

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: Purple Foxx
Date: 15 Mar 06 - 05:42 PM

It is a little hard to locate but I just googled medieval fonts & it was the 6th entry.

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: Windsinger
Date: 15 Mar 06 - 05:34 PM

Hum.

Entered that site and nothing is coming up.

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: Purple Foxx
Date: 15 Mar 06 - 05:14 PM

Thanks Windsinger, and to reciprocate, the site: Fonts Lord Kyl.Net may be of interest to you.

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: Windsinger
Date: 15 Mar 06 - 05:09 PM

Purple, the official website is here:

Society for Creative Anachronism

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: Windsinger
Date: 15 Mar 06 - 05:04 PM

Clinton,

Yeah, :) I ran across a few of your "experiences" while doing an archive-search (didn't want to through this topic out there if it was of zero interest, after all.)

Groan. I'm sorry you seem to have run into so many asshats. I've lived and "played" across a wide geographic area, though, and have found that much of that ashattery is region-dependent.

The SCA of Ontario, for example, is GREAT. I haven't met a single one of their members that I wouldn't gladly invite to crash on my couch. They seem to have the best combination of relaxed, grounded, scholarly AND fun-loving going, out of the whole group internationally. (Best part: once the fire's lit, they'll sing till sunup. And sing WELL.)

Oh well. It's been a pretty reliable musical venue for me, if nothing else.

Slán,

~Fionn

www.geocities.com/children_of_lir

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 15 Mar 06 - 05:02 PM

Society for Creative Anachronism

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: Purple Foxx
Date: 15 Mar 06 - 05:00 PM

Thanks for the info Windsinger,As a Naturist I have seen many examples of what happens when T.V. people take it upon themselves to represent reality through the distorting glass of their own negative preconceptions.
Please,please pardon my ignorance but what does SCA stand for?

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 15 Mar 06 - 04:54 PM

"make them look a little more extremist"

What I've seen of re-enactors, very few of them need help....

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: Windsinger
Date: 15 Mar 06 - 04:52 PM

over here the Medieval period is deemed to begin with the Norman invasion (1066) & end with the Battle of Bosworth Field (1485)

Right, we're thinking roughly along similar lines:

Fall of Rome - 1066 = Dark Ages
1066 - Henry Tudor = Medieval
Tudor ascension - 1600 = Renaissance

(You start to merge with the Cavalier period towards the end there; but as stated, they're rough designations.)

Slán,

~Fionn

www.geocities.com/children_of_lir

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: Windsinger
Date: 15 Mar 06 - 04:47 PM

Purple,

Could be that this family are complete fantasists or are being wilfully represented in the belief that this "makes good Television"

Believe me, there is much speculation about that among SCAdians at the moment. :/

Apparantly the father and mother of the family in question are now in contact with one of our online forums. They claim that in places the TV show grossly edited the footage so that things appear way out of context, and that in other places the writers and/or narrator flat-out lied (ex: about them not having phones because they're "out of period"), all to make them look a little more extremist.

When pressed to the point, though, the couple backs down claiming their are legally bound not to disclosing the full extent of how much of the show was sheer fabrication.

BTW How is "Medieval" defined in the U.S.?

Probably the same as it is the U. K. . Correctly, by those that care to crack the spine on a few books; incorrectly, by those who have no interest in doing so. ;)

Serisouly, though. As for our organization, it "officially" promotes study of the Dark Ages, Middle Ages and the Renaissance. So pretty much anything from the fall of Rome to the Baroque years is fair game.

Slán,

~Fionn

www.geocities.com/children_of_lir

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: Purple Foxx
Date: 15 Mar 06 - 04:45 PM

Whoops! MAJOR Typo in my last post.
"wilfully represented" should ,of course, read "wilfully misrepresented"
Thanks for the info MMario,over here the Medieval period is deemed to begin with the Norman invasion (1066) & end with the Battle of Bosworth Field (1485) Hence my confusion.

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: MMario
Date: 15 Mar 06 - 04:30 PM

usually defined very loosely and incorrectly - by many "medieval" means approximately "before 1776" and extends backwards to roughly caveman times.

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 15 Mar 06 - 04:30 PM

Is spent some time in the SCA some time ago... I met a few very nice, interesting creative people who enjoyed the hobby....

But the raging majority were mouth breathing nerds with ZERO social skills and even less concept of hygiene...

But I've found the same to be true of most (if not all) 'pursuits' or 'diversions'... some few people can take them out of the box on a Sunday afternoon, enjoy them for what they are for a few hours, and put them away and continue on in their real life.... Others seem so devoid of or alien to 'real life', they have to live IN THE BOX 24/7....

So that they've finally targetd them for so called "Reality TV"... fnneeah....   Maybe at the very least it'll help them get new members

Subject: RE: BS: Reenactors vs. Mere Loonies
From: Windsinger
Date: 15 Mar 06 - 04:30 PM

(TRADING SOUSES! Holy typo, Batman! No, that's what'll be going on Friday night...)