The Third Way: Beyond Fun and Authenticity

[jducoeur]

I just came across this marvelous essay on the SCA fun/authenticity false dichotomy, and a different way of looking at it. It was written some years ago, but is still worthwhile reading for any SCAdian. (It's from Tibicen, who some of you might remember from days of yore.)

I totally agree with the philosophy here: while I'm pretty indisciplined about it, I'd say that "atmospherist" nicely describes where I think the Society is at its best, and I think we still hamstring ourselves by under-emphasizing it. Indeed, while I've often thought of myself as a "funnist", I've always been clear that the distinctive fun of the SCA -- what makes this club particularly fun -- is the atmosphere...

Comments

[mermaidlady]

I also think it's a lovely philosophy. While I would have put myself in the authenticist camp, yes, really, it's the medieval atmosphere that I love. I care less about how accurate one's garb is than not having to hear modern conversation.

Yevsha's big thing was "period neutral". Once can have perfectly historic conversations without knowing anything about the tax rolls in 13th century Flanders or resorting to cute SCAisms.

"It's so hot today." "It look like we're going to get some rain later and that should cool, things off." "Either way, I'm glad I didn't bring my armor."

"You look tired." "I was up all night finishing this gown." "Well, it look great!"

"Would you like to dance?" "Yes, but I don't know this one." "It's easier than it looks. Let's give it a try."

[jducoeur]

Yeah -- the first and most important thing I learned about hanging around in Enchanted Ground and the like is that it *isn't* about being able to wax rhetorically about your persona, it's about *editing* what you talk about, to focus on appropriate topics.

(And it's useful to remember that most *important* aspects of Life haven't really changed significantly -- so it's not hard to talk about much of what is going on in your life so long as you keep it conceptual and avoid the fine details.)

I haven't gotten nearly as much practice in this stuff since Le Poulet Gauche stopped. Hmm; need to think about opportunities...

[tibicen]

Glad you liked it this time around.