thegirlsclub

SuGyong · Posted: Sat Oct 27, 2007 12:57 pm Post subject: Sexism still exist in the SCA?

Does sexism still exist in the SCA? We've been discussing knighthood and women, and whether or not there seems to be glass ceilings, but what do you think?

Ok, you ladies who have been in for 10+ years (20 in some cases) bring out your "What It Used to Be Lik" stories so we can compare!! Smile

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audax · Posted: Sat Oct 27, 2007 4:45 pm Post subject:

I'm sure it does. I just find it beneath my dignity to pay any attention unless someone goes out of their way to do me dirty.

Usually guys seem to get over it after I kill them.
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Martel le Hardi
squire to Meser Lyonel Oliver Grace, fostered to Sir Gaston de Clermont
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The Minstrel's Champion

SuGyong · Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2007 12:34 pm Post subject:

LOL audax!

When I think of where we started (25+ years ago: women not allowed to fight. period.) and where we are now (only 2 at your practice? recruit more!) I think we've definitely come a long way.

There aren't men who will say to your face that you shouldn' be there, etc. There is that subtle attitude, but for the most part, we're a solid part of the fighting community.

We've all come across some of the attitudes, "women fighters are frigid", "tourney light", "all female fighters are gay", or "armour is lingerie" - those tell us that we have a way to go yet. But our foot is solidly in the door and we're not going to let anyone shut us out.

I just want to say VIVAT! To all of you here: knights, long term ladies, armorers, intermediate and new ladies, and our supporting guys. We're not only in armor, but we're all working to help other ladies who might need some help, too.

IMO, service awards all around! Wink

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Opinions? Great! Flames? Oh well. I probably deserve it.

Wrenn · Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2007 7:15 am Post subject:

The struggle I'm having right now is with "Guards" and "Ladies in Waiting" I'm trying to have "Attendants" and "Guards" which is more unisex, but somehow complicated for people- who knew such a little thing would confusing!

Within our group it's a lot of subtle little things like that that tend to put people into "traditional" gender roles.

I've been a heavy fighter for years and it means a lot to me to be asked to be a guard instead of a lady in waiting- I'm I being sexist? Sort of...
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Adwen Wrenn, Squire to Sir Hrothgar Thorvaldsson

SuGyong · Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2007 12:09 pm Post subject:

I agree. When I was a guard for Morgen, I thought nothing could be cooler. I would probably not have been very happy as a lady-in-waiting.

As I've gotten older I've found that I'm not as worried about being a fighter, or being a girly-girl. Somehow I've found a middle ground where I can just BE and not hold it against myself... I've even gotten a *gasp* pink top now. It's something that I would have committed suicide before doing 10 years ago. Wink

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Opinions? Great! Flames? Oh well. I probably deserve it.

Hakon · Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2007 8:48 pm Post subject:

SuGyong · Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2007 12:30 pm Post subject:

_________________
Opinions? Great! Flames? Oh well. I probably deserve it.

Isabella E · Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2007 5:57 pm Post subject:

The one thing that sometimes glaringly stands out to me is often that when discussing a female fighter there are guys whos' first comments in regard to her have to do with women in armor being sexy or hot as opposed to skill or prowess. It's probably kind of nit picky but it kind of irritates me.

Naqid · Posted: Fri Nov 02, 2007 5:42 pm Post subject:

Milesent · Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2008 3:50 pm Post subject:

What really toasts my brisket is when someone will use Historical Accuracy as an excuse to be sexist. *gnashes teeth*

I don't think we'll be rid of sexism in the SCA until we're rid of it in the world at large, after all we all live in the modern world and that's where you pick up some of these wacko ideas.

audax · Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2008 6:30 pm Post subject:

Just remember that women did take up arms in period. There are plenty of historical accounts of such things happening. Especially in sieges which were the most common types of battles. When I say take up arms, I mean they put on armor, grabbed up a weapon and kicked the crap out of someone. This happened more often than is commonly believed.
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Martel le Hardi
squire to Meser Lyonel Oliver Grace, fostered to Sir Gaston de Clermont
-------------------------------------------------------

The Minstrel's Champion

Caileigh · Club Member Joined: 30 Dec 2007 Posts: 86 : Items

When it comes down to it people aren't that different in any period. There are sexists today, and sexists throughout history. There are also folks who aren't that way.

In my corner of the SCA folks have been pretty terrific.

Often I think it comes down to either personality or maturity. Some folks are insecure and hold onto rigid ideas about social structures. They feel safer. If they are influential, they can spread that attitude. Sometimes folks are just immature and grow out of it. I've not seen a lot of the first kind in the SCA, but a little of the second kind. I think that's about the best we can hope from human beings.

Maybe you can tell I've thought a lot about this?

Caileigh

Milesent · Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 9:22 pm Post subject:

Actually, Audax, I wasn't even thinking of fighting. More... other stuff. Some people turn behaving chivalrously into an excuse to be sexist. There's a fine line between showing courtesy to someone and showing condensation.

On the other side of the coin, some use "not being sexist" as a poor excuse to not behave courteously.

Myself, I find being female no excuse for failing to be gentlemanly and hold the door for someone!

Wrenn · Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2008 1:24 am Post subject:

Amaris · Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2008 1:39 am Post subject:

....willing to let another hold the door for you?.....

I sure am.

It happened, today, as a matter of fact. First time since the New Year.
Some kid (20 something) at school opened the door for me. And I didn't even have anything in my hands. Very Happy

Amaris