Myth: The SCA is devoted to the research and re-creation of pre-seventeenth century cultures. Fact: This is the shining standard. This is what we say we want to be. For many reasons we’re falling short of this. It’s only in the last few years that the SCA mission statement was grudgingly updated to remove the reference to “Western European” cultures…
Myth: Saying “I want to be a {peer}” means that you will NEVER be that peer. Fact: Never is a very strong word. I would not say it will prevent you FOREVER but it can slow you down. So this is sort of true. Depending on the meaning behind your words (and the perceived meaning). The analogy: There’s a difference…
Myth: If you are a fighter and you want to be “taken seriously” as a fighter you cannot pursue non-fighting things outside of fighting.Things which are okay: making armor, making shields, painting shields, chessThings which are not okay: sewing, embroidery, cooking, weaving, Fact: This one is hard. I want this to be an utterly bullshit myth. But I look at…
Myth: All Laurels are mean. Fact: I know it’s going to come as a surprise, but Laurels (and all peers by extension) are just people. They are nice, mean, confident, anxious, scared, and gracious (among a thousand other things) as individuals at different times throughout the day. It is patently false to say “all Laurels are mean” in the same…
Myth: The SCA is a family friendly place. Free-range/feral children are okay. Fact: By the letter of the law any minor (person under the legal age for the local area) is required to have a parent or guardian within direct sight and sound of the minor youth at all times. “Parents or guardians of minors shall have ultimate responsibility for…