Reversing my Position
Well friends, despite my frustration and disappointment in the Society, I am going to reverse my previous position to walk away. ‘Well, no s**t there I was…’ at what was supposed to be my last event fulfilling my duties, and word to good people who deserve nothing less. Allow me to explain a little…
There have been a lot of conversations with people regarding the Martial Peerage, town hall meetings, group discussions, and back channel meetups. There are a great many people who support a path in some form or another. Some of the conversations have been supportive, especially recently.
I would like to point out here that I don’t normally spark these conversations, strangely enough people usually start the conversation with me when I am at an event. I try not to bother people with the #MartialPeerage issue, because, well, its their time too. They surely have other things they think are important to them…. but I digress.. I have organized discussions, yes, but in casual meetings, I generally try not to.
I have recently had several chats with people that I greatly respect, who have showed empathy, respect, and open minds. Having these convos have brought me to another place of understanding. Provided more information and perspective. These friends helped reveal to me that there is respect and honor, even in some places I may not expect. Remind me that perspectives are important, and context helps.
But you said…
Is it hard to ‘swallow my pride’ and reverse my previous statements? No. It isn’t about ego or pride. Though I have ego I try not to be driven by it, it is not a barrier.
This doesn’t mean things are ‘o.k.’, they aren’t. Bias is fairly rampant in this Society. I don’t think ignoring it helps. Always call out a bully. ALWAYS.
I’m still looking at other groups such as the EMP. I love ‘re-enactment’ and the lifestyle, the singing, music, arts, storytelling, martial activities, and so much more. But letting the bullies have the last word has never really been my style. So I’ll stick around. I’ll try to be supportive, inquisitive, and empathetic. It is hard when you feel as if you are personally being attacked sometimes. What is always worse and weighs on me the most is seeing others give up, dismayed, lose hope, feel targeted… It is hard for me to watch this year in and out.
This post is about me, sorry. It isn’t about me though. We all deserve a better Society. Can we please all demand it instead of asking? It is our home too.
And now for something completely different…
LANCELOT: No, no, sweet Concorde! Stay here! I will send help as soon as I have accomplished a daring and heroic rescue in my own particular…
CONCORDE: Idiom, sir?
LANCELOT: Idiom!
