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Dear Madam
April 1982
Dear “Madam”:
I have been having a problem. My persona is that of a lady in a distinctive profession, and I have been finding that people in the SCA almost always assume that I will act in character to their stereotype of that profession, not only when I appear in garb publicly, but all the time. Don’t they realize that I have a right to be myself? My persona has been carefully researched, and although I know that I am not typical of my era, I am historically plausible – ladies like myself did exist. Yet some people, without waiting to find out what kind of persona I am, hear only that first descriptive noun and assume that I fit the “type” far more common and privately despise me for it.
I don’t really think there is a solution to this problem short of finding a different persona, but would appreciate your comments. Thanks for letting me get this off my chest.
-- Misunderstood
| Dear Misunderstood, No it is not fair to be stereotyped. Unfortunately some ideas and opinions such as bigotry and prejudice have managed to survive even into our current middle ages. Bigotry is a self-centered, selfish emotion, and there is really not much you or anyone but the person involved can do about it. You can smile at their ignorance, teach them that you are not your persona outside of the SCA, and remember why you created your persona. The SCA attracts many different types of people, with different goals and dreams. Don’t let others’ shortsightedness ruin your dreams. “Madam” |
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