Am I Geeky Enough?

There are times when I wonder if I’m geeky enough to be a reenactor? I know people who can watch a Pirates of the Caribbean movie and point out that a ship is flying the wrong type of flag, and others who can watch a movie that takes place in medieval times and pick out costume mistakes.

Perhaps I’m being too hard on myself. I am watching a movie to escape, have a little fun, in effect turn off the reenactor switch and enjoy.

There are people who once they have a created a persona and then place that persona in a certain time and location will only buy clothes that are historically accurate for their character. Me, I’ll buy an outfit because I like it.

I’ve fought fencers who know the difference between Italian, German, and French schools of swordplay. Me, I’m thinking isn’t the point of fencing literally sticking it to your opponent? How many different ways can there be to do that?

I have spoken to people who know all the minutiae of preparing food, making mead and can write poems in medieval Spanish.

These are all people of accomplishments, who devote hours to perfecting their skills. Maybe that’s my problem. I don’t take this hobby seriously enough to spend hours on line or in the library doing research. Perhaps I’m not detailed oriented enough?

I consider myself more of a patron of the art. I enjoy and admire the skill and the craftsmanship of other reenactors, but I know my limits—studying poetry forms would bore me to tears. I’ve tried learning the differences between ships. My efforts have only succeeded in sending me to the internet when I need to know the answer.

Then I realize that all though becoming an expert in your field of study is admirable, the most important part of being a reenactor is a willingness never to stop learning about what interests you.

Stay curious, my friends.