The events of the past few days should serve as a reminder to us all that we must remain ever vigilant to protect our friends and our Society from prejudice and injustice. Regardless of the intent of the artisans and the wearers, the representation of the fylfot in SCA clothing has caused harm, and that harm has been exacerbated because the clothing was worn by royalty. Whether the harm was intended or not is irrelevant. Simply put, the use of symbols of hate and intolerance has no place in our society. We have witnessed many debates about which symbols are evil and which are not. To put it plainly, the swastika and all variations of it are too closely connected to the atrocities of the Nazis, atrocities that are embodied in living people.
While mistakes have been made in the past, going forward from this day no one can claim to not know the harm caused by these symbols, and we would condemn the continued use of them as willful ignorance. We hope sincerely that all who bear witness to these harms will hear our collective revulsion and will see that we do not accept these symbols as part of the society to which we proudly belong. We have seen the words of our cousins in Caid, who have now abdicated their throne. While we are saddened by this development, we respect their choice and recognize the sincerity of their actions.
We believe that we must band together in unity to espouse the virtues of tolerance, acceptance, inclusion, and equality rather than allow hateful actions to pull us apart. It is easy to assume that hatred happens elsewhere, but evidence shows us that intolerance is closer to home than we’d like. It is important that we open the doors to conversations and begin to find a way to move forward. There are lessons to be learned and steps to be taken, may this be our first.
Savaric, King An Tir
Dalla, Queen An Tir
Ziitos, Prince Summits
Seamus, Prince Summits
William, Prince Tir Righ
Nadezdha, Princess Tir Righ
Vikingr, Tanist Tir Righ
Lishinia, ban-Tanist Tir Righ
Viscountess Lenora, An Tir Kingdom Seneschal
Master Piaras, Principality of Summits Seneschal
HL Alessandra, Principality of Tir Righ Seneschal
The Society for Creative Anachronism strongly condemns hate speech in any form by any officers and participants of this organization. The SCA was founded on and continues to be governed by the concepts of chivalry and honor, and strives to include and be respectful of all people, regardless of race, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and politics. All participants are reminded of and expected to hold to these principles in participating in this organization and interacting with other people in person and in all forums, regardless of media.
The Board of Directors has heard the concerns of many people regarding the use of hate symbols in the SCA. The Board is concerned about this matter and has tasked the President of the SCA to immediately investigate. The President has the full confidence of the Board, and the Board will act as necessary to protect the participants of the SCA and to ensure that chivalry, honor, and respect for all continue to govern the organization.
Comments are strongly encouraged and can be sent to:
SCA Inc.
Box 360789
Milpitas, CA 95036
You may also email comments@lists.sca.org.