I've mentioned over the past few posts about Bob Eubanks making the usual disparaging comments about the 501st in regards to their participation in the Rose Bowl parade. On the starwars.com blogs, a couple of people said that we ought to just let stuff like this go. In this instance, I disagreed. We all know the double standard Darth Media often affords to sports fans or music fans going the extra mile for their pursuits versus fans of science fiction or fantasy, even of something as mainstream and widely-embraced as SW. There were plenty of other participants in the parade in costume, including people in medieval costumes, Mexican caballero costumes, Victorian costumes, U.S Army/Calvary uniforms from the 19th century, even some obviously non-Indians in Native American dress. Nobody else was mocked except for the 501st.
There's a reason why many of us don't mention our enthusiasm for SW or whatever in front of new acquaintances, relatives, co-workers, etc. and it's because of the stereotype that we're all pathetic losers. I knew someone back in D.C. who was fired from her job because she was a little too open about her fandom (she successfully got a settlement from her ex-employers). This same person led the campout line for AOTC and a local radio station "interviewed" her live on the air during its morning show. They flat out called her names on the air; she was so stunned she couldn't say anything back. If they'd interviewed me, I would've given that radio station a reply worthy of heavy FCC fines. You'll be glad to know that radio station is now playing reggaeton and Spanish ballads, heh heh. In any case, sometimes it's fine to turn the other cheek...not everyone is going to be convinced after all. But people aren't going to respect you either if you don't learn to stand up for yourself. Let me tell you, that's the story of my life. The 501st does a lot of good work all over the world and brings a lot of joy to people (just look at how parade spectators reacted), and you know, THAT should be something the general public should know about. It's not something that should be dismissed or become the butt of a joke.
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