Society for Creative Anachronism

The Society for Creative Anachronism (or SCA for short) is a non-profit educational organization devoted to studying and re-creating the Middle Ages and Renaissance. The primary focus is on Western European culture, but can also include other regions such as the Middle East and Japan with which Western Europe had contact during 800-1650 CE. The SCA is easily described as a Middle Ages Arts Revival Recreation Organization.

Shortcomings / Criticism

Politics

As with any human organization, personalities can clash. Some people have had bad experiences with local groups or individuals, which colors their impression of the organization as a whole.

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Authenticity

Some people criticize the SCA because it does not require its members to adhere to as high a standard of authenticity as other living-history or re-enactment groups. Activities, such as battles or duels, are said to "re-create" history but are not faithful reproductions of actual events. SCA participants are more interested in performing activities that would not be out of place in period.

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Martial Arts

SCA heavy weapons combat is derided by some in the greater martial arts community, though many SCA combat participants have extensive backgrounds in the traditional martial arts. It is also criticized by some scholars and re-enactors of "real" Medieval combat because the emphasis on safety creates an inauthentic style of fighting.

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