Why Tradition?

blackghost · 08-26-2003, 05:33 PM

I recently purchased a vintage Airstream (1962 Bambi), joined WBCCI, and attended my first International Rally all in the short span of two months. I was a bit overwhelmed by all the pomp and circumstance I encountered at the rally and wanted to find out how the WBCCI general membership feels about this topic. I later saw Jim Franklin’s point of view on the same topic in the August, 2003 edition of the “Blue Beret”. What does everyone else think about this? Are these rituals needed?

For those who haven’t read Jim’s article, I have posted it here along with a poll:

http://www.airforums.com/forum...?threadid=6349

Pahaska · 08-26-2003, 06:11 PM

I haven't attended an International, but in the unit rallys I have attended there is just about no formality at all and at the Region 9 rally, only the officers got caught up in it and not very much of that.

Some thrive on the fomality and rituals. I want to be somewhere else.

47WeeWind · 08-26-2003, 06:51 PM

The rituals and traditions to some, pomp and circumstance to others, are obviously enjoyable and useful to those who participant in them and those who watch them. Some people love the Olympic Games opening and closing ceremonies; I'd rather wax my kitchen floor than be forced to sit though them, so my kitchen floor gets waxed every 4 years. As long as attendance at such functions is not mandatory, what's the harm in letting other people enjoy themselves in ways you would not choose? Why take a poll to control other's behavior when you can simply live and let live? There is no reason to spoil their fun simply because it doesn't appeal to you. If you "feel" their rituals are boring or of little interest, don't attend. Do something else instead. I am sure you will be able to find many others who also skip the rituals and traditional ceremonies. Join them so two groups with different views can each have fun without stepping on each others feelings. As for me, nearby ritual and tradition sparks an uncontrollable urge to polish my trailer.

PeterH-79MH · 08-26-2003, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 47WeeWind
The rituals and traditions to some, pomp and circumstance to others, are obviously enjoyable and useful to those who participant in them and those who watch them. Some people love the Olympic Games opening and closing ceremonies; I'd rather wax my kitchen floor than be forced to sit though them, so my kitchen floor gets waxed every 4 years. As long as attendance at such functions is not mandatory, what's the harm in letting other people enjoy themselves in ways you would not choose? Why take a poll to control other's behavior when you can simply live and let live? There is no reason to spoil their fun simply because it doesn't appeal to you. If you "feel" their rituals are boring or of little interest, don't attend. Do something else instead. I am sure you will be able to find many others who also skip the rituals and traditional ceremonies. Join them so two groups with different views can each have fun without stepping on each others feelings. As for me, nearby ritual and tradition sparks an uncontrollable urge to polish my trailer.

Well said, Fred!
Intolerance is just a nice word for feeling superior.
May I help you polish your trailer.

Tinsel Loaf · 08-26-2003, 07:33 PM

" I would not join any club that would have me as a member " Groucho Marx

Amy in an Argosy · 08-27-2003, 02:45 AM

Hey "Guys".....How about explaining a bit further what the Pomp and "Circumferences" are..........
Have never been to a Rally...............

Or I could just keep my nose out of it, but then I'd be left to my own imagination......thats scary!

53flyingcloud · 08-27-2003, 03:13 AM

Amy in an Argosy

It's where they gather around in a circle and,
"give" the secret handshake..

Got it?? jajajajajaja

Actually, what I believed was said was:

Quote:

I was a bit overwhelmed by all the pomp and "circumstance" I encountered at the rally

You said;

Quote:

Hey "Guys".....How about explaining a bit further what the Pomp and "Circumferences" are..........

slight differences, wouldn't you agree??

ciao

Amy in an Argosy · 08-27-2003, 03:41 AM

Well yeah slight differences
But mostly a poor attempt at a "blonde" joke

and to think I was going to say Pomp and Circumcisio......oh never mind

blackghost · 08-27-2003, 04:03 AM

Thank-you for all the responses! I want to clarify that the purpose of my poll is NOT to control other's behavior but to poll the general Airstream public's opinion. Also, I am NOT, by any means, trying to "spoil the fun" by polling public opinion. And, finally, I am not "intolerant", which is defined as someone who refuses to allow others the enjoyment of their opinions.

What I am doing is what has been done on countless occasions over a campfire -- asking a question to start a conversation and to hear other's opinions. I am aware that this "pomp and circumstance" is very near and dear to many Airstreamers and it is also the "heart" of the WBCCI so I am attempting to tread very lightly. I apologize if I stepped too hard! It was not my intent.

My understanding of this forum, was that it was, in fact, a "forum" -- a public meeting place for open discussion. There is no need to resort to name calling (i.e., "intolerant"). I would imagine the forum master would frown upon that type of behavior!

With that said, let's get back to the business of discussing this topic of "tradition" -- pro or con!

For Amy in an Argosy:

For the record, here is a definition of "pomp": Dignified or magnificent display; splendor.

The only "pomp and circumstance" I witnessed was each of the Regions and Units marches in one by one with their flags (over 165 units; 2 hours+) and everyone involved dresses the same (blue beret, white shirt, blue trousers/skirt).

Tinsel Loaf · 08-27-2003, 04:16 AM

If you want "pomp and circumstance" go to the Burning Man rally in the desert this week. Maybe you wouldn't call it a rally and maybe it doesn't have "pomp" but it sure has "circumstance"

blackghost · 08-27-2003, 04:20 AM

"The Burning Man" event IS on my list of things to do before I die!

Amy in an Argosy · 08-27-2003, 04:36 AM

For Amy in an Argosy:

For the record, here is a definition of "pomp": Dignified or magnificent display; splendor.

EEEKKKKKKKK OKay OKay I will not try to be "cute" or funny or goofy anymore I promise.
I do know what Pomp and Circumstance mean. Just didn't know what happens at the rallies. I never realized it was more than a group of people parking together in one spot. Yes, I am naive.

Thank you Ghost for explaining the ceremonies.

PeterH-79MH · 08-27-2003, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by blackghost
.....
My understanding of this forum, was that it was, in fact, a "forum" -- a public meeting place for open discussion. There is no need to resort to name calling (i.e., "intolerant"). I would imagine the forum master would frown upon that type of behavior!.........

It's all between the lines. My reference to what you call name calling (i.e. "intolerant") was a tongue in cheek statement about my personal experiences with the "brass" of the wbcci.
Sorry you took it directed towards you.
May I help you polish your trailer during the next pomp and circumstance...

Do a search on the subject and you will find many opinions.

markdoane · 08-27-2003, 07:34 AM

" I would not join any club that would have me as a member " Groucho Marx

It wasn't Groucho that said that, it was Mark Twain.

Wait, maybe it was Will Rogers?

Now I can't remember. So long ago.....

Yes it was Groucho.