Acknowledging Racism in the Ren Faire Community

As a Ren Faire patron for over 10 years and as an artist with fantasy/ faire influences, I was proud to see Digital Ren Faire acknowledge the existence of racism in the community and provide some resources to combat this behavior. I’ve quoted their June 1st Facebook post here, but encourage you to check out their pages for entertainment as well!

A MESSAGE FROM THE WIZARDS: While the Digital Ren Faire usually attempts to provide a refuge from the weighty matters of the modern world, there comes a point where we must speak to provide clarity.

Each of us behind the scenes has struggled with the fact that while Renaissance Faires attempt to create an inclusive environment, they are often euro-centric places and sometimes do not foster good environments for performers of color. We have all heard horror stories from festivals where management and/or audience members have accepted the presence of dragons and fairies, but not a black man in noble garb. This is not what we are here to create.

There are parts of the history of the Renaissance to be acknowledged. For example, the Peasant Revolts (also known as “The Crisis of the Late Middle Ages”), during which rebellions sprung up across Europe, spurred on by a peasantry that had been oppressed for centuries. Without them, we might still be living in a feudal society. Also, the idea of “Carnival,” most famous in Venice, when performers could exercise free speech and critique those in power through elaborate revels. Or, if we jump a few decades past the Renaissance, the ideals of the Quakers, who often resorted to guerrilla tactics to protest for religious freedom, and who organized the first Anti-Slavery protest in the New World in 1688. This is the spirit of Renaissance history that we embrace.

As always, we are committed to providing a platform for performers of all walks of life, and we will continue to air programs full of music, laughter, and love that allow a short respite for those needing a breath of fresh air. Know that all are welcome and protected within our pixelated castle walls.

If you would like to pursue deeper exploration of these ideas, please click here:

Black Nerd Problems article: https://blacknerdproblems.com/yes-there-were-black-people-…/
Black Bristol Photo Album: https://blackbristol.wixsite.com/blackbristol
People of Color in European Art History: https://medievalpoc.tumblr.com/