Be nice; be the maker
Resharing "Make for whatever reason inspires you" with new commentary
It happened today - I came across one of those dreaded gatekeepers.
It was in a locally owned electrical supply shop that mostly caters to professional electricians. The guy behind the parts counter was immediately confrontational when I asked for 2” flexible PVC water-tight conduit.
“What for?”
“Well, it’s a custom build - not a typical electrical hook-up. May I see a few connectors in this size?”
“What for?” he asked again. “I can’t get you what you want unless you tell me.”
“As I said, it’s a custom build. I’ve never used this type of conduit before, and I’d like to…”
‘What’s it for?!” He almost growled at me as he interrupted.
I tried to explain my project, but that only seemed to make matters worse.
At this point, I was about to say forget it and walk out. But his co-worker overheard what was going on, and she brought up an example of a 2” water-tight coupling for me to see. She basically took over, and I was thankful.
Anyway, one never knows what hard battles another is fighting. So I am thankful I didn’t tell that guy to stuff it. He could have been having a bad day, and my ignorance set him off. Or perhaps he’s just that way to anyone who is even remotely less-than-knowledgeable about the wares in his shop. Either way, it kind of spoiled my morning, and then it reminded me of this short essay I wrote on the subject of elitism vs. open community. Please have a read, and let me know your thoughts on gatekeepers, elitists, and otherwise unhelpful types. They can’t help it, or can they?
~JRC
Make for whatever reason inspires you
Don't let the elitists get in the way
First published January 20, 2023
One of the great joys in making is walking into an artisan, hobby, or specialty supply shop and being greeted by a knowledgeable and welcoming face. Such enthusiasts - often experts in their chosen craft - are more than willing to share with you no matter your skill level or reason for being there. There are shops near me where I'm always welcomed in this way. But I also know several examples of the opposite. Helming these latter un-named stores are intentionally inattentive types who seem barely able to lift an eye to acknowledge, let alone a hand to help.
Why do they do that? Is it hate? Contempt? Fear? Or are they truly elitist, believing what they know makes them superior to others?
There's something profound here, something about culture and vocation, the need for community juxtaposed with our tribalistic instincts. It probably says a lot about crafts dominated by men too. But I don't have the knowledge or credentials to speak to these. What I do know is that I like making things, and I like sharing my enthusiasm within communities of other makers. How sad it is there are those who, to feel good about what they do, must exclude or, worse yet, demean others.
A sign of the times?
It's well known that critical elitism garners success for many. Look no further than social media to see that spewing divisiveness from a pulpit gets “likes” - and makes money. It seems that much of the world operates like this now. So sad indeed that our hobbies and passions suffer from it as well.
Me? I'd much rather be with those who share my enthusiasm, happy and thankful to be making what we make for whatever reasons we choose. And if my reasons differ from yours? All the better. Please, share with me. I want to know what inspires you. In sharing, we gain a new appreciation for the craft we so cherish. Together we can build a community around what we love - not entrenched against what we hate.
Until next time.
JRC
As a quilter and sewist I rarely need a new quilt. However, I still make them. I choose challenging patterns, new to me just to figure out how it goes together. I love the challenge of learning something new. Recently I'm interested in curved seams I love them. I also have an attachment to fabric prints and how they blend and contrast . Just as wood has beauty so does fabric.
Being fully engaged in the process is a wonderful meditation . Another reason I quilt and sew.
If you were the business owner, how would you handle an employee who treated customers that way?