About twelve years ago, I was asked by a well-meaning male colleague (and father of two) why I didn't bring my kids with me to cons. "Because I have to work at cons," I said. "But I bring mine," he replied. "Yes," I said "And you also bring along your wife, who watches your kids." "Oh. Yeah."
I have been to one con where someone gladly watched my critter while I did panels, and it was awesome. (BayCon 1994.) I got back a toddler who could say "Huzzah!" and I was thoroughly charmed. I have also been to cons where I was promised help and hospitality that never happened. (Anime America 1992 and 1993.) I returned in '93 after being shat upon mightily in 1992, because apologies were tendered and promises were made. The payback for my trust gave me a new rule about never going to a con again if they fucked up with me, because did they ever.
I hope things have gotten better with regards to how non-parents behave towards parents of babies and young children at cons. What I saw ten years ago, and have heard since, is not confidence-building.
Part and parcel of a fucked-up, yet normalized culture. I'm glad to see gals (and guys) standing up and saying"Enough of that shit, and here's how."
no subject
About twelve years ago, I was asked by a well-meaning male colleague (and father of two) why I didn't bring my kids with me to cons.
"Because I have to work at cons," I said.
"But I bring mine," he replied.
"Yes," I said "And you also bring along your wife, who watches your kids."
"Oh. Yeah."
I have been to one con where someone gladly watched my critter while I did panels, and it was awesome. (BayCon 1994.) I got back a toddler who could say "Huzzah!" and I was thoroughly charmed.
I have also been to cons where I was promised help and hospitality that never happened. (Anime America 1992 and 1993.) I returned in '93 after being shat upon mightily in 1992, because apologies were tendered and promises were made. The payback for my trust gave me a new rule about never going to a con again if they fucked up with me, because did they ever.
I hope things have gotten better with regards to how non-parents behave towards parents of babies and young children at cons. What I saw ten years ago, and have heard since, is not confidence-building.
Part and parcel of a fucked-up, yet normalized culture. I'm glad to see gals (and guys) standing up and saying"Enough of that shit, and here's how."
Go you!