Hi all,
Can we please stop arguing and demotivating the organizers who have put
together a very nice event for us?
The event will be a reception held in a very prestigious building in the
evening, where people from the cultural sector and outside Wikimania will
attend, including representatives of foreign cultural institutions
represented on the East Coast if I understood correctly. Going to such an
event in T-shirts and jeans would look out of place under almost all
circumstances.
Fortunately, the event's invitation and dress code (which was set at the
minimal level acceptable for such an event in such a venue) was published
well in advance so that everyone who can and wants to can pack their
suitcases accordingly.
As I gather, a number of Wikimanias had formal, or invitation-only
receptions before the official programmes, though I am not sure they had a
dress code; I am actually quite happy that this year's reception will
actually be open to the attendees. We should celebrate that – this is
certainly not an elaborate plot to suit up attendees or to exclude anyone.
I am especially happy to see strong cultural programmes as side events this
year, apart from the usual parties.
Whatever you may say about traditions that are not the same as general
Wikimania traditions; we should be open to celebrate others' cultures and
traditions and receptions with dress codes are just as much cultural
experiences as anything else you may experience. You are not forced to
partake in this experience, but cultural sensitivity requires that if you
do want to participate you respect the modest requirements on dressing and
thereby show respect to the organizers, the event and the other
participants; and if you do not want to participate, that you try not to
spoil the enjoyment of others.
The reception is scheduled to last about 90 minutes, after [and during]
which everyone will have an opportunity to enjoy city life with or without
other attendees in whatever clothes they find appropriate for a warm summer
evening.
Best regards,
Bence