Have you noticed that the Bands these days are giving masqueraders more options when it comes to costume choices? With these new options comes with it the chance for masqueraders to choose a costume according to their budget but it also brings a confusion of sorts on the hierarchy of "lines" when it comes to Frontline, Backline and everything in between. Masqueraders today love spending their money for the extra exclusivity of belonging to the Frontline club, not to mention the extra five minutes of fame afforded frontliners by allowing them to cross the stage first. But the question has to be asked, is the appeal of the Frontline being undermined with all these choices.. and if we were to do a section hierarchy where does everyone fall in?
First off we have the regular backline costume, which in some cases is not even "regular" as it comes with the option of a small or large headpiece. If you choose the large headpiece does that make you Backline Plus?
Backline
Backline Plus
Then we have the Frontline costume with the addition of extras like a backpack , wire bra or a much larger and grander headpiece than even the Backline option with the large headpiece. I call these the Frontline Fully Loaded:
Frontline Fully Loaded
But, there is a new category of Frontliners, the one with either a different body wear to the backline or just a bigger headpiece and none of the "extras" that makes you Frontline Fully Loaded, these are the Frontline Lite:
Frontline Lite
So, we now have Backline, Backline Plus, Frontline Lite and Frontline Fully Loaded. And if you are playing in YUMA the Backline also has the option of buying a BACPACK (Taurus, Oracle) or Collar (Pisces) which is also an option for Frontline and adds a whole new category, is this now the Mid Line? And in the Line Up is the Backline With Back Pack (Mid Line) a step ahead of Frontline Lite? Confused yet?
Personally I think Frontline Fully Loaded is the ONLY way to go if you are playing a TRUE frontline, GO BIG OR STAY HOME is our motto; to me if you are not Frontline Fully Loaded you are just a nicely decked out Backline Betty...sorry. However I know many masqueraders want the drama of the frontline costume without all the extras that they think is too much hassle on the road (blasphemy)! But I think we are reaching comical status now on how many "lines" there are in costuming for women and now we want to define exactly what each "costume line" means so masqueraders will know their place when crossing the great and almighty stage because honestly, none of this matters otherwise !
So, is having more choice a good thing or is this just going to cause more confusion and animosity on the road when you can no longer differentiate between the Backline Betty and the Frontline H.O. and everyone else who paid good money for their costume extras and who want to be FIRST when crossing the stage? What does a Frontline mean to you and really, do you even care? Thoughts, opinions, weigh in!
81 comments:
I am royally confused i really want to do frontline this year cause its been 5 years and 2 kids since i last played mas but all these options and price differences making ma head spin...but as u say go big or go home so i guess is frontline fully loaded for me yessssssss
I personally like having all the options. It's selfish I know, but I can't handle big backpacks and arm pieces/leg pieces. I love a large headpiece. So where I can afford it, I always go backline plus, and I'm happy to have the option.
To me a frontline is not just a large headpiece, but a headpiece with a collar or backpack or a bustle. I guess the most important things for these bands is enforcing the frontline hierarchy. I never want to steal a frontline's "shine", I just want to wear my costume the way I want to wear it.
Just a side note tho- some frontlines need to reference Saucy's guide: why pay all that money just to throw a tank under your bra (instead of having a monokini or a bustier made special) or wearing sneakers on your feet? If you want backline masqueraders to show some respect for your position on the road, be worthy of the costume! I saw some craziness last year that I would prefer never to see again! LOL
i'm just laughing at what we're calling frontline 'lite' in 2010/2011 was regular backline in 2003/2004! My my how have things changed. LOL
IMNSHO (In my not-so-humble opinion lol), Frontline "Fully Loaded" is the ONLY recognizable and accredited Frontline costume.
Everything else is just a suped-up Backline.
The Frontline Costume is not for everyone, please abide your respective commandments religiously! It goes beyond the costume: it's the accesories, the makeup appointment, the vigirous exercising and fitness, the constant planning and discussion year-round and other factors that contribute to our unique and coordinated fabulousity!
Choices are cool for those who don't like the hassle or are trying to be fiscally prudent, and I applaud the different options offered by bands, but the bottom line is this: knoweth thine place! lol
In the wise words of Machel Montano: "If yuh know yuh cyah handle it, stay home and wear yuh outfit, later yuh go dream bout it!"
FHO's: WE GO BIG, WE GO HARD, OR WE STAY HOME!
Nnyeka i couldn't agree with you more! Like Amazonia for example..is it me or is the only difference between backline and frontline 3 pheasant feathers and an ever so slightly larger headpiece and a wire bra lol! And does frontline and backline really matter if there is no real "stage" to cross anymore. Your 5 min to shine is on the road like the rest of the band. Just my 2 sense.
Whatever 'line' you feel you want to be behind or in front of, it's all just one damn good marketing strategy to get more money from masqueraders. I'm sure if you did an analysis you'd find that people are willing to pay more for BL in general once they compared it to extras and perks ( that they don't want) of the FL-Fully Loaded and vice versa. Since it all seems comparable and 'fair' at the end of the day.
The lines as I see it is also another way to facilitate sense of exclusivity that drives the elitism and classism that exists within and among the bands. "All ah we is one" no longer. Black, white, chinee, indian and in between... yeah we all in the band come Tuesday, but we still finding ways to make sure the other knows that we are better than they are.
:S
As a male observer, it is great that women have such options when it comes to costuming.
However, it is becoming more apparent that much of the designers energy and creativity goes into the frontline and the backline seems to be an after thought. This makes some sections appear unbalanced.......
come on designers, all the costumes that you design should have the same WOW factor.
Since I started playing mas' long before there were ever such things as frontline, backline, section leader, floor member, yadda, yadda, yadda, I really don't care about whatever names and designations are assigned to various levels of costuming. Nor does it matter to me who gets to cross the 'stage' first. If someone chooses to imagine some level of superiority based on how much they spent for their costume, or how many feathers and rhinestones they've managed to cram onto their person, they are welcome to their elitism and all its attendant neuroses.
But I do appreciate a variety of options, as it allows the masquerader to customize as suits their comfort level. Some people (like myself) love a big headpiece, but can't bear the thought of wearing a backpack. Some like to rock an elaborate collar but prefer to remain bare-headed. Options give everyone the chance to get exactly what they want from a costume, and to me that's a good thing.
I completely agree with TriniGyal.
I personally think that Frontline should be Frontline hands down! Give the frontliners their respect after all that is what they are paying for. when it comes to having all the choices, having a super blinged out costume is a must for a Frontliner. Yes, now there are options and up to now i cannot understand how having a slightly larger headpiece in Amazon can make you a Frontliner.. i just do not see the maths in that.
I like having the option on a bigger headpiece for the Backline options but that in no way makes me feel like a Frontliner or anything more than a backline masquerader.
I personally think options are the way forward especially in times such as these where masqueraders are conscious of getting and satisfying that personal value for the $$ they spend.
To me the whole grandieur of frontline is already undermined by the shear number of frontlines that exist in any one section these days. It is no longer as exclusive and special. (In my mind, for a large band, a section should not really have more that 10-15 frontliners). But that is how carnival evolved and band leaders are simply meeting the demands of their customers.
There is no need to be a frontline snob, looking down at the "frontline-lite" as "suped-up backlines" or what ever other silly names. Let me pay and play as I please. Thanks!
(for the record, I have the full frontline for 2011.)
RWB, seeing that you referred to my categorization of "suped-up backline" and classified it as "snobbish", I guess I'll respond.
I will reiterate that choices are cool for the masses, especially in times of economic turndowns and other points of rationale that would lead a masquerader to decide on other more affordable options. Fantastic opportunity for someone looking for a balance between affordability and uniqueness. But as for someone who pays to be FRONTline, I not only pay for the additional BBF, I pay for the tailored experience, and that is from the time I register to the time I hit the road Tuesday!
Just as the bandleaders have made accomodations for those who don't wish for the "drama" associated with a Frontline, at the end of the day we paid for the perks. I'm sorry if you or others consider that to be a snobbish attitude, and I countering all that banter with love across the board, but maan I have paid my dues- literally! :)
Squeezle you summed it up so nicely I have nothing much to add. If you are so afraid of your frontline "status" being taken away from you, then you are more than welcome to upgrade to individual. I remember when mas was about having fun in a costume you were in love with. Now we have people wanting to segregate themselves based on price paid or the fact that you know somebody to get in a band. It hiis just pathetic. All these extra classifications is so uncalled for IMO.
On that note i think Yuma did an excellent job in design and pricing for Oracle and Taurus costumes. Options galore including the option to decorate your won corset. I personally think we need to stop this mas segregation and jus enjoy the carnival.
So much for nothing much to add :-)
Amen to a lot said here, especially Nnyeka, Sheeple, Empath and Empress.
As a backline babe, I am sadened by the decline of the backline costume designs over the years. And now women have to pay extra for a headpiece that was once considered a normal sized headpiece. Poppycock!!!!
The backline is the majority of the band so give the backline babes some respect. Real costumes, please.
As for frontline, I think making a backpack optional works for SOME designs but that option diminishes the beauty and impact on other designs. For example IP made backpacks optional for 2010 and to me those fls were worse than the bls. The body of Jaipur's costume was just a cage bra, panty, headband, and a barely there belt. Plenty chicks went sans backpack and hp and they just were butt-naked. Yes lots of them had the body to flaunt and I applaud them for looking good. But they wore LESS than the backline and they paid more for that craziness. That right there was not worthy of F.H.Oism.
Whereas the no backpack option for Taurus Fl works well. Call it midline if you please, as long as it works I say go for it and honeychile should werrrrrk it.
Well said Empress...the face of carnival is definitely changing and we the masqueraders are the ones changing it. First it was a segregation of the bands; now within each band we are segregating even further. At the end of the day, it is an option being offered to masqueraders BY BANDS and we are all free to take advantage of those options based on our preference. I'm not sure where the official written rule is stating that people cannot chose to be Frontline Lite versus Fully Loaded versus Backline.....Sighhhh....mas is changing more and more boy...too bad!! All I know is that I love to play my mas looking great doing it whether I am Backline, Frontline Lite or Fully Loaded Frontline!!
Ok. This is stupid. Why do we need a hierarchy again??? Can't we just play mas and enjoy it without these separatist tendencies? As Saucy said none of it matters. And it matters even less now that we don't even have a real stage! And this kind of thing shows exactly how much of a class-conscious society Trinidad is, where having the 'more loaded' costume somehow means something because you paid more for it. I find the whole thing to be so shallow.
"Elitism and all its attendant neuroses."...I love that line from Squeezle lol.
Brownskingurl.....Trinidad is ridiculous with the "class-conscious" crap!! Quite frankly I am sick of it and it worries me how much worse it has gotten. Really sad state for our country!!!!
I disagree. Snobishness is fully warranted when someone who has no regard for my expensive-ass feathers that I've carefully preserved manoeuvring crowds and bars and jagged walls are callously shoved aside by a sneaker-clad, no-headpiece wearing sweatbucket who has Angostura's entire 2009 inventory in her system and just there to stumble her dronk ass onto a tv camera. Hellz yeah you getting my stink attitude!
Well said Squeezle and Empress. Just wanted to add that there are some masqueraders who have money with no end but still choose to play backline because its easier to manoeuvre on the road, bathroom etc and not because they face some type of economic hardship! So dont look down on the backline babes.
Loving the fact that we have choices.
Sea-An I can say the same thing about my BL costume that cost $2000 less. The fact that you choose to pay more for your design does not make it any more "valuable" if you know what I mean. I just think all this talk about I pay more for this I deserve respect is just a sad excuse for some people to feel important. For all you know me in my small head piece and sneakers on Carnival Tuesday working for more money than you, traveling to more countries than you and more "elite" than you. Remember your choice to play FL is just that a choice you are entitled only to what the band tells you you are entitled to and that is parading right after the Section Leader.
**Bows down to Empress** THANK YOU!!
I agree with Sheeple. I always thought "to each his own" and appreciated frontline choices for those who can afford it....until this year. The bands do promote and reflect the elitist snobbery that exist in Trinidad without disguise so i really cant fault the frontliners, but seriously come on! (and this is a true, true story). I jumping having a blast this year when a group of spectators, asked me tell a frontliner to please turn around so they can get a good picture of her costume, an innocent enough request. I made my way around her beautiful feathers, found her face (already tight with haughtiness, or maybe she didn't want to smile in fear of breaking a sweat)and told her the people want to see your costume. She moved her face enough to glance my way down her nose then looked away and that was the extent of my exchange with her. I turned to the crowd and shrugged with embarrassment. soooo NOT nice and thanks too Miss Frontliner for making me feel stink for a few brief moments with your blatant snobbery. I wish i had my proverbial "bank book", a business card, and drop a few names to go toe to toe with her on who better than who,,but that's not what I'm about. Frontline business is good business, but at the end of day you should revel in the fact that you pay good money and didn't regret a minute of your experience on the road. I understand the costumes can be cumbersome but if you cant crack a smile and turn around to please the crowd if they want a picture then in the words of Machel YOU stay home and come again!
Welllll I AM working for more than you, traveled to more countries than you AND I am playing in TWO frontline costumes this year so when you see me in my fabulousity back the eff off! As TriniGyal said... "Know Thine Place" If you choose to be backline for whatever reason, more power to you. But do not push up on me, crushing my expensive ass feathers and dripping yuh drunken sweat on me. For the girl that was snubbed by the FL this year, don't worry about it, she was an asshole. The whole reason we frontliners put as much thought and effort into what we wait for all year, is to pose pretty pretty for the masses and smile for the camera. Nuff said on the topic, cuz I don't want to pull out my bank book to back up my sense of self entitlement.
ROFL!!!
Well said Sea-an. I will give you your props for being honest, and unashamed, about your elitist tendencies.
You just made my day with that laugh there. Thanx.
Well sheeple i'm definitely laughing at Sea-an's comment for a different reason!
Anywhoser if part of your enjoyment is a false sense of elitism...then by all means! do you for those two days!
Hope that by the grace of the almighty that pompous chick live to make a complete fool of herself with her false sense of status in her expensive ass fedders, lol.
If I am paying a business class fare, I don't want to be squeezed up like I'm in an economy class cabin. It is that simple. Why are people so overboard regarding such a simple concept?
Here's another view on the backline vs frontline issue. Besides the fact that it is a brilliant marketing strategy that preys on the human need to be seen and acknowledged, I think it is also an opportunity for the designers to really get creative and show off. I agree that in many cases (almost all) the backlines appear as an afterthought, but when designers design, they must consider the cost of materials and their target customer group. This I am sure puts some sort of upper limit on what they can do and incorporate into their costumes. By having a frontline costume however, which is expected to cost more, they can exercise more leeway in design and add elements that for all we know, they really wish they could have originally. It is unfortunate that it is not more affordable to more people, but barring unreasonable mark-ups, the fact remains that moer feathers and more jewels cost more money.
Which bring me right back to the 'inbetween' masquerader who can get a chance to shine a little bit more (even if in their own mind) and feel a little bit more special, but being able to add a collar or more dramatic headpiece to their costume since they may not be able to afford the whole fully loaded deal.
:-)
p.s. forgot to mention:
as someone who has been a masquerader since childhood (age 3), I can certainly understand the appeal of the frontline as well, because you just love mas and costuming and the grandeur of it! When the backlines are parred down so much, it just seems almost criminal to play in them sometimes. I am not trying to be snobbish because Lord knows I usually only have backline money. I'm just trying to offer another explanation for the appeal.
Se-an u def have me rolling here. Becuse all this time I had no clue as to where I stood in the class system. But now I know it is right behind you in your two FL costumes. Thanks for setting me straight dearest. LOL
Wow you really can’t buy class.
A fat wallet and world travel does not a sophisticated woman make.
As far as the post goes, frontline fully loaded is true frontline to me. Not that I’m knocking the extras, I’ve paid extra for a collar or a large headpiece but honestly I usually take off all the extras before lunch so that’s why I’d never play frontline. I will say though that the FL H.O. has paid to be at the front of the section and I’m not one to push past, that’s just plain rude. Accidental contact on the road is inevitable though, it IS carnival after all. Unfortunately not everyone behaves with common courtesy and respect on the road, deliberate manhandling is really disgusting.
TRIBE ANU, my sincerest thanks to you for that simple yet effective analogy!
HOLD ON, HOLD ON, HOLD ON
I hold some similar views as the others. First off I can't understand the fight to promote a hierarchy when it comes to playing mas. Honestly I have only seen this Frontline or stay home nonsense being pushed and promoted on this blog. I honestly do not like playing frontline I did a couple of times and to me it was not worth it. I do however, like the option of 'customizing' my costume. So I agree with some that options are good.
Honestly Saucy no offence but I find it annoying that you seem to push this frontline status like if some people are better than others. Next I might hear you calling for a float to separate the sheep form the goat i.e the Frontliners and the plebs (backliners). Is this an attention thing? This seems very stupid and shallow to me. Please be reminded that the Beauty of Trinidad's carnival has always been that everyone was welcome to jump up and partake. Isn't this the same reason why so many of the earlier stalwarts like Legends got a beating, since they like to separate the sheep form the goat. And regulate the non-models and celebrities to cross the stage last.
Anyway as much as I can agree with some paying extra for an elaborate costume is your choice and if that’s carnival to you well so be it. However, I do not think anyone should be looked down on or dealt with differently because they are playing backline. There should be no superiority (other than having more beads and feathers) It seems to me like there is some fight for status and attention that you can’t get in your everyday lives.
Think about it suppose I have a new band for 2012 and I only want superior women to play frontline i.e well toned, sexy, flawless complexion and non-full figured sisters. How would people you'll feel about that. I know Saucy would be the first to jump on the case, so in essence STOP DISCRIMINATING AGAINST WOMEN WHO CHOOSE TO PLAY BACKLINE!!!!!
Frontline, backline, mid line, I could care less about hierarchy, I just know what I like when I see it which is plenty costume, plenty feathers, plenty stones and UBER FABULOUSNESS! Plus the Backline Bettys have been pushing their way to the front ever since I can remember (thus I learned to push them out the way w/ my backpack).
In the same vein tho, what do you call the person who gets a frontline costume but switches out for part of the backline they prefer, like frontline w/ the backline belt and/or leg/arm pieces? Are they no long frontline? lol!
My, my, my! What a heated debate! I'm just rather intrigued to find out exactly what a bank balance and job contacts has to do with a BL not pushing up on an FL or a BL's reaction to one FL's rudeness. Is the insinuation that if you had showed the FL your presumably full 'bank book', she would have been shamed into not being a bitch?
So because someone can afford to play FL but chooses to go BL, they're morally superior? I'm genuinely baffled. Where does all this leave me? I works nowhere and draws no pay, but I was so bold as to play Individual this year and always play at least FL. Have I caused a tear in the space/time continuum?
Following on from Tanu's brilliant analogy, nobody cares what you CAN afford to pay. All they're asking you to do is respect what other people DID ACTUALLY pay.
Lady, just 2 points of information, because you speaking about some issues as if there were not currently in creative rotation:
As a point of reference, YUMA has already planned the float business for their INDIVIDUALS. And again is YUMA who designed their costumes where only one FL costume isn't a cage.
Furthermore, when you refer to a new band concept where "I have a new band for 2012 and I only want superior women to play frontline i.e well toned, sexy, flawless complexion and non-full figured sisters." well I think your patent has been stolen. Allow me to introduce you to two words: Sandra Hordatt.
I'm just pointing out facts. Now, excuse me while I spontaneously combust from the conversation varying options of everything that ends in "ist".
*Human Ball of Fire ensues*
*spontaneous combustion*
Correction to previous post: And again is BLISS who designed their costumes where only one FL costume isn't a cage.
Right!
*returns to intensely self-combustible state*
I now read thru the comments and have to say I think most ppl looking a little too deeply. With the exception of a few ppl like Miss Expensive Ass Fedders, I seriously doubt most ppl that play FL look at it as any sort of status or believe that it makes them any better. I think its simply a matter of taste. ie I know for a fact that my sis has deeper pockets that I and she will NEVER play in a FL costume. We all joke about hierarchy and backline betty etc but I have more faith in us all than to believe that many of us take any of that with any seriousness.
Everyone knows that the order of stage crossing should be section leader, frontline, everyone else. While I do wish all masqueraders would respect that , I do not know where people get off thinking that being frontline ENTITLES them to special treatment or a particular spot in the band or section in the same way that purchasing a business class seat does. Sorry. Very stupid analogy.
You pay for your extra costume and you get it. At no point this year did Tribe promise me anything more as a result of me purchasing my frontline costume. If they did, I would have been first in line on Ash Wednesday demanding a partial refund!
If the band is incapable of organising, controlling or informing their masqueraders that this is how they want the band to flow, well that is an issue to take up with the band itself.
I can tell you from my frontline experience in Tribe this year that regardless of what additional status/perks I thought I deserved (which was never actually promised to me), it was not going to happen because the band was too big and there was no coordination or control in my section.
Saucy it is your blog, your opinion and I respect that. You have invited the opinion of your readers and so I will do just that. I think that your entire para that starts "Personally I think Frontline Fully Loaded is the ONLY way to go if you are playing a TRUE frontline" really silly (for lack of a better word atm) and very much in conflict with my idea of the spirit of Trini carnival masquerade.
That's just me.
Lady, you said it best:
"Honestly Saucy no offence but I find it annoying that you seem to push this frontline status like if some people are better than others. Next I might hear you calling for a float to separate the sheep form the goat i.e the Frontliners and the plebs (backliners). Is this an attention thing? This seems very stupid and shallow to me."
Thanks for a HIGHLY entertaining read with all these responses.
With that said, @ Lady I cannot take credit for the invention of the Frontline High Maintenance Overachiever (FL H.O) that my dear was a moniker invented by the Diva Extroidnare herself Prettidolli who is also the one responsible for the 10 Commandments of the FL H.O. originally posted in 2006
http://www.trinidadcarnivaldiary.com/2006/09/ten-commandments-of-frontline-hoism.html
I am sure Bachannal Loulan remembers that from since the Island Mix Days!
No one can tell anyone else how seriously to take the commandments but if you remember Prettidolli you would remember she always brought the laughs to the blog, Bacchanal Loulan has it right when she says we all joke about it but no one takes it to heart. I am seriously not stressing to make sure I remember each commandment when I leave home on Carnival Tuesday, I can tell you that!
The "GO BIG OR STAY HOME" was from Franny, who plays Individual. Another battle cry that we adopted and which has become a personal saying of sorts. Does it really matter that I believe a frontline "fully loaded" is the only one I would spend my money on? Truth is what Nnyeka said is on the money. that "frontline lite" was a regular costume a few years ago! No band marketing tactics will make me shell out top dollar for essentially a backline costume. If I am playing frontline I want everything and that is my PERSONAL opinion/choice, not asking anyone else to subscribe to it.
Honestly sometimes I believe people take the blog way WAY more seriously than I do myself.
If I am making the "Backline" feel any less than Frontline because of my own personal credo then I really don't think I am the problem AT ALL!If I tell you all to go jump of a bridge for Carnival 2011 would you do it?
Leave me in my stupid shallow little bubble and play your mas how YOU want to play your mas you hear!
When you pay for business class you are given more leg room, some free alcho, the luxury of boarding the plane first, and all these perks explicitly stated by the airline. When you pay for FL you are given more feathers and beads and an opportunity to CROSS THE STAGE ahead of the backline masqueraders. But guess what? In both analogies there are only X number of available spaces.
But when you try to place more titles like mid-line, frontline lite, etc I think it is a recipe for disaster. As much as we are hopeful that everyone is mature enough not to take these labels with too much seriousness, we must be mindful that the possibility exists that such suggestive labels can promote a mindset of entitlement, need for belonging, and segregation.
Yes this is your blog and you can do or say what you want but it would be so humbling to be mindful of the power of words.
A lot of followers have given you credit for helping them choose bands and costumes so you of all people should know the kind of influence that you may or may not have.
Egypt the whole breakdown of costuming certainly was not created by me, but by the Carnival Bands. They were also the ones to call costumes "Frontline" and "Backline/Floor Member/Regular". They have in effect created the segregation, we just play up the hilarity especially with all these new options.
This whole post came about because of a chat box discussion on what do you call all these new "costume categories". If someone really places utmost value/self worth on how what their costume is called or where it falls in the hierarchy (again this is from the bands who allow their Individuals to cross first, then frontline etc). then they need to re evaluate their own self esteem and self worth.
NO ONE can tell me how I should think/act/feel or even how I should play my mas. If they did then this blog would cease to exist!
I read, I laugh, I move on...and I do get LOTS of criticism and have been called all sorts of names.Do you think it stops me?I still do me!
I hope you all take from the blog what you think is worth your time and leave behind everything else that you think is worthless!
steups...I toting feelings
I've only ever played Backline Basic or Backline Plus (got extra wings when I Played 'Water Nymph' in Tribe 2008) - so I'm all for the extra options that can allow for masqueraders to dress up or down to their comfort.
Our little tiny Jamaica Carnival doesn't even HAVE Frontlines (I sense my fellow yardies would laugh at the very idea), but what DOES happen is that there is a separate section in the ONE band that you have to be INVITED to be a part of (usually on how you look or more importantly, who knows YOU, or is willing to acknowledge you in public, at the very least). There's elitism for you ;)
For me, I just enjoy being in Trinidad, soaking up the music, the food, the vibe and the lyme with cool people. I don't see myself ever going past Frontline Lite (i threw away my wings after the first 'judging' point in 2008)...but I'm all for whoever can pay to do so. Leave the elitist attitudes at home, tho - we have enough of that in our regular lives :)
Wow! Well, I learned a lot today. (And I laughed a lot too.) I always thought that as a paying masquerader, I was allowed to go anywhere within the confines of the rope, unless otherwise advised by security. Maybe as a man I just don't pay attention to these things.
By all means FL-ers, go ahead and take your jump first. It really doesn't matter to me. But if you have a problem being touched or bumped by a sweaty body, maybe you should consider staying at home in your air-conditioned house. I mean, yuh cyah play mas and fraid powder.
The flaw with the airline business class analogy is that you are assigned a seat in a specific area on an airplane - that's not the case when you playing mas.
At the end of the day, if we can all be courteous and respectful on the road, we will all have a good time. Whether you're wearing 10,000 feathers or only the wristband, you paid to be in the band, and you deserve to enjoy yourself.
OMG!!! All ah dis drama?
Let me weigh in:
1. To play FL is an individual choice. Yuh could be working, not working, have a bank account with six figures, no figures...d band that yuh sign up in doh give a flying sh!t, once yuh pay the expected downpayment and pay the balance before you come to collect.
2. As to treatment, personally if I shell out twice the cost of a backline costume, I do NOT expect to be treated the exact same way as someone who paid for a backline costume. I expect something extra...mih costume better be better, bigger, goody bag extra something...just EXTRA!
3. Sauce: When I first read your FHO commandments back in 2006 I loved them, still do. Most people I know who play FL do it because as you outlined they want to stand out, be different...but not necessarily be an individual. WRT to FL who sneered at the person requesting a pic...awful of you!
...and Sauce, yes, your blog is taken WAAAAAAAAAAY more seriously by many many people. There are folks I've heard mention that if they hadn't heard (read) it, relating to Carnival something, either here or on your FB page, then they question the credibility of it. For shame, since when last I checked your disclaimer it clearly states "...the views reflected by this blog are mine alone..."
my $0.02
my headpiece bigger dan ALL allyuh own... choops
In response to Saucy's post about not inventing the terms, that is true. I remember when the whole ten commandments for Frontline H.O. thing came about a few years ago it was funny and entertaining. But I don't know, somewhere along the line people began taking it real seriously. And its true it's not your fault but more the fault of the people who are easily influenced and who are insecure enough to subscribe to these shallow notions which to sensible people are amusing.
Anyways...I myself starting to take this too seriously. Back to lurking.
~With great power comes responsibility~
This blog is honest, and raw. Opinions are meted out and they are quite useful for a reader who wants the real deal on the prettiness of a costume. For those of us that are overseas, the visit to the mascamp for costume pick up is like opening a present on Christmas day, extreme glee or sour taste in the mouth disappointment if you don't get what you visualized. I point everyone towards this blog to educate themselves on the "rules" for carnival. I directed a newbie to mas to this blog to influence her to be more creative for Monday wear choices instead of the wife beater vest and denim shorts she wanted to wear. Another friend from Ethopia loved this blog so much she was able to get her trip to carnival organized with very little hand-holding from me. To get to my point, this blog is widely read. Its a little sad that visitors to our country will get a hint of the snobbery and elitism that makes it way on to the streets of Port of Spain. I don't think it will scare them away or bother them much even when they get here. My friend had a blast and still talks about it. In fact she purchased a midliner costume off the internet, had no clue about the distinction and didn't even want her big elaborate headpiece. She gave it away to the first child she saw on the road. What a way to put things into perspective! I think a few of us did feel a little sting when Saucy (our carnival ORACLE) opened up this particular thread showing her support for a caste system on the road. I got over it, cause I need this blog to no end and appreciate Saucy bringing it to us. I dont hate on Frontliners either. The way things are with TRIBE many are lucky to even get a spot in the band, frontline, backline, OR midline! Is real stress just to get a costume! This is the first time I told friends that begged to accompany me to experience Trini carnival no dice! I cant deal with the stress of finding them a costume and begging people favor to get them in. So, my fellow backliners, dont read this particular thread and think any less of yourselves. To new readers, the experience on the road, the fetes, trini carnival overall can never be tarnished by the elitist mindset. Be content with being a back of the plane passenger. Like the experience on the road my entire crew (about 15 strong) don't have a choice BUT to play backline because we on the road together (like at the back of the plane) and we wont have it any other way!
Nickels I appreciate your comment because I now see the light the post was taken in; it was not my intent to "support" the caste system hence this paragraph here:
ut I think we are reaching comical status now on how many "lines" there are in costuming for women and now we want to define exactly what each "costume line" means so masqueraders will know their place when crossing the great and almighty stage because honestly, none of this matters otherwise !
Like I said before this whole post came about because a YUMA masquerader wanted to know what one would call a backline masquerader with the option to purchase a backpack, and one thing led to another including another person labeling it the "mid line".
I had hoped the hilarity in having all these new "lines" would lead to everyone seeing that it is all just a marketing ploy and in the whole scheme of things it does not matter. It's basically backline/regular/floor member and frontline and the ONLY time this even makes a difference is the order in which the section leaders allow you to cross the stage/judging point!
Let me first say I totally enjoy reading about the mas comes and bachannal on this blog. And saucy your opinions are yours. However, the sad things is when you try to propagate the whole hierarchy, caste, class or whatever you want to call it, to new and existing masqueraders. As someone mentioned before this blog is widely read and congrats for that but be careful as to the propaganda you try to spread through your blog. Trinidad carnival is for any and everyone who can afford to play. We are already cutting some of the population out of the game with the high prices, so please don’t bring or promote another aspect of segregation into our mas. In your response to Nickles you stated……….
“I had hoped the hilarity in having all these new "lines" would lead to everyone seeing that it is all just a marketing ploy and in the whole scheme of things it does not matter. It's basically backline/regular/floor member and frontline and the ONLY time this even makes a difference is the order in which the section leaders allow you to cross the stage/judging point!”
But in your comments you come across as if you’re in total support of the CASTE!!!!
By saying this……………
“….With these new options comes with it the chance for masqueraders to choose a costume according to their budget but it also brings a confusion of sorts on the hierarchy of "lines" when it comes to Frontline, Backline and everything in between. Masqueraders today love spending their money for the extra exclusivity of belonging to the Frontline club, not to mention the extra five minutes of fame afforded frontliners by allowing them to cross the stage first. But the question has to be asked, is the appeal of the Frontline being undermined with all these choices.. and if we were to do a section hierarchy where does everyone fall in?”
And…………..
“ to me if you are not Frontline Fully Loaded you are just a nicely decked out Backline Betty...sorry!”
I don’t agree with you explanation because since I have been reading this blog you always promoted that frontline and backline status quo. It bothers me on another level. I don’t care about the crossing the stage first and more feathers nonsense. I care about removing carnival from the masses by these subtle introductions of elitism. And to anyone new to this blog, local or foreign…the FL H.O. status is only touted here Trinidad carnival is open to all whether you want to play backline, frontline or individual there is no hierarchy that you have to subscribe to and because you playing backline doesn’t mean you’re entitled to any less of a service or treatment. Frontlines pay for a bigger costume and that it!
Saucy we only going to hear a cry from you when a few years from now we have a float with a sexy model chicks wining in a FL H.O costume and you is a floor member. Al la brazil
Now where you going to draw the line then??????????????
Lets keep Trinidad carnival the way it was and not introduce the unnecessary classifications that smart businessmen are using to get the attention seekers to spend more money. Mas as we knew it is already a dying art form, with the likes of mass produced costumes in China etc. Let we keep the rest of the thing how it was a ‘a big street party where everyone can join in!
Wow...
What an interesting blog...
I'm a newbie to carnival and never knew that there was any sort of protocol .. So ive been schooled...
Ladies, I think u are entitled to wear/ purchase any line u see fit... I can totally see the allure of FL.. and if that is what u choose great.. If it entitles you to certain extra perks great also. I don't think there is anything wrong with that !
I think however, this thread had taken on a deeper meaning, which is wonderful for our society as a whole.
Class and status... I take issue with the suggestion that one section within a section is better than other..
It's funny, cause I stood in line for hours on end to vote for a man named Barrack Obama that I hoped would change, just that mind set. And maybe that's because Rosa Parks was my idol, cause she refused to sit in the back of the bus any longer.. It was the right thing then, and the right thing now.
Thank you Richard.....
Lawrd now we talking Rosa and Obama just because some people don't mind paying more for their costume and others don't or can't?
These people really serious? Hello, its called FRONTline for a reason, folks pay more to be in the front of the line.
How come no one's complaining about where the individual goes - its just known that they go in front. Are the frontliners rushing to go in front of that person? NO. Does buying an individual mean you feel you're the bestest of them all? Maybe
But who gives a sh*t, buy what you want and fall in line dammit.
Some folks really need to sit with a mirror and repeat "I am somebody, I am worthy" until they believe it because some of these comments on a post discussing the number of feathers one gets is borderline crazy.
Smdh
Anyone who thinks being able to purchase 1 or 2 frontline or individual costumes somehow is a validation of being more affluent, more fabulous or more mas loving is really a simple minded chickenhead.The house slaves always felt that they were better than the field slaves and here we have the same kind of thinking where some frontline masqueraders who think they superior to backline masqueraders. HUH? WTF? I agree the plane analogy was brainless and dim-witted.
How any rationale thinking person could even defend the mess posted by miss expensive ass fedders is beyond me.
I seriously doubt that Halle Berry, Jlo, Janet Jackson, Paris Hilton or hell even a NBA player wife comment on this blog and none of you conceited tricks got that kind of paper. So all wannabe divas "Ketch thine self!"
Like the comments made in jest (both on this post and on the cbox) struck a nerve with some people.
Triniprincess.....
It's not about Obama or Rosa Parks... I think u may have missed the point...
What we do agree on is anyone has the right to play in any section they want to or can afford.. If you stop and think about it, the whole thing is really silly... For those who compare it to first class vs. Coach... Airlines are selling food for a fee, checked bags for a fee, more leg room for a fee, to board early for a fee, more leg room in the first few rows for a fee... It's all about options, and some marketing exec....so first class should be individual, first row of coach FL loaded and the back , back line Betty. Nooo, it's foolish.
The bigger question is how we treat each other...
Maybe I'm just missing the point of what carnival is about.. I thought the history stems from being emancipated. I must be wrong though.
Thank you again Richard!!!! Its clear now that some people who push the status thing, is just a bunch of attention seeking wannabe(s) if you can't understand the argument being put forth by some. And that is equality and yes Richard Carnival did come about from slaves rebelling against oppression and the likes. Maybe our Dear Saucy can use her well read fab blog to teach foreigners and some locals the real history about our beautiful carnival. That way everyone would understand in what vein we ALL play mas together.
@ Lady.
You can check the blog Archives for my "Vintage Tuesdays" a series in 2008 where I covered the history of Trinidad Carnival with articles from the Newspapers, starting in 1900s and going up to around 1960 or so.
This is the very first post:
http://www.trinidadcarnivaldiary.com/2008/09/vintage-tuesdays.html
Been there.. done that!
Ok thats good to know! Maybe the people who are new to the blog and more importantly Trinidad Carnival can check it out. I have done quite a bit of research on Carnival and wrote enough papers on the subject...so I don't need to read it.
@Saucy......
Thank you for the link..... It's a great read!!!!
*hums negro spiritual in background*
Gosh allyuh still talking about this? And fighting among yourselves about who have more right to space in a crowded band where yuh can't even raise yuh elbow lest it poke somebody in the eye?
Seriously??? This is why the people who make the money will make the money. Because they have your hard earned cash whatever costume you pay for, and they making no bones about it. Gosh I wish I could bring out a band yes. Cuz nobody seems to realise that it is all marketing. Genius really. Because these bands are tapping in to some of the fundamental needs of humankind, in a way that we probably would never have envisioned 20 years ago. Yes people want to have fun. Yadda Yadda. But people want to belong. We see it in the mad rush for tribe every damn year by backline, frontline, midline, halfline. People want to be admired. Everybody damn body who goes out of their way to do their make-up and their boots and their hair and their nails and get their tummies and butts toned. Yeah all ah ya'll. People want to be validated by being told yes they're good enough to play wherever they want. Once they can play the hard cold cash of course! And the band leader really doh give a shit bout you. Cuz they laughing all the way to the bank.
Keep fighting yes. Just make sure to pay your money first!
You lot need to do some serious chillin' man. Damn! It was a lighthearted, tongue-in-cheek post, poking fun at how far things have come in the past few years, and it has descended into a load of bollocks. FFS!
GET THE F*&%K OVER YOURSELVES!!! If you want to play FL and can afford to, brilliant. If you DON'T want to play FL, but can still afford to, brilliant. If you know your limits and know you like a BL more than anything, brilliant. And if you don't give a toss what anyone else thinks and are going out on the road to have fun and make the most of the open bar, brilliant.
Obama, Rosa Parks and house and field slaves have f&*%k all to do with this. It's about personal choice and respecting other people and what THEY choose or don't choose to do. So just STOP IT NOW!!!
Jesus wept.
No, he seriously did!
Steups.
"Ok thats good to know! Maybe the people who are new to the blog and more importantly Trinidad Carnival can check it out. I have done quite a bit of research on Carnival and wrote enough papers on the subject...so I don't need to read it."
Oh my word! LOL, Allow me to buy you a feather-duster to brush of your omnipresent, allergy-inducing particles of self-entitlement.
*SNEEZING and SELF-COMBUSTING is not an easy task!*
I think at this point, it's time for people to simply agree to disagree. There are going to be some people (like myself) who abide by the mantra of "Go Big or Stay Home", there are other who are staunchly opposed to perceived elitism while humming slave cries of centuries past, there are those who perch from their towering bankbooks looking down haughtily on the rest of the world (lol Sea-An) and there are others who stand in the middle and simply don't wish to take a stand.
65 posts or 65000 posts, we can argue points for and against varying personal conviction until we turn the shade of Loulan Blue in the face to match the boots and jewels.
One thing will remain: We all play our Carnival differently, and fundamentally THAT is one of the most basic human necessity: the right to choose.
Some people don't want to belong (to any class, a group, a society). Some people just want to BE.
66 comments later and I finally get it. Lady is pissed at Saucy because she thinks Saucy thinks she is better than everyone else in her frontline feathers.
Ironically I get the impression from Lady's comment about the papers she has written on Carnival that she feels she is better than Saucy and her "well read fab blog" coming from a superior intellectual standpoint that Lady knows more about Carnival and does not even care to read what Saucy wrote. whew
Who is the elitist carnival snob now?
Thankyouverymuch RIa
-Goes back to wallowing in my lack of self esteem that can only be soothed my prancing in my prutty prutty feathers and bling. Damn slavery mentality.
Sea-an, don't worry about them. I am in love with you. I salute a true Diva!
The solution is simple- Lady should start her own blog and publish her obviously extensive research for the benefit of us, the great unwashed.
Be sure to come and share the link, Lady.
Jesus, take the wheel!
People who choose to jump in Frontline do not necessarily choose to do so to uphold classist ideals. Do people who jump in back line choose to do so because they consider themselves inferior? I think deep-set feelings of low-self worth have led some posters to grasp at straws and feign self worth by spewing intellectual bullshit. Frontline is more money hence greater expectations. Simple. It’s up to the individual to assign their own expectations. Clearly you can’t be paying less in backline and have the same expectations. Oh but then again you can...if you are DELUSIONAL. If people feel more important because they play in frontline ain’t shit you can do about. Work on developing some self worth and you will be IMMUNE to those things. Kthanxbye.
I'm gonna join Sommer in humming those negro spirituals....
"I think deep-set feelings of low-self worth have led some posters to grasp at straws and feign self worth by spewing intellectual bullshit."
*DED*
I hope the theses spewing "intelluctuals" get the hint now. Talking nonsense about carnival being aimed towards the wealthy and that the average citizen can't play mas. Like allyuh forgetting it have bands that does cater to every pocket? And that it also have a parade in San Fernando on the same days. Is not my fault that people have champagne taste and beer money yunno.
*heads to decorate my coffin with 24K fedders*
oh.........my.......goodness.....PLAY......YUH.......MAS
Tanu may be in love with Sea-An, but I think I've got the hots for MVP!!!
;) @ mjsbunny and sea-an
Saucy forgive me for my rude behaviour by not even responding to the original post. I was distracted by detractors.
Options are 'cute' and 'practical'. However as a MALE who is responsible for the looks of several females, carnival is no time to be 'cute' or 'practical'. It's about 'gorgeous' and 'fabulous' with a touch of 'ridiculous'. Frontlines and Individuals offer the realisation of these descriptors.
People who do not understand the concept of fabolousity will never understand that Frontlines and Individuals are more about aesthetic appeal than segregation. This year Individual is the new Frontline - I have two friends registered in TRIBE and BLISS for individuals and all the rest are Frontline. I jokingly tell those who are not playing in Frontline they will be ignored carnival Monday and Tuesday...am I really joking? :)
Anyway it's an oxymoron to be intellectualising while you parade in sequins, feathers, beads and a 2 millimetre thick cover separating your vagina from the viewing public. While we ALL know the history of carnival but carnival today has evolved. BBF Carnival is about the music, the revellery, the COSTUMES and looking GOOD. Even sweat-buckets (sea-an*) and sneaker-queens attempt this with their amateur hair and make-up. However they lack the innate diva and divo that's within the Frontliner and Individual. These people are still waiting on their ‘diva egg’ to be fertilised.
If you want to intellectualise about carnival read for your Phd, get published and introduce policies to ban Frontlines, Individuals, and Floats in BBF bands. Don't come on a blog and cry because carnival is too classist. The world is classist. Get over yourself, accept it and develop the appropriate skill set to live HAPPY. kthanxbye
*standing ovation* for MVP!
Well put!
Ha! Woot Woot MVP!!! This is my first year playing Frontline and I intend to be VERY diva! I can't WAIT!!! Who vex lorse.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/6-Signs-That-Youve-Made-It-To-investopedia-4243472351.html?x=0
I personally feel that bands need to stop offering all these options. Backline is smaller, Frontline is Grand and Individual is just, well, out there! No backline, with option to purchase backpack and or larger headpiece. If you have frontline with large headpiece and big backpieces DO NOT OFFER THE OPTION OF PURCHASING THE BACKPACK! I mean come on. It's Frontline for a reason. And if you are not ready to masquerade as a full Frontline Countessa stick to the basic backline.
Besides, I have outgrown Frontline, it's not special anymore, I am onto Individuals and or Section Leaders.
I'm sure many of all yuh who have something to say in regards to FL and BL etc, probably jumping in FL FULLY LOADED!
Post a Comment