Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1154384
But it's the daily battles here on Earth, especially the inter- personal ones, that are becoming hard fought. I'm talking about the new normal when it comes to civility. I fear it has hit a new low. Who knows whether it's trickling down from our national leaders or just the new zeitgeist? But certainly politeness and courtesy, if they're not altogether out the window, are teetering on the sill. My grandmother always told me to treat others as you wish to be treated—wise words we all know, and all too often ignored today. Truly, we as a community must muster up all that is good and strong and resolute inside us to combat verbal abuses in the workplace. Abuses that are nothing less than an assault upon our human dignity and our good work, not to mention our health, sanity, and well-being. Our Guild's mission is to "protect the economic status of its members while improving working conditions and raising standards for our craft." These are three noble goals. And like a three-legged stool, it's no surprise that we as indi- vidual artists and a community are far sturdier for the extra support. Undoubtedly, our quality of life and quality of art are inextricably tied to our quality of workplace. That's why we have our Guild. That's why we have each other. I learned a valuable tool on Desperate Housewives. One I've used ever since. It comes in the form of a very simple question: "I'm sorry, what did you hear me say?" So often when we're rushed or stressed, what we say and what someone hears can be very different. My crew on The Man in the High Castle taught me another important lesson. The first day I went into the workroom, my jaw dropped. There before my unbelieving eyes was my crew all stretch- ing and dancing and smiling and laughing to music blasting through the halls. How on earth was the show ever going to get done? But the truth is, this little 15-minute ritual every afternoon was a great way to release tension. The job still got done. And looking back, I think they were one of the happiest teams I've ever had the privilege of working with. So please, I ask you all, make our working environments as cordial as possible. This means being our best selves and calling out colleagues when they are not being theirs. Those fortunate enough to be in positions to give us jobs must also give us respect. Those that have considerable power over us must above all, be considerate. And those of us perfect- ing the art of creating costumes together must also perfect the art of creating community together. Just because our politicians have decided it's OK to be rude and sling insults, doesn't mean we should follow suit (pun intended). Let's face it, even the Klingons on Star Trek said "nuqneH" and "Tlho' tlhih" (please and thank you) when asking someone to pass the Romulan ale. So, as you go into work tomorrow or start your next adventure, above all, be professional, with a touch of grace thrown in for good measure. After all, nice is not a four-letter word. Caduceus/CDG Statuette by Gwyn Conaway 44 The Costume Designer Summer 2019