Babes

 Dear reader, let’s play a game. I’m going to say a word. Now you think of a few related words that capture the essence of that word in your mind. Ready?

Beer.

BASEDtraveler.

Babes.

After the success of my series, “Real Ale University” and my burgeoning friendship with Plymothians of the shorter, jollier, chemistry-whizzier beer brewing scene, I’m slowly integrating in Plymouth’s CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale, a nationally recognized membership-based drinking club). The local chairman loves so much the ideas of connecting international citizens and women with the beer scene that he invited me to host a booth to sell my Plymouth Primer there. Cursed with infallible energy and idealism, spurned by the nature of my Pilgrim upbringing, I took his offer a step further. “Why don’t I do a ‘Beer for Babes’ booth!” I shouted [chug]. “That’s a great idea!” he replied [chug]. The plan was set. Simple as that. Cheque, please.

Yep, dear expat-locals, that was a foreshadow. Later, after the debacle I will next describe ensued, the CAMRA chairman did admit that he “chuckled a little” about the drama I brought upon myself. I haven’t laughed yet, but at least I can write about it.

After deciding my Beer Festival theme, I posted this message to what I thought was a local CAMRA group:

My company, BASEDtraveler, is hosting a booth at the Plymouth Beer Festival taking place at the Plymouth Pavilions on 10 and 11 July. We call it "Beer for Babes," a women's-only tasting table. We will have a selection of food and beer available for ladies to come try and discuss. I find that women are reluctant to try beer because it feels like a "man's-only" space. We're going to break down that barrier, one sip at a time!

I need knowledgeable women and men to help me run the booth. They will offer samples, invite women to take a seat, manage the supply of food, and work directly beside me (I am also selling my book at the event). If you're passionate about beer and want to help ladies become so, too, then please direct message or email me at emily@BASEDtraveler.com

Thanks!

Do you remember Hurricane Ivan? Within seconds, then minutes, then hours, members of CAMRA from across the nation rained knowledge upon me. Through a slew of comments and responses, they debated the level of sexism portrayed in my idea, how it might relate to other racism and stereotypes, the use of the term “babe,” the BASEDtraveler brand, and my personal respectability (zilch). When I thanked them for encouraging discussion around the topic, they “LOL’d” in my face. Here’s some of my favorite replies:

Hint, calling something "Beer for Babes" is one more reason women feel like beer is a men's only space. *cough* fuckwit.

Are you also hosting an auction where you can buy wives in exchange for camels? That's the kind of primitive shit you're promoting.

The name is definitely the main problem - closely followed by the condescending tone.

What was more confusing is that the diatribe was riddled with British colloquialisms. I knew I was being insulted, but couldn’t quite figure out how…

I’m sorry but this is ridiculous you’ve missed April first by a fair margin! (I know! The Beer Festival is scheduled for July…?!)

My first response, relatively early in the conversation, was to thank them for encouraging discussion. Surely this was just a few people who had too much time on their hands; the Spice Girls’ manager was going to chime in soon, no? Here’s the response I got for my initial expression of gratitude:

It's a bit sad when people are blatantly this opportunistic. Amazing that having people call you an idiot is now regarded as an encouraging discussion. Who wants to bet someone lost friends in high school for trying to sell them all Amway? (What’s Amway?!)

I don't even get who you are or why you want to be organisation a beer tasting considering your business is a life style business, very unusual - I'd be interested to know what beers you would be sampling maybe something like Batemans? :https://www.facebook.com/Basedtraveler?pnref=lhc (What’s Bateman’s?!)

Then respondents started sharing my status on other people’s pages, inciting more angst among their friends. When I returned to my phone a few hours later, I was baffled, and a little teary-eyed. It was two hours since my first post and I had been called multiple times to defend myself. I apologized for the delay in my response, explaining that I was meeting with members of Plymouth City Council. I then detailed that “babes” is in my American vernacular, much like “rad” and “awesome.” I and other BASEDtravelers have found communities in beer culture across borders; we love groups like Barley’s Angels and CAMRA. I linked back to my Real Ale University story as “where it all started” and apologized sincerely for my misstep. I was baffled and humbled and grateful for their insights. Obviously, the issue was in the word “babes.” Could they help me come up with a new name?

The eye of the storm revealed itself—for a moment:

As a female brewer, as well as drinker, happy to help in any way I can.

That's the one Emily - Thanks for taking the time out to let us understand more fully what you were offering. I think to be fair to yourself that explanation is great and gives us an understanding of what you were getting at - so in way of thanks for the explanation and understanding - I'd like to offer any help I can!

I am part of London Beer Ladies and again it's not discriminating against men, it's just encouraging to ladies…(12:49PM)

We have tried various themes along the "diversity" theme in Nottingham CAMRA, including sessions where one of the big bars is staffed by women only in an attempt to encourage female drinkers to engage & discuss where they may be a bit "reticent" with some of the more "typical" male bar staff. I'm all for trying to breakdown barriers (real or imaginary!), be more inclusive and most of all have some fun. 

Except I was still confused by some replies. Was that British sarcasm?: You go babe.

Then, as members of the group started the homeward journeys, curiously logging in to their cell phones on their daily commute, the wolf pack reared its ugly head again.

Base = amphetamine. Based = off your face on the aforementioned drug. So they are effectively saying "drugged up travellers."

I watched in horror. Here was my business, my baby, my character, and my cute idea, damned damned damned. Was I seriously so wrong? So out of tune with British culture? This beer festival thing was just a fun excuse to drink beer with chicks! Why can’t women be “babes?” Gosh…now I don’t even know what babes means!

What was one do when they don’t know the answer? Phone a friend. Well, a few friends, all Plymothian. They elucidated the situation:

1) The national CAMRA page is much less forgiving than the local page. It’s a testament to the laid-back and willing nature of Devon, Plymouth’s south western country. My housemate said, “It’s just unfortunate it went national. I think you wouldn’t have gotten the same reaction if it was local. They weren’t intending to be helpful. If it was someone from the area who could have actually helped you things might have been different.”

2) “Babes” is not a bad term although it wasn’t used as frequently in the UK as it is in the States. “It makes me think of Baywatch,” my friend said.

3) The idea is still a good one, but changing the name would probably make me and other Brits feel more comfortable.

When talking to my friends and colleagues about big decisions in personal and professional life, I often tell them to consider, “What’s the worst that can happen?” Well, folks, here you have it—this post is probably the worst thing that could have happened to my idea, my psyche, and (momentarily) my company. Attempting Gandhi-like poise I tried my best to turn the situation around. Whether or not that attempt was successful is up for debate. Two new friends who noticed the post reached out to me directly in personal messages, offering good ideas. On the other hand, I did manage to personally infuriate one of the most well-known brewesters (female beer brewer) in London in such a message. Summarily, I’ve decided to rename my table “BASEDtraveler’s Beer & Bites for Beginners.”

Somehow, I’m not too upset by this incident. Maybe it’s my expat-local resiliency. Maybe it’s my ignorance. Maybe I’m accustomed to making a fool of myself. And maybe it’s my love for a good story. I actually feel a little like Buzz, the toddler in the video below. Who knew that one little action could cause such a surprisingly delightful fallout?