Photo courtesy of Hispanic Attack
Editor’s note: Erich “Dr. Spankenstein” Bennar has been a member of PVRD for six years. As a skater for the Dirty Dozen, Bennar was nominated on DNN as a jammer/blocker “Best Double Threat” in 2011.
Bennar co-founded the Men’s Derby Coalition in 2007, a national governing body of men’s roller derby which became the Men’s Roller Derby Association in 2011. He currently serves as the president of MRDA. For 2012, Bennar has been exploring ways to develop a sustainable infrastructure for MRDA’s future.
In the following piece, Bennar explains one of the changes he believes will help MRDA grow and thrive.
Beginning this season, I will be skating under my given name, Erich Bennar (rather than my derby alias “Dr Spankenstein”). I’ve been thinking about it for several months now. Here are my reasons for doing so.
1. To Represent MRDA Well
As the president of Men’s Roller Derby Association, I would like to represent our organization as myself. My moniker is a shoutout to one of my favorite literary characters, with a debaucherous twist. This may represent an idealized version of me. Its not me, and I don’t feel like it represents MRDA.
There have been concerns about names that are offensive and not child friendly. Dr. Spankenstein isn’t explicitly offensive or derogatory, but I’d rather avoid that altogether.
2. To Avoid the Registration Process
The process of registering names has become difficult. People spend lots of time agonizing over an alias that adequately represents them. Often, when they try to register, they find that its a duplicate or was just registered by someone else.
Some people don’t find out until after their first bout, when they’ve already had their uniforms printed and fans are getting to know them. This causes frustration.
This frustration can be avoided by revamping the entire system or people simply using their given names. I’m opting to use my given name.
3. To Bring MRDA into the Mainstream
One of my primary goals with MRDA is to help bring it to the mainstream. The novelty of choosing names was fashionable when roller derby was still a backburner activity for folks with a subversive bent. There are some corners of roller derby where that is still the ideal.
For MRDA, however, I believe that time has passed. Roller derby is a legitimate sport. We need to reach out to more fans. I want to see more players present themselves as regular folks. I think that more people will identify with Erich Bennar, than Dr. Spankenstein. I don’t want my fans to cheer for an ideal. I want them to cheer for this regular guy who has dared to dream and is making his dreams come true.
So, for 2012, you’ll probably still see me occasionally hanging around with Dr. Spankenstein gear on or signing my emails with Erich / Spank alternately. But officially, I will be skating and doing business under my given name: Erich Bennar.
I hope other folks consider taking their given name as well.
Check back tomorrow for more from Erich Bennar or head to the MRDA general forum to read the full conversation.
Want to join the fast, fun local roller derby team? Email info@pioneervalleyrollerderby.com for information on PVRD’s next Fresh Meat Night, Feb. 1 at 7:30 p.m.
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Tags: Dirty Dozen, MRDA, Pioneer Valley, Roller derby, Spankenstein
Reminds me of the time I interviewed “Ghostface Killah” and he introduced himself as such. Its respectful and a necessary sacrifice for your league. Thank you, Erich!
I respect that you have made this decision for yourself, but I hope it doesn’t represent a movement towards using given names for all derby skaters (i.e. without the option to use derby names). With the issue of name registration aside (which could probably be mended by an automated system), there are still a lot of good reasons to have a moniker.
First and foremost, there are plenty of occupations where skaters/volunteers might not want to have their professional name associated with the sport (even though it is a legitimate sport, it still holds the potential to portray individuals in a light that they may not want associated with their day job–especially with the lightning-fast rate at which news/information shoots worldwide across the internet).
Secondly, it’s fun, and it sets roller derby aside from other sports. It’s great that roller derby is growing in leaps and bounds, but one of the main attractions to the sport for a lot of people is that it isn’t just another sport (like football, baseball, etc). A lot of skaters don’t want to just be “regular”. They want to be roller derby skaters. There are plenty of other sports on skates that cater to “regular” people.
An observation I have made over the years is that a significant portion of fans are either friends/family of skaters (and would be there regardless) and long-time fans of the sport (since the 70s and before). Roller derby is complicated and hard to follow for those new to the sport–which makes it somewhat uninteresting to new fans. In my opinion, the quirky parts of roller derby help keep it interesting for these new fans, and keep them around long enough to appreciate the sport for what it truly is.
With that said, I agree that allowing skaters to choose for themselves is the best option at this point. Oh–and you’re an excellent skater regardless of what you call yourself.
I wholeheartedly agree and posted my own thoughts on the issue yesterday. Time to get serious! Good luck in the future, Erich. x
http://morethanfishnets.blogspot.com/2012/01/karen.html
Good on you if you’re called Erich Bennar.. you will see some time pass before somebody else with the same name takes up Roller Derby. But those of us with more generic/common names, especially females, will probably stumble upon the “same name” issue sooner than with derby monikers.
Of course, the entire system of name uniqueness could be up for debate, but “it does away with the frustration of possible name doubles” can’t fly as an argument in that light.
Does it disrupt the flow of forward progress and fragment the movement to revert back to or refuse to give up a derby name? Is the new subversion to be a leader and skate under your derby name? Who is more real, you or your derby name?
Thank you all for the support
It wasn’t an easy decision to give up a name (and consequently an identity) that people have come to know me by. But I feel like it’s the right decision for me.
L Train – I can certainly understand how it might be easier for journalists to write about a person who’s name is more toned down. I imagine it might be easier for some readers to digest it also.
Karen – Your experiences definitely resonate with my own. Thank you for posting your link!
Juggernaut – I would encourage anyone who thinks it’s right for them to do the same. If this is a movement. Then I support whomever moves in that direction. For people whose lifestyle prohibits a blending of derby life and professional life, or for those who prefer an alias as a matter of preference – I would encourage them to continue with the derby names. There’s room for everyone
XeneX – Granted, my real name is fairly unique. You won’t find too many Bennars in the phone book. Here’s how i look at it.. Even if there were 15 other Erich Bennar’s skating around the country. I’ve worked extremely hard to rise to a level of competition and leadership that sets me apart. Anyone who knows of me (regardless of my name) knows exactly who they mean.
Killbox – Those sound like very personal questions that everybody can and should be asking themselves. If you’ve chosen to revert back to your derby name, and that’s the right decision for you, then you’re reasons are just as valid as mine. Some folks have and will be straddling the line of using one or more names to identify themselves. When I first met you, you were introduced by your given name. If you would prefer people call you by your derby name. I won’t argue
..A few folks asked me to elaborate on the reasons behind my decisions. I believe there is a followup article coming out in the next day or so. Check back soon!
Respect! except now the derbs may never know
Dr. Banner, Dr. Bennar, “David” Bennar, The Incredible Erich Bennar, to name just a few…
fyi “Erich Bennar” is not currently registered at two evils…
Each to their own. I mourn a little at “the fun” being taken out of derby but I do understand that you want to take it to the next level. I will miss every single derby name that may get phased out.
The only thing I’m a little cranky about is perhaps a shout out to David Ketchum/Rollin’ Redshirt for preceding you in this by a few years. Erich/Spanky, if your decision was difficult then it was probably even more difficult for Dave. Just sayin’.
Haha.. Sexy beast.. “the Incredible Erich Bennar” I’ve heard of some of the others.. but not that guy ;P
..Also Killbox.. I’ve been thinking more on your questions, and I don’t think I adequately addressed the heart of what you were asking.
I guess I’d like to step back and be clear that my decision and my reasons for doing so are not meant to be a reflection or criticism of anyone who chooses to skate under an assumed name. For me, and for my role, and for the uniques challenges of my organization, I think it makes sense.
And – I’m not looking to pressure any other skaters, or MRDA’s or any other organizations’ organizers or directors to change their name. I think its great that they and you and everybody else has the freedom and the courage to use whatever name you want.
All that said – I recognize that surface level stuff doesn’t impact anyone’s ability to do their job, to skate well, or to lead an organization. As a football player who used to wear fishnets and makeup under his uniform, I understand that how you appear is less important than the quality of your character and what you bring to the game. I’ve worked with you and some of the folks in WFTDA, and you are fun to work with, easy to communicate with and you get things done. And really – that’s what’s important as a leader.
People may be turned off by my decision to change. Some people might be inspired. I’m proud of my decision and I’m happy to put myself out there either way.
Anyway.. great questions. Thanks for challenging me think more on it
pics or it didn’t happen
I totally agree! A few others and I brought this up in are MCM Page. I pretty much said the same thing as you just pointed out and a few others as why we should. I hope this may change some of are skaters mind and we really talk about this now!
Erich, Of course I applaud your decision as it is similar to the decision I made at the beginning of last season. I did not change my name on Two Evils for two reasons. 1. My name is David Ketchum and therefore I do not feel that I am entitled to that name by birth no matter whether it is similar to another name or not. 2. If I changed my name on Two Evils, it would seem as if I had been a skater only since the date of my name change. Even though I am not using Rollin’ Redshirt, it is part of my history as a skater as a member of the first men’s team in flat track, and one of the few first season skaters still skating. (At age 56 that is quite an accomplishment!)
I had several reasons for the name change. 1. I am proud of my own name and want people to know that David Ketchum is a roller derby skater. 2. Although my derby name had a strong “derby” meaning for me, the choice was unknown to most unless they knew some background from the original derby. Redshirt skaters was a inside term used by skaters to refer to the bad guys, the visiting team, the rule breakers as opposed to the Whiteshirt skaters who were the heroes, the good guys, the home team. People would ask me if it was a Star Trek reference or a communist reference. 3. I have many friends online who are old derby fans or skaters who were bothered by the derby names. They would say that derby skaters of old might have knicknames, but everyone knew their real name such as Leroy “Bad Boy” Gonzalez or Julie “The Ace” Patrick. I guess that makes me David “Rollin’ Redshirt” Ketchum. 4. I felt that choosing my real name to skate under was a statement that it was a better alternative as the future of flat track derby than going the route of crude names.
It is my personal opinion but current derby cannot have it both ways. Some people want derby to gain sponsers, be written about in the press, be on TV and even be in the Olympics. This will not happen with some of the avant garde aspects that have been part of derby. The Olympics would refer to us by our birth names not by profane or genitalia. I appreciate the history of the current wave of derby just as I appreciate the history of the original derby as a fan since 1968. Part of me will always be Rollin’ Redshirt. I walk into a venue and people say, “Hi Redshirt.” I was teased at an after party when I had changed into one of my old uniform shirts. Someone asked me if Ketchum knew that Rollin’ Redshirt was at the after party with Mrs. Ketchum. Skating names aren’t what makes Derby fun. Derby itself and the skaters themselves are fun. It has been a privelege to be part of the start of men’s flat track as Rollin’ Redshirt and part of the future of Derby as Ketchum. At age 56 I don’t have much time left in Derby, but I hope people remember that David Ketchum skated Derby!
I think the act of asking questions and thinking about what progress is might be the most important part of growth, no right answers necessary. Splintering our sport and seeing how it grows together and where it diverges is a cool part of making stuff up as you go. Anyway, I just change my name a bunch to be a jokester, welcome to the L7 world of real names I think I might have been your first mayor.
I believe this really is part of an underlying question of what is the end goal of the evolution of modern derby. I have heard rumors of the possibility of it becoming an Olympic event but is that really the direction the players want it to take. As it has been, roller derby has been governed by the players, for the players. Would the players rather see Team USA vs Ireland in the Olympics or something more like Team USAnger vs Direland in more of a world cup scenario? Which best represents the spirit of derby?
Similar to professional wrestling, derby players take names that add personality to the sport. Players may wear face paint, mohawks, or whatever other modifications they can legally get away with to modify their boutfit and create a character. While modern derby has moved away from the choreographed fights and antics that some still remember from when they were kids and has adopted a set of rules you have to be an engineer to properly officiate, the remnants of the past attracts a following that doesn’t come to bouts just for the thrill of competition but to be entertained and to have fun. How many other sports can you meet up with the players after the game at a local bar and leg wrestle with them? (This may be a regional thing.) Would you rather hang out with Peter Parker or Spyder Man? (Incorrect spelling is intentional.)
While I do feel that some names have gone too far, I think there is another way to fix this issue than everyone switching to their legal names. WFTDA/MRDA could require derby names of players affiliated with them to follow certain basic guidelines (i.e. no profanity, racial slurs, or references to genitalia etc.) and passage through a name review process. Leagues not affiliated with WFTDA/MRDA have autonomy and should be allowed to review names and approve/deny them as they see fit but it would probably be in their best interest to follow the same guidelines for derby names. Names can still be witty and punny but they should also be something you don’t have to think about covering a child’s ears or be ashamed to speak aloud to your family. Our derby names can still be a reflection of the character we want to portray on the track or our personality but people shouldn’t feel ashamed or dirty for repeating our derby names to friends and family.
Maybe the mainstream is where derby’s headed or maybe it’s just becoming more family friendly but before a goal is made to bring it to the mainstream, maybe the leagues should be asked if that’s what they want. Every league is skater owned and operated by the skaters. How many mainstream teams can say that?
I apologize if any or all of this seems like a rant.
KD – I like to believe that there is more fun to be had in roller derby beyond the names.. Also – no disrespect meant toward David. He was ahead of the time in his decision for contemporary derby. Likewise, people have been using their real names in sports for decades, so I have no pretension about being the first. I know I’m not.
David – same deal.. I probably won’t register my real name either. It’d be pretty embarrassing if it was rejected! ;p
Bruce – That makes sense. MCM could probably benefit from some name changes. But ultimately that’s your call to make
Killbox – Agreed. Change changes things.. for better or for worse.. any chance I can get an homorary key to the L7 city?
This is an interesting thread. I just wanted to add my words to it, for whatever that’s worth. Last year I founded NorCal Men’s Roller Derby in the Redding area of California. I decided from the moment I realized i wanted to skate derby that I was going to do two things: Skate the the absolute fullest of my potential and have the accomplishments and recognition that come with that effort be reflected on my given name.
I have thought up (in my opinion) brilliant little derby names since then, but even though I’ve considered them I do not want my accomplishments to be a reflection of an alter-ego or whatever.
I’m also lucky in that my last name is Downer. I like that jammers coming up on the pack see that they’ve got a big Downer in there waiting for them.
Articles like this only fortify my reasoning for skating under my name. Thank you for writing this article. It’s nice to know I’m not completely out of mind lol