Are C.W. Reenactors Egotistical?

[Dispatch]

Today, we had an in-depth discussion at the shop in Gettysburg about Civil War reenactors and their egos within the hobby.

One topic that came up was the excessive amount of God-awful gaudy color trim on cheaply made uniforms, including hat cords, brass/state buttons, and buckles. We also noted the presence of modern two-piece Adirondack chairs and various other items that many reenactors, especially newcomers, consider acceptable to bring and use at events.

Particularly, we highlighted the overly extravagant display of colored trim on uniforms.

The issue of egos arises because many Civil War reenactors either lack awareness or simply do not care about being period-correct in their impressions. It seems to be more about the "look-at-me" factor.

Seeing these issues at almost all events makes me cringe, and I feel the urge to approach these individuals and remove the unnecessary trim for the sake of preserving the integrity of the hobby...

 

[captaindrew]

You're going to the wrong events

 

[captaindrew]

You're right, some of the mainstream events can get borderline ridiculous. If you call them on it you're called a stich counter. Not that I would anyway, I just worry about getting my own stuff as right as I can unless someone asks for my advice. There are events out there where things are done right though, it's two different worlds.

 

[archieclement]

Today, we had an in-depth discussion at the shop in Gettysburg about Civil War reenactors and their egos within the hobby.

One topic that came up was the excessive amount of God-awful gaudy color trim on cheaply made uniforms, including hat cords, brass/state buttons, and buckles. We also noted the presence of modern two-piece Adirondack chairs and various other items that many reenactors, especially newcomers, consider acceptable to bring and use at events.

Particularly, we highlighted the overly extravagant display of colored trim on uniforms.

The issue of egos arises because many Civil War reenactors either lack awareness or simply do not care about being period-correct in their impressions. It seems to be more about the "look-at-me" factor.

Seeing these issues at almost all events makes me cringe, and I feel the urge to approach these individuals and remove the unnecessary trim for the sake of preserving the integrity of the hobby... View attachment 543538

Not sure ego is accurate in that regard, might be in case of some thread counters.

In examples you gave it would seem not knowing more about period dress, or not particularly caring.....wouldn't think either would be so much ego.

But being particularly serious wouldn't be a requirement to play modern cowboys and indians....or billy yank and johnny reb. Wouldn't expect all reenactors to be hard-core into history, and that there would be some more casual participants doesn't seem surprising.

 

[JackADriscoll]

I wouldn't discourage anyone from coming to a dying hobby. Instead I'd try to gently guide them in the proper direction. Proper kit can also be pretty spendy and not everyone has the means. Give them some grace they are probably here for the same reasons we all are

 

[Nathan Stuart]

Personally regard present day reenactments generally as having limited educational appeal. (Any modern excesses appearing are not realistic for recreating past historically significant episodes).

In saying that, support anyone freely choosing and pursuing their hobby/pastime, provided it does not harm themself or others. There will also be individuals with varying mindsets and motivations engaged in any hobby/pastime. Some of them may pursue it with great passion or zeal, and perhaps to excess or obsession that might be reflected by their extreme dress or behavior. Then the question to ask is, ...'to what extreme is acceptable?'...

From a mental health/wellbeing perspective to apply here, like to many aspects of life, maybe the ancient Greeks got it right with their inscribed maxim on the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, ...'Meden Agan'... ('Nothing in Excess').

 

[CWdiaryPA]

Does the general public know which type, if any, hat cords were worn from 1861--1865? Are reenactors mainly trying to impress or one-up each other? Does this perfection come from a genuine urge toward historical accuracy, do some walk around with a magnifying glass examining each other's stitching? I can't imagine joining a group like that, as I'd be so frozen in fear of getting the slightest thing wrong I couldn't walk out my door to go. And if I were old-old, I'd appreciate a place to sit to watch. To have nowhere to rest wouldn't be very welcoming to the public.

 

[Library Lady]

Maybe they all think they're Custer or JEB Stuart? Those gents had a certain degree of sartorial flair. It's not like Zouaves didn't want to be noticed, either. I really like @JackADriscoll 's response above. You can kindly guide them to a toned down impression or you can kindly guide them toward impressions that legitimately have more flair.

Now I know this isn't Civil War, but did you all see what Admiral Lord Nelson was wearing right in the middle of Trafalgar? Did he make himself a target or what?

 

[Dan Kohli]

Probably. It seems to vary on group and region.

 

[13 IL Cav & 64 GA Inf]

Today, we had an in-depth discussion at the shop in Gettysburg about Civil War reenactors and their egos within the hobby.

One topic that came up was the excessive amount of God-awful gaudy color trim on cheaply made uniforms, including hat cords, brass/state buttons, and buckles. We also noted the presence of modern two-piece Adirondack chairs and various other items that many reenactors, especially newcomers, consider acceptable to bring and use at events.

Particularly, we highlighted the overly extravagant display of colored trim on uniforms.

The issue of egos arises because many Civil War reenactors either lack awareness or simply do not care about being period-correct in their impressions. It seems to be more about the "look-at-me" factor.

Seeing these issues at almost all events makes me cringe, and I feel the urge to approach these individuals and remove the unnecessary trim for the sake of preserving the integrity of the hobby... View attachment 543538

Being period correct is essential. Without it, reenactments are basically meaningless.

 

[James Brenner]

Being period correct is essential. Without it, reenactments are basically meaningless.

So true. I have often thought that there should be an umbrella group called the Society for Creative Re-enacting where only a nodding relationship to history is required.

 

[captaindrew]

So true. I have often thought that there should be an umbrella group called the Society for Creative Re-enacting where only a nodding relationship to history is required.

That would cover a large portion of the mainstream

 

[Dispatch]

You're right, some of the mainstream events can get borderline ridiculous. If you call them on it you're called a stich counter. Not that I would anyway, I just worry about getting my own stuff as right as I can unless someone asks for my advice. There are events out there where things are done right though, it's two different worlds.

All events must be taken seriously; we have no choice but to take decisive action once and for all.

This issue has dragged on for far too long in our sport, and it has resulted in outsiders viewing reenactors as a laughing stock.

If we fail to unite and initiate change, nothing will improve.

This isn't complicated—simple, 'minor adjustments' can lead to substantial improvements. Even the cheapest, inauthentic outfits can look more authentic when styled plainly. Yet, many reenactors stubbornly refuse to blend in; they insist on standing out.

It is the obligation of senior reenactors to guide newcomers on what to purchase and what to avoid. This should be done without scorn, as some have a tendency to do, thus driving new participants away from our sport.

Event organizers also have a crucial role to play and should enforce them as they do with safety issues.

It's imperative that people leave such things as blue enamel cookware;

at home and ditch Adirondack chairs invented in the 1930s by a prison inmate;

If modern comforts are absolutely necessary, they must be kept out of sight—something that too many reenactors neglect.

Unfortunately, the market is purposefully saturated with low-quality products from countries like Pakistan, China, and others. Even shops in Gettysburg are filled with cheap tourist trinkets that undermine our collective efforts.

Now is the time to raise our standard and elevate the sport we are so passionate about...

 

[captaindrew]

Being period correct is essential. Without it, reenactments are basically meaningless.

Unfortunately some reenactors don't share the same sentiment, they're there to burn powder and drink around the campfire. Which I'm not knocking, I enjoy the same, but I'd wish they'd just spend a few minutes of homework before buying their kits. I've seen guys spend a lot of good money on junk. And all the truck/car loads of horribly inaccurate camp . You can survive just fine for 48 hours with what you can carry on your back like they did.

 

[13 IL Cav & 64 GA Inf]

Unfortunately some reenactors don't share the same sentiment, they're there to burn powder and drink around the campfire. Which I'm not knocking, I enjoy the same, but I'd wish they'd just spend a few minutes of homework before buying their kits. I've seen guys spend a lot of good money on junk. And all the truck/car loads of horribly inaccurate camp . You can survive just fine for 48 hours with what you can carry on your back like they did.

Totally agree, @captaindrew. Even though I am not a CW reenactor, and am in my late 70's now, I used to be a Rev. War reenactor and felt the same about that.

 

[captaindrew]

All events must be taken seriously; we have no choice but to take decisive action once and for all.

This issue has dragged on for far too long in our sport, and it has resulted in outsiders viewing reenactors as a laughing stock.

If we fail to unite and initiate change, nothing will improve.

This isn't complicated—simple, 'minor adjustments' can lead to substantial improvements. Even the cheapest, inauthentic outfits can look more authentic when styled plainly. Yet, many reenactors stubbornly refuse to blend in; they insist on standing out.

It is the obligation of senior reenactors to guide newcomers on what to purchase and what to avoid. This should be done without scorn, as some have a tendency to do, thus driving new participants away from our sport.

Event organizers also have a crucial role to play and should enforce them as they do with safety issues.

It's imperative that people leave such things as blue enamel cookware at home and ditch Adirondack chairs invented in the 1930s by a prison inmate. If modern comforts are absolutely necessary, they must be kept out of sight—something that too many reenactors neglect.

Unfortunately, the market is purposefully saturated with low-quality products from countries like Pakistan, China, and others. Even shops in Gettysburg are filled with cheap tourist trinkets that undermine our collective efforts.

Now is the time to raise our standard and elevate the sport we are so passionate about...

I agree with you and it is happening. The old mainstream powder burners are aging out. A lot of the young guys getting in do want to do it right. You see a lot younger crowd at the authentic/campaigner events. That's the future of the hobby, I think quality will overtake quantity.

 

[JackADriscoll]

I agree with you and it is happening. The old mainstream powder burners are aging out. A lot of the young guys getting in do want to do it right. You see a lot younger crowd at the authentic/campaigner events. That's the future of the hobby, I think quality will overtake quantity.

I have been wondering what you think the ratio is of old to young, serious to not serious. Also how often do people want to be a buck private versus how many want to be the commanding officer. I definitely agree that authenticity is essential for events where the public views because if there's a Starbucks cup in a confederates hand it's going to get some laughs

 

[13 IL Cav & 64 GA Inf]

I agree with you and it is happening. The old mainstream powder burners are aging out. A lot of the young guys getting in do want to do it right. You see a lot younger crowd at the authentic/campaigner events. That's the future of the hobby, I think quality will overtake quantity.

I certainly hope you are right.

 

[Rusk County Avengers]

Today, we had an in-depth discussion at the shop in Gettysburg about Civil War reenactors and their egos within the hobby.

One topic that came up was the excessive amount of God-awful gaudy color trim on cheaply made uniforms, including hat cords, brass/state buttons, and buckles. We also noted the presence of modern two-piece Adirondack chairs and various other items that many reenactors, especially newcomers, consider acceptable to bring and use at events.

Particularly, we highlighted the overly extravagant display of colored trim on uniforms.

The issue of egos arises because many Civil War reenactors either lack awareness or simply do not care about being period-correct in their impressions. It seems to be more about the "look-at-me" factor.

Seeing these issues at almost all events makes me cringe, and I feel the urge to approach these individuals and remove the unnecessary trim for the sake of preserving the integrity of the hobby... View attachment 543538

All events must be taken seriously; we have no choice but to take decisive action once and for all.

This issue has dragged on for far too long in our sport, and it has resulted in outsiders viewing reenactors as a laughing stock.

If we fail to unite and initiate change, nothing will improve.

This isn't complicated—simple, 'minor adjustments' can lead to substantial improvements. Even the cheapest, inauthentic outfits can look more authentic when styled plainly. Yet, many reenactors stubbornly refuse to blend in; they insist on standing out.

It is the obligation of senior reenactors to guide newcomers on what to purchase and what to avoid. This should be done without scorn, as some have a tendency to do, thus driving new participants away from our sport.

Event organizers also have a crucial role to play and should enforce them as they do with safety issues.

It's imperative that people leave such things as blue enamel cookware;
View attachment 543765

at home and ditch Adirondack chairs invented in the 1930s by a prison inmate;
View attachment 543764
If modern comforts are absolutely necessary, they must be kept out of sight—something that too many reenactors neglect.

Unfortunately, the market is purposefully saturated with low-quality products from countries like Pakistan, China, and others. Even shops in Gettysburg are filled with cheap tourist trinkets that undermine our collective efforts.

Now is the time to raise our standard and elevate the sport we are so passionate about...

Never mind all of that stuff. Biggest egos are the officers who've been wearing rank for 10 to 20 years!

Those clowns will literally murder an event just to have power!

They'll literally create the weather and stand in the rain and say "Sh** it's raining!"

 

[captaindrew]

I have been wondering what you think the ratio is of old to young, serious to not serious. Also how often do people want to be a buck private versus how many want to be the commanding officer. I definitely agree that authenticity is essential for events where the public views because if there's a Starbucks cup in a confederates hand it's going to get some laughs

It varies so much from unit to unit and event to event it's hard to answer the age question. You definitely see a lot more younger people at the stricter events. My home unit is actually a younger group and we attend both mainstream and some campaigner events but we always pack light. I'm 54 and the oldest active member of our group. We have a couple teenagers but most of the guys are in their 30s. There's another group in our area where I think I'd be one of the younger guys. They certainly aren't doing much campaigning. As far as rank goes I think most guys are perfectly happy as privates with no responsibility, I know I was for a lot of years before I was talked into taking any kind of rank. You need to watch out for the guys that are overly eager for rank, they don't usually want it for the right reasons.