Second thoughts by Confederate reenactors?

[Copperhead-mi]

How about setting a tent aside at the reenactments as a "safe-space" so the terror stricken twinkies who have seen a Confederate flag can retreat there?

 

[Poor Private]

I thought this forum is about the civil war?
Why are we talking about Nazi Germany? Different century and different circumstances. Isn't this kinda modern politics? Why not talk about ISIS and Turbans?

 

[GELongstreet]

I thought this forum is about the civil war? Why are we talking about Nazi Germany? ...

Godwin's law.

 

[thomas aagaard]

I thought this forum is about the civil war?
Why are we talking about Nazi Germany? Different century and different circumstances. Isn't this kinda modern politics? Why not talk about ISIS and Turbans?

Because this specific question came up a few weeks ago at an historical convention here in Denmark.

And because it is the same issue... (just bigger)

So this is one of the few cases where the comparison do make sense.

But it is really a basic question about why do people reenact soldiers who fought for something that is not acceptable today.
(and how should be do it)

The next question is why reenacting Vikings or Crusades is not problematic... guess time is the main reason.

 

[Jackson Hornets]

Old thread but since I do many Confederate impressions I'd like to add that I change nothing for nobody. History is history for bad and for good. You can't play "Cowboys" without "Indians" to me. If it offends somebody then that's their personal choice. When I do an impression for say a living history event I usually always talk about uniforms, ranks, equipment and such and rarely politics.

 

[MaryDee]

My eldest son, a member of the 6th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, is down in Kentucky this weekend reenacting the muster of Morgan's men. Of course the 6th Ohio are "galvanizing" as Confederates for this three-part reenactment. The second part will take place in Ohio in September (unfortunately the same weekend as our Gettysburg "do"), reenacting Morgan's raid through Indiana and Ohio. I haven't yet heard if they will re-enact Morgan's stay in the Ohio penitentiary! The third part will be next spring, and I hope to be able to attend.

There are certainly no "second thoughts" going on among these normally Union reenactors about playing a famous Confederate raider and his men.

 

[RebYell64]

It might be a good idea for those who do not like Confederate flag to skip reenacting events, but does this impact the future of these events? That is if the number of people dislike the CBF grow, the number of people who will not attend the reenactments will grow as well. Should people who do not think the CBF should fly at the local court house but have no problem with the CBF flying at monuments also avoid reenactments?

Well, I reenact for me. Getting the honor of being able to teach the public about history is an added bonus I do not mind. While I always hope that people continue to come out and enjoy watching reenactments, if the numbers decrease, I won't change a thing.

If someone happens to be of the opinion that a Confederate flag shouldn't fly over a courthouse, that is their choice. If they want to see a reenactment, either suck it up or don't come. Simple as that. There's no grey area there.

If they want the flag in a museum, there's no better historical exhibit than representing history on the hallowed ground where it occurred.