I am not a reenactor or even a "History teacher." I have just read this thread and would like to make a few comments from the perspective of a retired science teacher who is a bit of a "late bloomer" when it comes to the ACW. (Though I did make sure my students were made aware of the history or stories behind the topic we discussed. Any topic needs to be put into its historical perspective.)
The thread is highly interesting and I can imagine reenactors sitting around a campfire discussing some of the "dumb" questions they have been asked. And to us they may seem "dumb" like the answers to seemingly easy questions asked to folks "on the street" on some late night shows. And honestly, some are dumb; and maybe some of those questions are made to, maybe, poke a little fun on the reenactors. I really don't know. Any teacher ocassionally has to put up wit a "smart a.." comment.
But some of the questions in the tread may come out of ignorance or an honest question that could really allow the "teachable moment."
The "real bullet" topic could have been addressed by showing that person a real bullet and providing some conversation and further info on the topic. Would you like to see a real CW bullet? Hold the gun, is it heavy? . . The smell after firing, . . .
The "real food" could lead to a discussion of the diet and provision provided to the men during the battle and how they may not even eat for a few days or on limited rations until supplies caught up with them, maybe how they "cooked" food, or how rotten some of it really was.
The question about "real water" could lead to water sources, sanitation, pollution, latrines and that more deaths resulted from disease than battle wounds. ...maybe even to the mention that "germ theory' was not even fully developed at the time.
Perhaps a thread about "teachable moments" during reenacting or other teaching situations would be interesting.
It's not so much about bad previous teachers or curriculum, just ignorance on the individual's part and our opportunity to correct any ignorance we might come across. And maybe some of you did take advantage of the question after all. Isn't that why you reenact?