Negativity Toward the Hobby in the Modern Military

[Haversack]

All,
Lately I've been noticing a bit of negativity toward our hobby from some gents that I work with in the modern day military. Has anyone else experienced the same or similar? Based upon some of the reasons that I have heard (chiefly that it "glorifies one of the worst wars in American history"), I am guessing that this may be due to the lack of understanding the different hobbies, motives, etc. within the hobby that non-participants tend to have. It seems as though some of them also tend to view all 'enactors as chiefly political extremists trying to run around and keep the war going 150 years after the fact. In my opinion, these are things that tend to be seen more in the mainstream hobby than on our end of the spectrum. I've tried the various approaches such as education (both for ourselves and the public), "experimental archaeology", preservation, etc., but no dice. I'm not trying to complain in the least. They are fully entitled to their opinions. I suppose I just don't understand why folks tend to view what we do in such a negative light.

P.S. I had to drop the "bombshell" that Civil War was far from the only historical period that people attempt to recreate. That in itself was rather interesting.

[WpnsMan]

Re: Negativity Toward the Hobby in the Modern Military

In my experience, when I tell someone that I reenact the Civil War they are usually aghast when I inform them that I portray Confederates more often than not. This is a reaction born of the hyper political correctness of our society and unfortunately the armed forces as a whole. Wherein those who are perceived as not towing the party line or who openly disagree with policy are usually sacked. But that is a subject for another discussion.

I always clarify myself that I also portray Federals’s in an effort to honor all who fought the war in an effort to educate said individuals about the hobby. After elaborating that I am not participating on either side in an effort to make a political statement, I believe I usually get a “pass” with most so, as not to be branded as some sort of extremist.

I do not publicize my participation in the hobby for the simple and unfortunate fact that there are those in the ranks who cannot wait to be offended and make mountains out of a mole hills. I.E, you may want to choose wisely who you confide in. Unfortunate, but it is what it is………….. YMMV.

[AndrewGrim]

Re: Negativity Toward the Hobby in the Modern Military

I think it has as much to do with eternal colonels that think being their 20 years in the hobby actually means something.

[cigichj]

Re: Negativity Toward the Hobby in the Modern Military

I'm active duty myself, and everybody knows about my hobby/lifestyle/money drain, knows I make most of my own clothing, and we even had a morale fundraiser for Halloween last year, in which I participated as a Western Federal (this year I'll be Western Confederate). I haven't been met with any negative reactions as far as being a living historian goes, but at one of my previous commands a guy from Georgia was upset about the WT Sherman t-shirt I was wearing... :tounge_sm

[woodsda]

Re: Negativity Toward the Hobby in the Modern Military

After retiring from the Marine Corps after 21 years, with a majority spent on the east coast, I have never seen any negativity towards anyone reenacting any time period. While I cannot speak for other branches, all officers and most non- commissioned officers are exposed in great detail to civil war strategy and with Quantico in the heart of civil war country, seeing reenactors is pretty normal. Opinions are what they are, I normally take them wth a grain of salt.

[JerseyMutt]

Re: Negativity Toward the Hobby in the Modern Military

In the 15 years I've been on active-duty with the Air Force, and I can't say that I've ever experienced any negative attitudes from fellow service members about my being in this hobby. Well, at least no more so than they might look at the Magic the Gathering groups that are quite numerous among the Intel community that I am currently stuck in.

[Strawfoot]

Re: Negativity Toward the Hobby in the Modern Military

In my many years of service in the air force I've never heard one negative word regarding our hobby, or my participation in it. Maybe some grins, but that has more to do with the jackasses, clowns, and other ass-hats who have slung our name through the mud in the eye of the populace. But surely not because it, "glorifies one of the worst wars in American history."

[Marine Mike]

Re: Negativity Toward the Hobby in the Modern Military

I've seen a depends situation. Active and veterans know to take care of their gear and present themselves within the norms of the military. The detraction seems to be generated by seeing those in the hobby who use it as an excuse to put on funny clothes, play cops and robbers and generally do a poor military impression. The Union vs. Confederate is almost a non issue as field exercises require friendlies, non-friendlies and unknown. But the not learning the history, military bearing, traditions, drills, all that separates a soldier from a civilian comes across as disrespect. And the question that enters ones mind when you say you reenact is 'Are you one of the clowns'?

[Kyle O'Brien]

Re: Negativity Toward the Hobby in the Modern Military

My dad is a member of the California State Reserve and he reenacts with me and has guys in his unit who do Mexican War, WW2 and Civil War. Generally guys either think its cool or silly but nobody is bitter over it. A guy in unit is a Vietnam Veteran and has been pretty critical or Vietnam reenacting.

[Sackcoat]

Re: Negativity Toward the Hobby in the Modern Military

"Just blow it off". Most hobbies, especially those not considered mainstream, will have their critics.

For myself, I have gotten a little friendly ribbing, mainly about spending a good weekend enduring hardships like sleeping on the ground.

When asked about the hobby, I tell people I am a "Living Historian" and reenactor. This opens a conversation about the difference between those serious about the hobby and "Ol' Jim Bob" who likes to do modern camping while pretending to be a Civil War soldier.

[Dbackfed]

Re: Negativity Toward the Hobby in the Modern Military

I find it interesting that some may have a negative view towards the hobby. I have met multiple combat veterans during my 14 years in the hobby. I think if there was a lot of negativity toward the hobby, I would never have met so many veterans over the years.

[Coatsy]

Re: Negativity Toward the Hobby in the Modern Military

The line I use: "I volunteer at parks, museums, and other historic sites."

Because, basically we DO at many of these events.


I'm slightly lucky at my current job that most of the head honchos are former military with great appreciation for history. And they think I'm crazy for doing it, in a good way.

[MarkTK36thIL]

Re: Negativity Toward the Hobby in the Modern Military

There's plenty of guys from the military in our side of the hobby, from reserve components to the most elite units of the military. I think the rest of the military (and public for that matter) envisions the raccoon-bone-in-hat overly obese elderly guy who walks around with a double barrel shotgun while waving the rebel flag vs. the authentic living historian.

Those that don't know about the differences within the hobby group us all together until educated by someone who "does it right." Until they are educated about our side of the fence, we are all just William-Roberts.

[Pennvolunteer]

Re: Negativity Toward the Hobby in the Modern Military

I never had any negative attitudes when I was on active duty, or now as a DA civilian. I have done staff rides, demonstrations, gave Army heritage training classes, and alway had a positive response and comments. If folks had a negative comment, then they kept it to themselves. When our Commanding General found out I went to the 150th Gettysburg, he wanted to see pictures and talk about it!

[Haversack]

Re: Negativity Toward the Hobby in the Modern Military

There's plenty of guys from the military in our side of the hobby, from reserve components to the most elite units of the military. I think the rest of the military (and public for that matter) envisions the raccoon-bone-in-hat overly obese elderly guy who walks around with a double barrel shotgun while waving the rebel flag vs. the authentic living historian.

Those that don't know about the differences within the hobby group us all together until educated by someone who "does it right." Until they are educated about our side of the fence, we are all just William-Roberts.

I think this is most likely the case as well. They seem to be unaware of the various types of events that are not the typical shoot 'em up, complete with funnel cakes and polyester flags. I have attempted to explain the differences, and there have been those in the past that actually seem interested and ask questions, but there have been a couple recently that tend to be rather sat in their ways and think their viewpoint is the only one that is correct, no matter what the topic of conversation. But that is what it is. I suppose I should clarify-for the number of people who have any kind of negative view on , the hobby, there have been many more who found it interesting or at least dismissed it as, as "normal" as others who play the various online games, L.A.R.P., etc. In fact, on the other end of the spectrum, I was the youngest Marine at our birthday ball this past year, and was talking to the GySgt that was the oldest Marine. He brought up the ACW and it tuned out that he was quite interested in the history of the conflict and thought that my participation in the hobby was the coolest thing since sliced bread. I didn't mean to imply that I thought everyone else on activity duty were "hobby haters". I was simply curious if anyone else had experienced the occasional individual with similar misgivings, due to the couple of folks I have experienced here lately, or if this was just a fluke. I appreciate all of the replies and conversation!