Why travel, sweat, freeze to re-enact?
It could be about honoring, educating

By DOUG LIPPMAN
Bugle Staff Writer

Few hobbies are as controversial as re-enacting. Yet, for the spectators, nothing is much more entertaining than a well-choreographed replay of history.

While most of these events are military in nature, not all are. Famous speeches, medical scenarios, period music all draw large crowds. And the military re-enactors range from medieval jousters to World War II soldiers. We will concentrate on the most familiar, the Civil War re-enactor.

Those involved are roundly criticized both from inside and outside of the hobby. Inside of the hobby, most criticisms come from appearance and authenticity. It goes without saying that most re-enactors today are too large and too old to accurately represent Civil War soldiers. Physically we are better nourished than our ancestors, and few can afford the equipment necessary to re-enact before they pass the age of the common Civil War soldier. The cost of entering the hobby is listed conservatively at $1,200.

The second major criticism level by re-enactors against re-enactors deals with authenticity. While the “super-authentics” actually count the number of stitches in their sack coats, the “farbs” may be seen wearing blue jeans, Nikes, or modern sunglasses with their uniform coats. This causes unwanted problems, as many of those who are very exacting with their equipment do not wish to be on the same battlefield with the “farbs.” Even the question of where and how one can sleep after the public leaves causes controversy.

The media and academics, who tend to lean to the left politically, are also very critical. Some professors even go so far as to stereotype who the re-enactors are, a practice they highly discourage in their classrooms. All re-enactors are not semi-literate rural rednecks. They are a microcosm of our entire society. Some are doctors, unemployed, bankers, maintenance men, engineers, factory workers, professors or store clerks. Foreigners even come to America to participate in some major events. One cannot help but be reminded of the make up of the volunteers who actually fought the Civil War.

The hobby has its own literature. The “Camp Chase Gazette” is the most prominent periodical on the subject. But Hard Tack and Coffee by John Billings is the Bible of re-enacting. Recently, the Civil War Trust has put out a book called Battlefields of Honor which praises re-enactors. But this is not the norm. Both Confederates in the Attic and Whistling Dixie tend to paint re-enactors in a negative light.

So why do they do it?

Some would suggest that they are out to play war, get away from home and drink beer for the weekend. It would be deceiving to insinuate that some aren’t doing exactly that. But the motivations are almost as numerous as the re-enactors. Many endure great personal sacrifice to honor those who fought on these hallowed battlefields. As an educator, I find it an excellent teaching opportunity. But there are literally hundreds of reasons why they travel miles at their own expense, and pay a registration fee so that others can make money off the entertainment they provide. How many in Hollywood would travel at their own expense, then pay to act, so that others might enjoy the weekend?

As this article is written, the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg is coming to an end. Since there is always a chance of serious injury, we pray that all will return home safely.

So why are the men and women who travel miles and give up their time so maligned for their efforts?

Why do we criticize those who personify the very men and women who gave us our freedom?

Perhaps our society has a problem with its sense of priorities. We should all give a tip of the hat to those who travel, sweat and freeze on their own bill to entertain us.