What Less-Than-Authentic Things Can We Embrace?

[crowley_greene]

I've just dropped in on this forum after re-watching some scenes from the 1989 movie "Glory."

A few times during the movie my thoughts turned to a few reenactments I have attended over the past years in which I noticed a sprinkling of black soldiers mingled in the Union ranks. Of course, this is not authentic -- there was no racial integration in the ranks.

But how do we decide when to embrace things that are not authentic? Personally, I have felt thrilled to see black reenactors in the ranks, incorrect though it is. How can we say, "No, you cannot reenact unless you can find an all-black company, with white officers. That's the only correct way."

I just hear and read some criticism of "wrong" things in reenacting, and I was just wondering when there are times that we should welcome "inaccuracies" (even if they mislead the uninformed public some).

Murray Therrell

[tompritchett]

Because we literally beat to death the issue of women in ranks, I would greatly appreciate it if that subject was not raised yet again here. There are many other issues that this thread can address such as members of other non-white races in ranks and early war specialty war impressions still being seen in late war events, etc.

[crowley_greene]

Because we literally beat to death the issue of women in ranks, I would greatly appreciate it if that subject was not raised yet again here. There are many other issues that this thread can address such as members of other non-white races in ranks and early war specialty war impressions still being seen in late war events, etc.

Yes, thank you for adding a little clarity to my intent, Tom.

It seems as though sometimes we should make some concessions, and how do we decide what that delicate balancing point is?

Murray Therrell

[huntdaw]

Murray,

Some years ago University of Central Arkansas had a USCT unit. I think there were some black reenactors from Texas that would fall in with them too. Do you know if they are still doing that?

[crowley_greene]

Murray, Some years ago University of Central Arkansas had a USCT unit. I think there were some black reenactors from Texas that would fall in with them too. Do you know if they are still doing that?

No, I wasn't aware that such a unit ever even existed here in Arkansas. Interesting -- I would like to find out more about that.

Murray Therrell

[reb64]

I've just dropped in on this forum after re-watching some scenes from the 1989 movie "Glory."

A few times during the movie my thoughts turned to a few reenactments I have attended over the past years in which I noticed a sprinkling of black soldiers mingled in the Union ranks. Of course, this is not authentic -- there was no racial integration in the ranks.

While not fully integrated, wouldnt perhaps an occational colored soldier have fallen in? Even if not, few sprinkled black men in the ranks isnt such a big del, more welcoming than anyhting else.

[Dunn Browne]

I've just dropped in on this forum after re-watching some scenes from the 1989 movie "Glory."

A few times during the movie my thoughts turned to a few reenactments I have attended over the past years in which I noticed a sprinkling of black soldiers mingled in the Union ranks. Of course, this is not authentic -- there was no racial integration in the ranks.

But how do we decide when to embrace things that are not authentic? Personally, I have felt thrilled to see black reenactors in the ranks, incorrect though it is. How can we say, "No, you cannot reenact unless you can find an all-black company, with white officers. That's the only correct way."

I just hear and read some criticism of "wrong" things in reenacting, and I was just wondering when there are times that we should welcome "inaccuracies" (even if they mislead the uninformed public some).

Murray Therrell

I do have a bit of a problem with this. Many reenactors claim that we are educating the public and too much of the public that attend reenactments believe what they see there is how it was. So are we telling the public that we had integrated units during the war? That colored troops fought at the Battle of Gettysburg?

I love to see colored units at events when it is correct. I would be delighted to see a colored unit other than the 54th Mass. at an event for a change. However, if we are going to educate the public about the ACW we should try to be as accurate as we can be.

[Huck Finn]

Talk about under represented! Had the pleasure of standing next to some wonderful 54th Mass gentlemen at the 135 Crater memorial. Somehow, they have disappeared from the face of the earth. While I have attempted to contact them several times and using several methods, no luck.

I have served with a Black Man in a Confederate unit. We can let that one simmer. It was a great experience as he had documentation from his ancestors and felt very strongly that the particular impression was not only viable but needed.

While the "authenticity" point is well taken, it may not be a question of authenticity. It is more a question of decency. As far as I am concerned, there is no issue.

[indguard]

It is a touchy subject.

I would love to see a black unit (WITH white officers) at any local non-battle specific events.

However, it has been my experience that black civil war reenactors don't want to interact with everyone else for fear of "the race thing" becoming a problem on the field. And nothing could ruin an event faster than some fool yelling "Ni_ _ er" on the field in front of the crowd and everyone. That is, I am sure, what they fear... and who can blame them? "Authentic" as it is to use the word, it simply would not work today for anyone. The crowd wouldn't understand, the black reenactors would rightfully be angry, no one would find it amusing.

And, don't think it can't happen. Heck, I get mad enough when one side or the other starts calling names to the enemy across the field. Add in the racial element and we have a recipe for disaster.

I don't know. It just seems awfully touchy.

WTH
The Can'tweallgetalong Mess

[Huck Finn]

Warner:

Sad but true. It can be safely said that the use of that kind of epitaph, even in a historical setting, is intolerable. What does it say that you would be concerned about such a thing and I must agree? Tragic.