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Old 12-30-2009, 01:22 PM
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Default How do you handle the negro question at re-enactments?

This is always a hot topic. As I see it usually brought on by some angry black youth or some mixed-race smarty-pants put up to it by his daddy.

They come on bright eyed and interested looking and then say something hositle like ....

"Southern soldiers fought to enslave black men."

or

"The South was evil and racist."

or some such.

How do you handle that at re-enactments?

I think this is an important subject folks. Something Tactical that we should all know how to do. Handling this situation appropriately may difuse a hostile situation. Handling it inappropriatly, may lead to the end of Civil War Re-enacting in America all together if you know what I mean.

I think you Yankee boys ought to jump in on this matter as well. You all may be called upon to breakup a brawl if we ain't all very careful.

The upcoming 150th Cycle is going to place us all out front and in their faces. Dumbarsed Public School educated idiots with an axe to grind and no since of propriaty and unable to tell right from wrong.

How do you handle the negro question at re-enactments?
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Old 12-30-2009, 01:45 PM
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In my experience it is usually the neo-cornfed revisionist spewing his modern views as taught to him from the SCV big letter book on the Cibbah Wawah that creates the most problems. Based on hearing several of these great educational speaches, I learned:

- Every cornfed battery was commanded by a colonel.

- It was common for a cornfed battery commander (the colonel) to wear a kilt to honor his heritage.

- Everything they had was stolen from the Federals because the southern gubment didn't provide them with anything and they had to whip the Yankees to get what they had.

- Their wimmens stayed with them in camp because the soldiers were afraid to leave them at home because of the vile invading Yankees.

Yeppers, I learned a lot. Them passing out the modern literature at the end was a nice touch as well.

Mark Campbell
Piney Flats, TN
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Old 12-30-2009, 01:48 PM
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I don't think none of that's helpful at all.

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Originally Posted by plankmaker View Post
In my experience it is usually the neo-cornfed revisionist spewing his modern views as taught to him from the SCV big letter book on the Cibbah Wawah that creates the most problems. Based on hearing several of these great educational speaches, I learned:

- Every cornfed battery was commanded by a colonel.

- It was common for a cornfed battery commander (the colonel) to wear a kilt to honor his heritage.

- Everything they had was stolen from the Federals because the southern gubment didn't provide them with anything and they had to whip the Yankees to get what they had.

- Their wimmens stayed with them in camp because the soldiers were afraid to leave them at home because of the vile invading Yankees.

Yeppers, I learned a lot. Them passing out the modern literature at the end was a nice touch as well.

Mark Campbell
Piney Flats, TN
Were you trying to be helpful or were you just spouting off so's we'd all know how smart you are?
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Old 12-30-2009, 01:49 PM
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Alright folks, lets keep this clean. Posts will be deleted, or the entire thread will be closed if comments get out of hand or downright disgraceful. Lets remember the forum rules.

Though I understand your question OIJ, I would let history teach itself. You need to read, read and read . . then, teach the public about history. The last thing we need to do is, come up with our own version of history. One needs to be unbiased, not having any kind of Neo-Confederate views or opinions. That will send the wrong signal, and anger folks quickly.
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Old 12-30-2009, 01:55 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by "Doc" Nelson View Post
Alright folks, lets keep this clean. Posts will be deleted, or the entire thread will be closed if comments get out of hand or downright disgraceful. Lets remember the forum rules.

Though I understand your question OIJ, I would let history teach itself. You need to read, read and read . . then, teach the public about history. The last thing we need to do is, come up with our own version of history. One needs to be unbiased, not having any kind of Neo-Confederate views or opinions. That will send the wrong signal, and anger folks quickly.
I think that is helpful. Thank you very much.

I'm looking for something a little more tactical Doc. Certainly we all ought to read. I agree whole heartedly.

BUT,

in the confrontation I am anticipating, action is what's going to save the day. We all ought to know how to difuse a hostile situation brought on by a disagreement about the negro question.

Don't you all agree?

Ain't it about to happen? Can't you smell it?

One of these days, a whole slew of young black tuffs is gonna show up and cause trouble. Then I'm gonna show up with my boys and their hickory sticks and before you know it ......

Uncle Sam ain't gonna let us do this no more. Know what I mean?
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Old 12-30-2009, 01:55 PM
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Very valid question, but worded so that its inciting opinions and asking for problems. Be prepared for the quick lock and delete if this doesn't stay civil. For the record, as a Confederate reenactor, I've had more problems with neo-Confederates, Southern Party members, and fellow SCV members giving out opinions than any African-American spectators. The few times I've been asked any question remotely similiar to the one you asked, I've said that racism was rampant on both sides, there were many issues, not just slavery, that instigated war, but we're truly fooling ourselves and the public if we don't recognize slavery as one of the top two or three causes.
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Old 12-30-2009, 02:03 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ozark Iron John View Post
I think that is helpful. Thank you very much.

I'm looking for something a little more tactical Doc. Certainly we all ought to read. I agree whole heartedly.

BUT,

in the confrontation I am anticipating, action is what's going to save the day. We all ought to know how to difuse a hostile situation brought on by a disagreement about the negro question.

Don't you all agree?

Ain't it about to happen? Can't you smell it?

One of these days, a whole slew of young black tuffs is gonna show up and cause trouble. Then I'm gonna show up with my boys and their hickory sticks and before you know it ......

Uncle Sam ain't gonna let us do this no more. Know what I mean?
I would do just what Ross recommends. You have to be the better person in the situation. Showing up with your "boys and their hickory sticks" just put you in the same category as those "tuffs". Now who's better? Neither of you! You have just stooped down to their level.
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Old 12-30-2009, 02:05 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ozark Iron John View Post
I think that is helpful. Thank you very much.

I'm looking for something a little more tactical Doc. Certainly we all ought to read. I agree whole heartedly.

BUT,

in the confrontation I am anticipating, action is what's going to save the day. We all ought to know how to difuse a hostile situation brought on by a disagreement about the negro question.

Don't you all agree?

Ain't it about to happen? Can't you smell it?

One of these days, a whole slew of young black tuffs is gonna show up and cause trouble. Then I'm gonna show up with my boys and their hickory sticks and before you know it ......

Uncle Sam ain't gonna let us do this no more. Know what I mean?
I am NOT delibertatley trying to pick a fight.

I used the word, "I'm" to refer to some southern minded guy who just happens to stumble into a difficult situation and makes it worse by his actions.

Some of you more ..... I don't know what minded gentlemen, out to sound off about this thread. They're going to ban me here in a minute or two and alls I'm trying to do is encourage us all to think about this kinda thing BEFRFOE it happens.

And believe me, if you ain't seen it yet, get ready. Its going to happen.
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Old 12-30-2009, 02:06 PM
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Ross,

I agree, racism was all over the place back then. When I see things blow up during a presentation is when someone starts spouting definites that reak of modern propaganda. It is picked up on and turns ugly. Maybe something like this might be of valuable knowledge to pass along. Oh wait, then someone would have to actually read a period reference.

Mark Campbell
Piney Flats, TN

Richmond Dispatch
Friday morning...........Feb. 1, 1861

Another Abolition stronghold broken up.

Syracuse, N. Y., the stronghold of abolitionism, has turned upon the fanatics at last.-- On Tuesday last a Convention was to have been held there, of which Mrs. Susan B. Anthony was to have been the presiding genius. The people, however, determined that it should not be held. A dispatch says:

Before two o'clock, the hour appointed for opening the Convention in Convention Hall, several hundred of the most influential inhabitants of Syracuse made their appearance in front of the building, and from all the streets and avenues of the city laboring men, lawyers, mechanics, merchants, and representatives of all classes of the community, were seen wending their way to the place of meeting. A number of the smaller dealers closed their places of business to take part in the proceedings, and all were inspired with a determination that this central city, which had been disgraced by the Jerry rescue, and celebrated for its abolition fanaticism, should not to-day be again disgraced. The watch word of the crowd was, "Syracuse must redeem its reputation."

The hall rapidly filled up, and several hundred persons were not able to obtain admission. The crowd within was almost suffocating, and not an inch of room was left unoccupied. At a quarter past two, on motion of Ezra Douner, D. A. Orcutt, Esq., was unanimously chosen Chairman, and James Isdell and Edwin Pierson were appointed to conduct him to his seat.

Mr. Orcutt ascended the platform amid vociferous cheering, and when order was restored made an effective speech. He alluded to the fact that Syracuse had been trampled upon for years by abolitionists, and he was happy to see the people now rise in their might to crush out treason in their midst, and manifest a disposition to save the Central City from further disgrace. He trusted that the Union might yet be preserved, and that his Southern brethren would receive these conservative demonstrations as the olive branches from the North, and be willing to restore the loved and lost in the bright galaxy of States.

Mr. Orcutt's remarks were received with the wildest enthusiasm by the dense crowd of people before him.

At this juncture, Rev. Samuel J. May, Rev. M. E. Strieby, Susan B. Anthony, and several other leading abolitionists, appeared in front of the platform, and each of the masculine agitators in turn attempted to be heard.

Mr. May commenced with: Mr. President, a Convention was called to assemble in this hall by--

Storms of hisses and applause broke out all over the house.

Mr. May.--I arose--

Cries of "Put him out,""We want no abolitionists here," followed with hisses, clapping of hands, and the greatest excitement.

Mr. May attempted again to speak, but was received with such overwhelming and continued bursts of applause, with shouts of "louder,""hear," and a call for the "Star Spangled Banner," that his voice was drowned, and he at length subsided.

Rev. Mr. Strieby next attempted to address the Convention, but with no better success than his predecessor.

Russell R. Lowell said that Mr. Strieby desired to say a few words, but was answered with "No, no, no; abolitionists are played out in this city."

Mr. Strieby continued --Is this freedom of--? (Voices and hisses, with cries of "Put the nigger out.")

Two sets of resolutions were introduced, and among them the following:

Whereas, Our glorious Confederacy is crumbling to pieces, and civil war is staring us in the face, and the chief cause thereof has emanated from unscrupulous abolitionists at the North, who for years past have been preaching treason against the United States Government, and malignantly denouncing the constitutional institutions of the South, and branding our Southern brethren as pirates, instead of cultivating with them friendship and brotherly love: and, whereas, Syracuse has long been the rendezvous of Jerry-rescue traitors, headed by Fred. Douglass, and the depot of underground railroad, marshalled by negro Conguen; and whereas, our city has often been disgraced by treasonable meetings, instituted by these dangerous men and their followers, in which meetings plots have been formed for sowing the seeds of abolitionism and disunionism abroad, which, in common with the action of other abolition meetings held at the North, gave rise to the bloody raid at Harper's Ferry; and whereas, it is the duty of all good citizens of these United States, without distinction of party, to cultivate amicable feelings with and amongst each other, rather than to promote discord and to excite hatred, and believing at this particular juncture of national affairs it is unwise, unjust, and unpatriotic to agitate the question of the abolition of involuntary servitude, and while we are not for abridging the constitutional right of freedom of speech, but on the contrary desire it, and wishing hereby to give, by freedom of speech and of the press, an expression of the sentiments of a large majority of the citizens of the city: Therefore, be it.

Resolved, That it is the almost universally expressed sentiment of this community that they will not in any way assist, abet, or encourage, the attempts of a few persons in our midst to strip up strife between the Northern and Southern portion of our common country, and that they will frown upon, discourage, and by all proper means resist, their attempts to override, annul and evade any portion of the provisions of the Constitution and the laws.

Resolved, That we brand all such persons as fanatical rebels, disloyal to the American flag, the Constitution, the Union and the laws, and we believe them unworthy of a country which cherishes and reveres the memory of Washington, Jefferson, Jackson, Webster and Clay, and they should not be allowed to hold insurrectionary meetings in our midst.

Resolved, That we hereby tender and accord to our Southern brethren all their constitutional rights, both in the States and in the Territories.

Resolved, That in memory of the past, we will use our best endeavors and all honorable means of securing happiness and prosperity for ourselves and our posterity, and firmly believing in the capabilities of man for self-government, we hope that the sunshine will soon, in undimmed splendor, break through the clouds that now hang darkly over us, and that our national flag, enveloping in its capacious folds the Palmetto and all other State flags, for protection, will be greeted with applause in all portions of the Union, and [ that that ] beautiful national air, the "Star Spangled Banner," will again and again be sung by a joyful and happy people, with emotions of pride and pleasure, from every hill top and savannah, from every mountain, plain and valley of our beloved country.

Mr. Strieby attempted to speak to the resolutions, but the uproar was so great that he could not be heard.

A motion to adopt the resolutions was then put, and carried by acclamation without a dissenting voice, and with repeated cheers.

Patriotic speeches were made by B. Davis Noxon and others.

Moses E. Hart came forward, and spoke briefly, claiming to be a Republican, but in favor of preserving the Union. He said the Abolitionists had long held sway in Syracuse, but their race was run.

Wm. W. Green made a patriotic speech, nearly two hours in length, during which a negro charged him with lying, and the negro was quietly passed through an aperture in the wall into the street.

At seven o'clock this evening an immense concourse of people assembled in front of Convention Hall; but after being assured by the owner of the building that no attempt to hold a session of the Abolition Convention during the evening and that the hall would not be opened, the crowd adjourned to eight o'clock to-morrow morning, and quietly dispersed.

[by telegraph.]

Syracuse,Jan. 30. --The Anti- Slavery Convention met here this morning in Convention Hall. The Rev. M. E. Strieby, of this city, Chairman of the Committee on Resolutions, reported.

At first the attendance was small, but gradually the disorganizers gathered until the hall was filled.

A Mr. Powell attempted to speak, and through the efforts of the police he was heard for some time; but about noon the mob put him down, and got forward one of their number named Luke McKinney, who mounted the platform and harangued, the crowd. A tremendous confusion ensued, and during a brief lull of the tempest Mr. Powell resumed his speech, and after a few remarks the antislavery men claimed that they had carried their point in declaring their sentiments, after which the Convention adjourned sine die.

The mob, not knowing what was done, made a violent assault upon the police, throwing rotten eggs, and in one or two cases exchanging blows; but the house was soon cleared without a serious collision. It is probable that some arrests will be made.
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Old 12-30-2009, 02:07 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ozark Iron John View Post
Don't you all agree?

Ain't it about to happen? Can't you smell it?
Not really.

Quote:
One of these days, a whole slew of young black tuffs is gonna show up and cause trouble. Then I'm gonna show up with my boys and their hickory sticks and before you know it ......
I think it's a case of the old saying, if all you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.

If one's body language, tone of voice, etc. is best applied as a hammer, then young black males will certainly look like nails.

Hank Trent
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