Authenticity Rendezvous

This is the section of the Young Campaigner where you can post any questions, suggestions, or criticism about authenticity. Here is your chance to say that you have seen something really farby and you don't want to see it again. Please, keep the conversation respectful.

Comments

[Pvt. Dan Cotton]

Greetings,
I have been reenacting now for about 5 years and I am getting fed up with the lack of authenticity that plagues the hobby. My group, the name of which will go unsaid, does not attempt authenticity. They do not wish to be uncomfortable for a weekend. Worse, they critize me for attempting to be authentic. I feel the time for change is upon us. If there is anyone else out there that feels as I do, please post in reply. Thank you,
Dan

[Pvt. Ben Miller]

amen friend just last weekend saw a man with a plastic canteen. i saw a whole unit, on the field with blue jeans on. It's time that we do something about it........ but what? I belive that the intire reenacting comunity, not just Civil War my friends but Rev. war F+I every thing will be plauged with farbs thats why we (the authentic reenactors) stay away from them(farbs). I say for the younger reenctors we need to take the farb fame and snuff it for the good of reenacting........ but then here comes the question.....How? that my dear friends I don't think will be solved in our life time. comments please.

[Pvt. Dan Cotton]

Thank you Pvt. Miller for responding.
I wish to form a unit with the proper focus and balance. I feel some comapaigners and hardcore reenactors are cocky and intimidating. However, I feel the farbs are far too lenient. I am quite annoyed with my group because they seem unable or, more likely, unwilling to give up comfort for a weekend. I got into this hobby about 5 years ago thinking that authenticity was the point. Now, all I see are reenactors obsessed with comfort. What do you thunk Pvt Miller?
Sincerely,
Pvt Dan Cotton

[William]

Dan,

If I may, not all hardcores are "cocky and intimidating" as you say. They do research and take their impressions seriously, and to many mainstreamers, this seems intimidating. As for changing the mainstream, it is sadly just about impossible. If people want to be comfortable, they are going to do it. If you aren't interested in joining a serious "hardcore" unit, there are a number of units that are progressive, but attend 'streamer mega-events as well as campaign events. If you aren't happy with your current unit, don't try to change them, just find a group that fits you a little better. Let me know if I can help you with finding a new unit, and I would be happy to provide my 2 cents.

Sincerely,
William Chapman

[Pvt. Dan Cotton]

William,
First, I wasnt try to slam all hardcore reenactors. Notice that in my previous post I said SOME, not ALL. That being said, by my personal experience the hardcores refused to even fall in near us in line. To me, that is rude and absurd. Second, I am not trying to change my unit, if anything I am changing myself and seeing if I can still fit into this unit. I am a union reenactor from western pennsylvania. If you know of any units, William, that might better fit me feel free to let me know. Any ideas are welcome. Thank you.
Pvt Dan Cotton

[William]

Dan,

Sorry, I suppose you are right. Perhaps Sykes Regulars might be a good fit.

-Wm.

[Pvt. Dan Cotton]

William,
I did not intend to be malicious. I am sorry if I came accross as such. My current problem with my group is not that they dont attempt authenticity, but that they ridicule me for trying. What do you think I should do? Leave or attempt to make it work? Currently I am leaning towards trying to make it work but I do not know if it is possible. I did not know if you had ever been in this position before or knew someone who was.
Thanks,
Dan