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Improving Your Impression |
Reenacting has certainly come a long way in the past 40 years. We now laugh at the work pants, hushpuppies and '03 Springfields used by hobbyist during the Centennial. Advancements in research and thus, authenticity have enabled reenactors to gain access to National parks and add credibility to otherwise inaccurate historical movies. For many now, the term living historian is preferable to reenactor. |
This text is not offered to criticize anyone's impression. We have all improved over our predecessors and still have room for more. The greatest reward is the fact that we continue to learn as we teach. The Basic Impression: My first mistake when I became a reenactor was to tailor my impression around what I thought looked good on me. Unconsciously, I retained some of my 20th century appearance. I had to realize that I was not portraying myself, but someone who lived in the mid-nineteenth century - with different customs, mannerisms and dress than I was accustomed to. Because we are creatures of the 21st century, this is initially the most difficult to transform. We can never do it completely (no one wants lice or dysentery) but we can come close enough to offer the public a reasonable facsimile of Confederate cavalry on campaign. Understanding that there are no absolutes, the living historian should strive for an authentic impression. His appearance shouldn't be gaudy, but basic. The 7th Tennessee's rule against yellow trim and rank insignia for the non-commissioned officers is for that reason, though it is obvious that some soldiers wore trim, especially early in the war. Brass hat ornaments and hat cords should be discouraged for the same reason. They were seldom seen among Tennesseans. Anyway, your horse lets everyone know you are a cavalryman. Veterans became practical, wearing or carrying only what was necessary for survival. Try to imagine yourself on a real campaign with a real chance of being killed. You must depend on your horse to safely return to your own lines. What would you carry? What would you leave behind? |