Many people doing this kind of thing take it very seriously. It's a reminder of what this country went through, a war on our home soil between our own citizens. Authenticity is very important, with many people refusing to leave character during the event.
The bad parts of the war were carefully preserved, particularly the horrible casualties. People spent hours with makeup simulating severe injuries, and the sounds that came from the hospital tents were quite realistic. While I did not see this at this event, I have heard of actors who have gone to the trouble of simulating actual amputations using makeup and prosthetics. People who "died" on the field did not just get up and leave. It takes some doing to lie still in the sun for a long time.
During the battle, the typical response for the watching "audience" was tears. So was mine.
There is a reason death camps in Europe have been carefully preserved intact instead of being replaced by bronze plaques in beautiful parks. Something real, however uncomfortable it is to see, makes some things harder to forget.
Off Topic » in reply to I can't do it TB.
I attended one some years back.
The whole thread (27 posts)
- Why are Civil War re enactments so popular?
- I think war IS a basic instinct.
- I agree ER.
- Ritual Combat
- As for the "men feeling emasculated" part, I have my own ideas about that.
- Ritual Combat
- I agree ER.
- my brother is a rebel officer
- That depends on exactly WHICH Civil War you're talking about.
- Attend one. Ask the people there.
- I think war IS a basic instinct.