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Pinstripe Press Blog: Author and Historian Michael Aubrecht
April 3, 2008
This is the last of what I?ll say on that?

Many of you are well aware of another little firestorm that was ignited by a post that I did recently on what I consider to be a widening-divide between academic historians and the ‘blue-collar’ crowd. As noted, I have received a bunch of emails in support (a handful last night), but no one wishes to be posted in the Comments section as they know the original post was clipped for use as an example at a conference. I do appreciate all of their sentiments, but one gentleman emailed something that I feel inclined to share. On a related note, I had a very valued expert prove to me that I’m a noble guy, who still has a lot to learn. We’re both working on it. Here’s the email:

Dear Mr. Aubrecht,

Thank you for having the courage to stick up for the little guy. Although I think it is fair to say that your beef with Mr. Levin may have influenced your comments – by the way the two of you should really learn to get along, I think you both make the scene better – the spirit of your argument rings true. I am a retired park ranger, avid re-enactor, former round table president, and I have witnessed both sides of this divide. I fear that your post did not do your argument justice, as it was not framed with any definitive examples in support. So here is a list. It is meant to help you all examine yourselves. You may quote it freely, but I ask that you not post my personal information below as I do not want to end up being quoted at Mr. Levin’s conference. Perhaps he will value my point of view as a third-party. Please excuse the language as I am also a retired Master Chief and have a penchant for the four-letter word.

The so-called academics: These are the same people that went ape**** over a friendly and fun list of the top 50 Civil War books on CWI. (What looked like a fun and nostalgic look at our personal favorites suddenly turned into a critical analysis of the evils of the Golden Book of The Civil War.) These are the same people that appear to take others to task for printing positive Confederate material, yet turn around and do the like approach with Union perspectives. (This happens time and time again and is a disservice to both sides when it appears in such hypocrite ways.) These are the same people that criticize southern heritage groups for their flags, license plates, commemorations and tributes to their ancestors. (Who are they to say how one should honor their ancestors?)

This is not to say that they are bad people or that they are not good at their jobs. Maybe some of this is in fact, their jobs, but it’s not that difficult to see how some people may look at them from a distance with distaste. That said, you amatuers can learn a great deal from these professionals and the door swings both ways. Don’t be so defensive and don’t be so **** insecure to approach them. I think most teachers love to teach and would leap at an opportunity to share their knowledge.

Don’t judge the whole. You may have been treated rudely by an academic in the past, but that isn’t a fair barometer for all is it? Teachers, you may have run into some real dip****’s pretending to be subject matter experts, but that too is not an accurate census of this crowd. They know their stuff too, they just remain personally attached to it.

In the end both sides of this argument have merit and both of you should be able to recognize and respect one another despite it. In the navy we have a saying that is appropriate for this occasion. Never **** another sailor off as he may be the one holding your life-jacket one day. Carry on!

I wish I could have said it better myself. This latest 'exchange' of course comes with the territory of editorial blogging, but frankly, it’s the exact reason why I am rapidly losing my desire to do it. In fact, I am seriously debating limiting future posts to simply essays and project updates. My apologies to my regular readers. I'll get back to posting the good stuff soon. I want people to feel uplifted when they come here, not angry. And that goes for me too.


Posted by ny5/pinstripepress at 9:16 AM EDT
Updated: April 18, 2008 2:05 PM EDT
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