Bothersome armory items

[Lel]

I kind of hate saying this because it looks like they were hard work, but these items (http://www.christianforums.com/t2311384-civil-war-uniforms.html) really bother me when I see them in the armory.

The idea of a Confederate uniform (in the Armor - Breastplates - Generic - Tops area) makes me uneasy. I know we aren't promoting the Confederacy, but the idea that we could dress up like that bugs me, because someone could use it as a subtle way to promote slavery and/or racism. I can definitely tell by the request thread that that wasn't the intent, and I know it hasn't been abused, but it just makes me bristle because of the association of the Confederacy with slavery...and I wouldn't want to give an outsider ANY idea that the armory is promoting slavery.

Is there maybe a way to have a more generic "1800s American military uniform" or something like that?

Thanks for your consideration.

[ravenscape]

Thanks for raising the concern, Lel. We'll definitely take it up for serious discussion.

[Lel]

For what it's worth, I totally think the intent was just fine. (They have military reenactments all the time.) It's just the way the labels look, it doesn't come across just right.

Thanks and have a great day!

[LibertyChic]

I kind of hate saying this because it looks like they were hard work, but these items (http://www.christianforums.com/t2311384-civil-war-uniforms.html) really bother me when I see them in the armory.

The idea of a Confederate uniform (in the Armor - Breastplates - Generic - Tops area) makes me uneasy. I know we aren't promoting the Confederacy, but the idea that we could dress up like that bugs me, because someone could use it as a subtle way to promote slavery and/or racism. I can definitely tell by the request thread that that wasn't the intent, and I know it hasn't been abused, but it just makes me bristle because of the association of the Confederacy with slavery...and I wouldn't want to give an outsider ANY idea that the armory is promoting slavery.

Is there maybe a way to have a more generic "1800s American military uniform" or something like that?

Thanks for your consideration.

I have changed this, at least for now, until we can discuss it further. We are sensitive to these concerns and will take them into serious consideration.

[pdudgeon]

interesting topic (which i won't get into here!)

thanks to the armory team for creating both uniforms.

[Holcomb]

I'm the person who originally requested those uniforms (that's my old account). I didn't mean anything racist by it, and I'm rather embarrassed that it was taken that way. I'm Southern, and I've always seen Confederate stuff as a cultural thing rather than anything hateful (yes, I know that sounds cliche). So, I apologize for the uniform. I wasn't trying to offend anyone.

[ravenscape]

Hi Holcomb,

It wasn't taken that way at all from your request. I have an over-sensitive PC detector, and your request didn't cause even the slightest flutter :).

I think Libby went ahead and changed some of the descriptive words in the armory listing more as a precaution against someone in the future, having no context about the request, possibly becoming upset.

I really enjoy the period military costumes in the armory, and would like to see a few more. :)

[LibertyChic]

What raven said. :)