I have discovered an interesting new planet.

It is filled with individuals who enjoy taking on the identity of someone else.

I am not talking about identity thieves, either.

Ob-ses-sion

the domination of one's thoughts or feelings by a persistent idea, image, desire, etc.

I am reading, Confederates in the Attic: Dispatches from the Unfinished Civil War (written by Tony Horwitz), as selected reading for my History of the Civil War class. The book focuses on Horwitz's journey to discover why The Civil War is still being remembered, reenacted, and relived by history buffs in the South.

Yes. It's hard to believe that in 2010, some people still believe "The South will rise again."

I am the first person to tell you that history needs to be remembered. However, the "living historian's" way of life (what reenactors preferred to be called) reminds me of why it's important to stay in touch with reality.

Don't get me wrong-I am not bashing those individuals who simply wish to preserve a crucial moment in American history. But, I am slowly realizing that LARPING (Live Action Role Play) is to World of War Craft lovers as Reenacting is to Civil War buffs.

Here are some of the reasons given for reenacting:

•1.      To honor family heritage-Have you watched Forrest Gump? Remember how everyone in Lieutenant Dan's family dies in a war? The reasoning is essentially the same.

•2.      To escape day-to-day life-The "I hate my job" club. Kids, this is why your parents tell you to stay in school and pick something you enjoy. :-)

•3.      To share their love of history-This means that someone has become so obsessed, reenacting is the only healthy option for survival.

I realize that this blog has come out of nowhere.

  Let it be a warning that even history has a dangerous side!