Reenacting with Stitch Nazi\'s?

1. Martin CJ Mongiello
Doctor Rashmi Roy
Composition and Language I ENG1010 XJ
The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, PA
Why you deserve a strong,
emotional strip and rip down
By Martin CJ Mongiello
Although reenactors often have highly idealized concerns that lead them to monitor
uniforms, clothing, button holes and portrayals - the benefits of perfectionism are
outweighed by its costs in alienation, poor leadership, rudeness and obnoxious behavior.
No one deserves to be treated like that and organizations do not deserve to retain classes
of people like this.
Camaraderie and teamwork are often the most essential components to a highly
successful team. Yet some very few actors and reenactors find enough time in their life
to talk about others behind their back and belittle them to their face. This class of people
are not experts in leadership or management, yet rather, they have become classified as
ministers of expertise, experts at putting others down. They do this supposedly because
they are a master and have found something that you’re doing wrong.
I’m talking about everyone’s favorite person that they have to work with on the job or
after work, or have to deal with in their hobby. Many like to refer to this person as a,
“stitch Nazi,” and ass (Caughey 153). Often they’re in a cubicle next to you, on the
phone in a conference call, act as your boss, are a member of the Parent Teacher
Association (PTA) or are in your local Boy Scout Troop. And yes, we get the pleasure of
experiencing them in our hobbies of living history acting and reenacting. As actors, their
behavior is not appreciated.
THE STITCH NAZI: For actors and reenactors that work inside of the living history
profession and routinely perform educational living history presentations - one can
typically find a stitch Nazi or two. These people are often extremely negative and thrive
on stripping down organizations as well as ripping down individuals. They can work on
one and then move to the other. Not monitoring this class of people can bring destruction
to groups at work and at play. The mechanisms and levers that they hide behind are
typically, “authenticity,” mounted on the wall, behind a curtain (that they continuously
reach back behind and pull on). The reality of their psychological illness is usually
rooted in projection, rationalization, displacement and other self-justifying explanations
within numerous defense mechanisms. They are unstable.

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They want to be in control.
These types of idiots feed on the opportunity to create hysteria or just a good argument
amongst others. For only an idiot who professes to be so educated - would spend so
much time on ruining the kindness and fun that others are trying to have. They are well
known for being unhappy within their life and often unconsciously make unacceptable
and impulsive threats. The chief form of cloak that they wear ( and often cast up to hide
under) is that they are well researched and know what proper uniforms and dress look
like. And you, my friend, do not. This class often has no desire to work things out or
help people in a loving way. They can quote you any number of books and often have
written authoritative dissertations or white papers, run websites and (at times) have even
published several books. Within their newfound godliness, the time is now come to mete
out the highest form of their expression;
Punishments.
Many times a punishment (upon meeting them) will be handed out - and often times, in
public. This is their way of immediately putting you in your place, classifying YOU into
a hierarchy system of who is in charge. Now just imagine how that must feel…if you’re
trying out a new hobby of living history – and just arrived at your first event! How
wonderful and friendly this person makes people feel!
OTHER WAYS TO HURT PEOPLE: Often, they use these techniques just to win an
argument. This is another form this class uses. The disagreement could’ve been over
something completely unrelated to the group or how you dress. Yet, they will initiate this
sword to discredit the actor and reenactor with others. You should ask yourself what the
real issue may have been. Simply speaking with people to help them dress better, to look
more authentic or accurate or to change their portrayal of events at a show is an easy
thing to do in a helpful manner. Usage of the strip-down techniques behind others backs
is evidence of deeper problems. Common personality factors can be moody, touchy,
aggressive, jealous, petty, pessimistic, unsociable, controlled, rigid and overly-
knowledgeable. The expert on every subject, AND, only willing to strip others down.
REFUSAL TO TRY AND HELP DURING AN EVENT: This class of person often
will never mention a thing during an event. For instance, they might notice that someone
is wearing their gaiters incorrectly. Perhaps the usage of horses on the set is inaccurate
and incorrect. The mature thing to naturally do within good leadership, is to bring it up
in a respectful manner of suggestion and helpfulness to the leaders. All too often, this
class of person specifically waits until the event is over to then destroy others. They
can’t wait to get home to begin their hate fest. They are all too happy to specifically,
NOT, have said a single word during the event, to help anyone – or to help make things
better.
THE TWO-STEP APPROACH OF ATTACK: These individuals in the living history
profession commonly use a two step approach. The first phase that they enter into is to

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catch you doing something wrong. During this phase the primary emphasis is to belittle
and prove that they have caught you. This phase also entails a process of attempting to
get you to admit this in front of others which further validates their superiority in acting
and reenacting of living history. Within the validation and stripping down of another,
they systemically ratchet themselves up the caste system so that no one in the unit will
ever question their authority again. After all, “look at what happened to so and so, their
family was destroyed!”
Phase two, for these unbalanced individuals, shifts into the punishment sector. After all,
everyone who has been caught doing wrong - next needs to be punished, and that is
deserved! It is just within the universe and most democratic judicial systems. Often the
amount of consternation and excruciating pain that they can stir up is simply enough for a
good actor or reenactor to quit. And this class seeks to hand out punishments. Be
forewarned of this type of behavior and it’s known patterns. These types of people that
do not operate very well when faced with adversity, problems or challenges - should
never be given leadership positions. In fact, all leaders should have evidenced and
documented proof of some type of leadership and management schools that they have
graduated from.
In summary, these types of people are monkeys who are focused on stripping/ripping
down individuals as a STITCH-NAZI and units - to gain control. If you do not allow
them to practice their special brand of being a stitch Nazi they will shriek and cry. Look
for them to hurt others and also look to blow their cover when you expose the two-step
method or refusal to help during an event. This classification of actor and reenactor lives
to blame and shame – not build up. Good building blocks and caring teams can be wary
of those who would utilize these tactics and techniques to discredit others. Nobody
deserves to be treated this way. Simply talking with people, and not to them, has often
made the difference to making clothing or events better – when it is noticed. Be kind, be
uplifting and be nice. The only STRONG thing folks need is a strong dose of happiness
and friendship. Remember, Doctor Steven Covey once told me at the White House
Military Office, “ nobody goes to work stating I can’t wait to get it wrong today.
Everybody goes to work hoping to get it right.”
See you around the campfire for a fun toast of ale! “Be positive and uplifting,” as
Captains Vincett, Thornton and Sherrill often say!
Bauman, Richard. "When perfect really isn't." Rotarian Magazine. Mar. 1997: 14
Caughey, John. “Negotiating cultures and identities: life history issues, methods, and
readings.” Nebraska: University of Nebraska Press, 2006.
Mongiello, Martin. “The Ironclads: Reenacting a Real Civil War Navy Enlisted
Impression.” Camp Chase Gazette. Sep. 1995: 38-48
Myers, David. “Exploring Psychology.” Michigan: Hope College, 2008.

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Thompson, Jenny. “What Are the People Who Reenact 20th Century Wars Up to?”
History News Network. Dec. 2004. http://hnn.us/articles/9092.html