In issue #120 of MWAN, I read with interest the article by Sam Mustafa titled The Games We Play (and how people see them). Sam raises some provocative issues and concerns. Should we feel somewhat guilty of insensitivity when we unleash our SS units against the forces of freedom and goodness? Where is our humane concern for natives decimated by modern weaponry? Are we trivializing the loss of life on Guadalcanal when we recreate the battle? Do we live in a shadow of shame for the pastime we so enjoy? In a timely coincidence, I saw in today's newspaper a photo of a man dressed as Santa Claus holding a sign that says "No War Toys This Christmas". He was taking part in an anti-war demonstration regarding Iraq. What was in your stocking? Should we feel defensive about our pleasures? How might we best describe and represent our hobby to the unannointed?
First an answer to the question of our own feelings about our hobby: There is no doubt in my mind that as long as what we play at does no harm to anyone, it is a fine way to enjoy ourselves. Of course, some could argue that we may influence youngsters so that they would come to believe that war can be fun. And yet visitors from another planet might think it strange if not unbelievable that grown humans with long sticks chase a little white ball all over many acres for four or five hours, but golfers mostly enjoy it and although frequently frustrated rarely consider giving it up. Certainly not because others may view them as obsessive or misguided. Sky-divers, bungee-jumpers, rock climbers, beer can collectors, etc. do not harm others in the pursuit of their pleasures and neither do we.
Now as to the part about what others think of us. I am 64 years old and have enjoyed my time with military miniatures for over 50 years. Countless friends, acquaintances, workers in my home, colleagues at the university where I taught for thirty years and others have expressed their surprise, interest and even fascination when learning of my passion for military miniatures of all sizes in general and wargaming in particular. However, in all these years, not once has anyone by word, facial expression or deed, even indicated disapproval, disgust or disdain for my pastime. Have I been so insensitive to the reactions of all these people? Possibly, but I think not. Some might have viewed it all as a great waste of time but they hid this from me admirably.
Certainly I have been questioned about my activities within this hobby and here is where one may ward off negative reactions and opinions. If you have the opportunity and the time you can begin by saying that unfortunately war has been a human reality during all of recorded history. History courses often follow an outline of human conflict: The Trojan Wars, Roman Conquest, Hordes From the East, European battles, wars of religion, world wars, etc. As a condition of human existence, war has been a subject of study and often a basis for entertainment in the form of novels and films. Through the cinema wholesale mayhem is depicted as realistically as possible. One may choose not to attend such films. Our practice of the hobby need not offend anyone. After all, what do we do? We read history. We study uniforms, learn about strategy and tactics and express ourselves artistically through painting figures and building models and battlefield terrain. No one gets hurt. We enjoy ourselves even learn some things along the way.
Conceivably, one day each of us will be confronted by someone who says something to the effect that war is horrible and how can we play at it. Our answer, given patiently and thoroughly can reiterate the points mentioned above. Finally, there are the linguistic choices available to us. Certain words have definite emotional impact. "War" is one. The word conjures up images of pain, suffering, destruction and death. Not pleasant associations. Certainly not the best for public relations.
Wargame is a term used by today's military to describe large-scale practice for actual warfare. Real men use real weapons when wargaming. Herein lies the problem. We might be better served by avoiding the term wargame and instead using more accurate and more socially acceptable terminology such as Miniature Military Simulation, Historical Military Gaming or Miniature Battles. The answer may not lie in this article but if enough of us think about it and share our thoughts somehow we will get a handle on the problem. If we are serious about presenting a more positive image then we should do something about it.
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© Copyright 2003 Hal Thinglum
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