But every so often, I find myself gritting my teeth and politely - as I hope at least - correcting my unsuspecting victim. "Civil War student," I say, trying not to sound quite as pompous as I fear I do.
Sometimes the response will be a quiet chuckle. "Isn't that cute," they seem to be thinking. "He takes himself seriously." Sometimes it's a confused silence, as if the person is afraid they have somehow committed a grave offense without meaning to. And sometimes, they just ignore the statement and plunge in about this or that subject having to do with the war.
So what's the big deal? Why should it bother me or anyone else to be called something as innocent-sounding as "Civil War buff?" Or "History buff" for that matter? There are certainly worse things to be called.
Maybe to some extent it's an image thing. The idea of being a "buff" conjures up stereotypical images of a short bald guy with glasses who likes to read a lot. The problem for me is that I don't fit that image. Sure, I'm short, I'm bald, and I like to read. A lot. But I gave up glasses several years ago. I wear contacts now.
So I don't fit the image.
But that's not the real reason. To me, being called a "buff" implies that you're not really serious about the subject. It's just sort of a mild interest. Something designed to pass the time in between other, more important tasks.
I fully understand that most folks who use the term do not mean it in that sense. They're usually just making conversation, and have no ulterior motive. But please don't interrupt me with reason and logic when I'm ranting. It isn't polite.
The thing is, I do take my study of the war seriously. Or at least I think I do. Is it an all-consuming passion with me? Do I immerse myself in the American Civil War morning, noon, and night? No, I don't. Some folks are most assuredly "into it" more than I am, and know more about it. No question.
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