Re: some thoughts

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: Hi Petra --
: Boy it's been ages since I've seen your name here.  Maybe that's my fault for not stopping by often enough.

: I just want to respond about your thoughts and why I think Crystal's comment is "scary" -- without meaning any disrespect to Crystal.  You said "For many readers or viewers of historic fiction, those novels or movies are probably the only source of historic information on any given topic." and I agree with that.  But when people go to see a movie, they MUST understand it is JUST a movie, even if it is "historical".  Same with reading a book. If not, then book writers and movie makers must "dumb down" their works to the lowest common denominator of readers'/viewers' comprehension, and then where are we?  Do people think Disney's "Pocahontis" is real or do they understand it's merely based on history with Disney's own retelling?  God forbid people should think that was a totally true and accurate story!  That is why I find scary the comments about LOTM being accurate or not.  As Rich said, it's not Mann's or Cooper's fault that people cannot discern reality from fiction.

: I hope that clarifies my thoughts.  Unfortunately, people will believe what they want to believe and we can't do a thing about it, especially if they aren't taught the truth (for instance, about Native Americans) in the first place.

: Cheers and Happy New Year,
: Sarah M.

: 
: : Hi there Rich and everyone,
: : I just stopped by again and see this topic (how to tell historic tales) never loses its fascination, does it?  And I looked at your page "Volley Fire" (good idea, by the way!) and can't help but wonder if you don't give people too much credit when you say that no one really thinks there are no more Mohicans.  For many readers or viewers of historic fiction, those novels or movies are probably the only source of historic information on any given topic.  Considering the fact that knowledge of Native American history is, at best, rudimentary among large parts of the population, I do believe that the title of a classic such as LOTM tends to cause misunderstandings.  And has done just that for many.  Of course you are correct in your analysis of its historic value despite the title, and of the necessity to interpret the title.  But I think Crystal's comment raises a very valid question:  Where fictional events come in and mix with historic events, would an author maybe be well advised to use more fictional names as well?  
: : I can therefore not find anything scary in Crystal's comment. 
: : Regards, and nice to read here again.


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