“I admire Andrew Jackson’s . . . admirable qualities.”, "Focus on those, and forgive the rest." -- Well said. I love this post. Everyone has good and bad qualities that come to the surface in various ways throughout their lives. Things are not black and white, especially when it comes to human character.
Very good essay. Enjoyed it! As I always say, IT’S COMPLICATED!
The challenge is twofold.
First, some people are so bad that we can’t talk about them positively. I heard Hitler liked children, but it isn’t a quality we should celebrate in him.
Second, it’s problematic when bad people have their name affixed to modern institutions. Take the controversy over The National Audubon Society decision to keep the Audubon name despite James Audubon’s truly horrible beliefs and actions. The organization is torpedoing its recruitment efforts, especially with the diverse audiences every institution will need to thrive. So while we may appreciate Audubon’s many contributions looking back to the 19th century, his name should have no place on a 21st century institution.
“I admire Andrew Jackson’s . . . admirable qualities.”, "Focus on those, and forgive the rest." -- Well said. I love this post. Everyone has good and bad qualities that come to the surface in various ways throughout their lives. Things are not black and white, especially when it comes to human character.
I know I don't write about people and things I don't like. The ones I do give me enough work.
Amazing article. Thanks for writing it!
Very good essay. Enjoyed it! As I always say, IT’S COMPLICATED!
The challenge is twofold.
First, some people are so bad that we can’t talk about them positively. I heard Hitler liked children, but it isn’t a quality we should celebrate in him.
Second, it’s problematic when bad people have their name affixed to modern institutions. Take the controversy over The National Audubon Society decision to keep the Audubon name despite James Audubon’s truly horrible beliefs and actions. The organization is torpedoing its recruitment efforts, especially with the diverse audiences every institution will need to thrive. So while we may appreciate Audubon’s many contributions looking back to the 19th century, his name should have no place on a 21st century institution.