”MLK Jr. is Not Who You Think He is”: We Didn’t Know These Historical Figures Were Incredibly Problematic Until Now
by Brandy
Helen Keller
It looks like even Helen Keller, the famous advocate for the disabled and the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree, had some pretty problematic views. I mean, arguing that deformed babies should be left to die because they might become criminals? That’s not just offensive; it’s downright dangerous.
It’s almost like she was trying to set back the cause of disability rights by a century. But you know what they say, even heroes have feet of clay. Or, in her case, feet of braille. It’s hard to overlook the bad and focus on the positives. Advocating for eugenics is not the way to win any popularity contests.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Well, isn’t that just peachy? It turns out that F Scott Fitzgerald, the author of “The Great Gatsby” and one of the greatest writers of the 20th century, was also a bit of a jerk. Plagiarizing your wife’s work and then locking her in the house when she asks for a divorce? That’s just low.
He was trying to write his own tragic novel, complete with a dysfunctional marriage and a bitter end. Or maybe he was just a victim of his own success and couldn’t handle the pressure of being a literary superstar. Either way, we can all agree that locking your wife in the house is never a good idea.
George Washington
Oh boy, it looks like we’ve got another problematic historical figure on our hands. George Washington, the “Father of Our Country” and the first president of the United States, was actually a slave owner who refused to free his many slaves. It’s just not the kind of news you want to hear.
But it’s a good reminder that nobody’s perfect, not even the guy on the dollar bill. Let’s focus less on idolizing these historical figures and more on understanding their flaws. Or we could just start putting pictures of puppies on our currency. After all, who doesn’t love a cute little puppy?
Frank Sinatra
There’s no doubt Frank Sinatra is one of the greatest figures in the history of American music, but this story surrounding Frank Sinatra’s connections to organized crime adds another layer of complexity to his larger-than-life persona. Sinatra’s affinity for the company of those connected to organized crime reveals shared interests and a blurred line between entertainment and the hidden world of illicit activities.
The convergence of their shared hobbies, such as gambling, women, and money, in casinos and nightclubs is something many fans may not have known. This untold side of Sinatra’s life sheds light on the complexities of fame and the choices individuals make within the shadowed realms of power and influence.
Florence Nightingale
Florence Nightingale is often held up as a hero in the nursing profession, but the truth is that her legacy is much more complicated than we might think. While it’s true that she made significant contributions to infection prevention and modern nursing, the fact that she held racist views and had some involvement in colonial atrocities is deeply troubling.
It’s important to remember that just because someone makes significant contributions to their field, it doesn’t excuse their problematic beliefs and actions. And while it’s commendable that Nightingale emphasized handwashing and infection prevention, it doesn’t negate the harm that she may have caused through her other actions.
Alexander Graham Bell
Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, may have revolutionized communication, but his views on Deaf people are definitely not something to phone home about. It’s troubling to think that someone who was so close with several Deaf individuals could hold such a prejudiced and harmful belief.
And let’s be real; we can still appreciate Bell’s contributions to communication technology while acknowledging that he had some messed up beliefs. It’s like admiring Picasso’s art while also acknowledging he was a womanizer. We don’t have to cancel Bell, but we do have to be critical of his beliefs.
Pablo Picasso
Sure, Pablo Picasso was a talented artist, but he was also a huge misogynist and abuser. I mean, who says “women are machines for suffering” and treats their lovers like garbage? Not cool. And don’t even get me started on the cheating and inability to stay faithful to a woman.
It’s not like we must erase his contributions to art, but we can’t just brush off his problematic behavior. It’s like trying to separate the art from the artist – sometimes, it’s just not possible. So next time you see a Picasso painting, take a moment to think about the women he hurt.
Abraham Lincoln
We all know him as the Great Emancipator, but did you know Abraham Lincoln ordered the public execution of 38 Dakota Indians? Yeah, that’s right. Hundreds of people watched them die as punishment for the Santee Sioux uprising. I mean, come on, Abe. What a hypocritical person he truly was.
You can’t preach about freedom and equality and then turn around and order a mass execution like it’s nothing. You can’t have it both ways, man. We need to acknowledge Lincoln’s problematic actions and hold him accountable for them, even if it means reevaluating our idea of him as a “hero.”
James Watson
Who let James Watson into the science club? This dude snubbed Rosalind Franklin, downplayed her role in his work, made terrible remarks about her character, and, let’s not forget, racism, sexism, and antisemitism. Oh, and he tried to use genetics to back up his claims that African Americans are less intelligent than whites.
Yikes. It’s like he took all the -isms and rolled them into one problematic burrito. I don’t care how smart you are; if you’re spewing hate and disrespecting your colleagues, you don’t deserve a place in the scientific community. It’s time to kick Watson to the curb and make room for scientists who don’t let their bigotry overshadow their work.
Oprah Winfrey
The story of Oprah Winfrey shoving a child out of the way at an airport is a stark reminder that our favorite celebrities may not always be who we think they are. While it’s easy to get caught up in the glitz and glamour of fame, the fact is that these individuals are human beings with flaws and shortcomings like the rest of us.
If this story is true, it’s disappointing to think that someone as beloved and influential as Oprah Winfrey could be so callous toward a child. Let’s not forget that kindness and compassion are not just acts to be put on for the cameras. True empathy and understanding require a genuine desire to connect with others and make the world a better place.
Walt Disney
Walt Disney is often held up as a visionary and pioneer in the world of animation, but the fact that he had a racist side is truly scary. While it’s important to acknowledge that Disney was a product of his time, it’s also essential to recognize that his actions had real-world consequences.
By perpetuating harmful stereotypes and using racist language, Disney contributed to a culture of discrimination and inequality that continues to affect marginalized communities to this day. It may be time to start calling out Disney for its problematic past and demand they do better in the future.
Roald Dahl
Oh boy, Roald Dahl, more like Roald the RottenI. It’s one thing to cheat on your spouse, but to do it with her best friend while she’s recovering from a freaking stroke? That’s just low. I mean, how do you even live with yourself after that? He took all the worst qualities a person can have and embodied them.
It’s hard to reconcile the man who wrote beloved children’s books with the man who was such a jerk to his wife. It’s like finding out your favorite ice cream flavor is made with rotten milk – it’s just not a good feeling. But that’s the thing about people – they’re complex and sometimes disappointing.
Queen Victoria
The fact that Victoria found babies ugly and experienced postnatal depression does not excuse the neglect and emotional distance she showed toward her children. It’s heartbreaking to think that her children may have grown up feeling unloved and unwanted, despite their status as heirs to the throne.
We shouldn’t be too surprised – ruling a kingdom is hard work. Pregnancy can definitely put a damper on that! But the way she treated her children is a different story. It’s like she forgot that being a parent is more than just giving birth – it’s about nurturing and caring for your kids. Let’s hope future rulers remember that being a parent is just as important as being a monarch.
Martin Luther King
Okay, okay, so let me get this straight. Martin Luther King, the supposed champion of civil rights, was a plagiarizer, a cheater, and a bystander to sexual assault. Talk about problematic! I mean, is it possible that any of our heroes were real heroes and didn’t have any major flaws?
However, it’s also important to recognize that King was a human being with flaws and imperfections like the rest of us. We can acknowledge his shortcomings while also recognizing the incredible impact he had on our society and the ongoing struggle for civil rights and equality.
Johnny Cash
You’re telling me that Johnny Cash, the man in black, not only started a massive fire but almost killed off a bunch of endangered birds? That’s a whole new level of problematic. I knew his music could be fiery, but I didn’t think he’d take this statement so very literally.
And to think he only paid $82,000 in damages. That’s like giving someone a pack of gum to make up for burning down their house. But hey, at least he tried to make things right. Maybe he should’ve written a song about it, like “I Walked the Line and Started a Fire.” Okay, maybe not.
Aristotle
Anyone who thinks that women are nothing more than baby-making machines is absolutely insane. That’s like saying a pencil is only good for erasing mistakes. I mean, come on. As if women weren’t already facing enough struggles, this dude had to go and make it worse – even if it was in ancient times.
I guess it just shows that even the smartest people can have some seriously dumb ideas. And we still study his works today. We should stick to reading his thoughts on physics or matters that don’t involve equality. Or, instead, we could focus on uplifting voices that respect all humans.
Chuck Berry
Oh, Chuck Berry, the rock ‘n’ roll pioneer, right? Well, let me tell you, he sure had a talent for pushing boundaries – and I’m not talking about just his music. Turns out, ol’ Chuck was playing his own twisted version of “Roll Over Beethoven” with some pretty darn questionable antics.
I mean, who knew that “Johnny B. Goode” was actually “Johnny B. Bad” behind closed doors? So, next time you’re jamming or dancing along to one of his tunes, just remember: there’s more to some of these historical figures than meets the eye – or the bathroom camera, for that matter.
Teddy Roosevelt
Ah, Teddy Roosevelt, the rough-ridin’, big stick-wieldin’ president. Turns out he was also the OG “Teddy White Nationalist Bear.” I mean, I knew he loved nature, but who knew he was so keen on eugenics? And sure, he opposed slavery, which was pretty revolutionary to do so during that time.
But let’s not forget he was all about that “Euro-descendant” superiority. So, next time you think of Teddy as just a rugged outdoorsman, remember he had some not-so-cuddly views. It’s a good thing his face is carved in stone because it’d be pretty awkward if Mount Rushmore was able to blush!
Frank Llyod
Well, well, well, Frank Lloyd Wright – the architectural legend! But it seems like he was also a master of being a hot mess. Talk about a blueprint for disaster, am I right? I mean, we all know his designs were groundbreaking, but who knew he was a real-life soap opera?
It’s a wonder he didn’t design a house just for his ego. So next time you marvel at a Frank Lloyd Wright creation, remember that behind those stunning lines and daring cantilevers, there’s a man who probably needed a few extra support beams in his own moral foundation. He wasn’t that nice!
Miles Davis
Oh, Miles Davis, the jazz icon! He had us all “Kind of Blue” with his melodies, but who knew he had a side that was more like “Kind of Cruel”? If you weren’t in his band of merry men, he’d give you a taste of his volcanic temper. And let’s not forget the ladies in his life.
Turns out, he wasn’t exactly serenading them with sweet trumpet solos. If you ever find yourself enjoying a sultry Miles Davis tune, remember that behind that smooth sound, there was a man who could’ve used a little more harmony in his personal life. Talk about hitting the wrong note, huh?
Joe Dimaggio
Ah, Joe DiMaggio – the baseball legend and, surprise, husband from hell! This guy had a real home run of marriage with Marilyn Monroe, didn’t he? More like a strikeout, if you ask me. He was all about that “till death do us part” vibe, but not in the right way.
It only applied if Marilyn agreed to trade the spotlight for an apron. Talk about being stuck in the wrong ballpark, Joe! Don’t think of DiMaggio as a hero of America’s favorite pastime; he was swinging for the fences in all the wrong ways. At least Marilyn was smart enough to call it “game over” on that one!
Patrick Henry
Well, Patrick Henry is the “Give me liberty or give me death” guy, right? Turns out he was also the “Give my wife the basement or give her a mental hospital” guy. Talk about taking DIY too far! Sure, those old-timey mental hospitals were grim, but chaining up your spouse in the basement?
That’s a whole new level of “home improvement.” It’s not hard to be inspired by Mr. Henry’s impassioned cries for freedom, but he might have had a little too much creative liberty when it came to his wife’s living quarters. Being locked up in your own house is hardly freedom.
King Edward the VIII
King Edward VIII, the royal with a thing for abdicating thrones and, oh, let’s not forget, a little Nazi sympathy on the side! Now, I’m all for making friends, but buddy, you really picked the wrong crowd to do so. Plotting with the Germans to reclaim the throne after a British invasion?
That’s like saying, “Sure, come on in, but save a seat for me, will ya?” So, the next time you think about the glamor of British royalty, remember that this king was playing a dangerous game of “musical chairs” with some seriously bad company. Long live the king, eh? Not so much!
Andrew Jackson
Andrew Jackson is a fascinating and complicated figure in American history. While he may be remembered as the “common man’s president,” his treatment of Native Americans is a stain on his legacy that cannot be ignored. Jackson’s policy of Indian removal resulted in the forced relocation of thousands of Native Americans, including the infamous Trail of Tears.
His brutal and inhumane policy demonstrates the deep-seated racism and prejudice that was prevalent in Jackson’s era. As we continue to grapple with issues of race and inequality in our society, it’s important to remember that history is complex and nuanced.
Lyndon Johnson
Lyndon Johnson is a presidential powerhouse and a master of personal space invasion! LBJ sure had an interesting way of measuring people’s feelings toward him. I mean, who needs a handshake when you can just whip out the ol’ cucumber and water the nearest Secret Service agent, right? Talk about making a splash in politics!
Whenever someone mentions Johnson’s Great Society, the only thing I’m going to remember now is his not-so-great social skills. I guess you could say he truly took “streaming” to a whole new level—way before Netflix made it cool! Either way – why did this guy let the President pee on him? Did he have no self-respect?
