It is convenient for us in 2021 to sit in judgement of the great men and women who have come before us. Is it upsetting find find out about their major human flaws? Yes, of course. Does it destroy everything good they did? No. Let’s not lose focus. We live in a different era and have the advantage of history in our rear view mirror.

Should we condemn every woman who was married in their early teens since that was the norm back then? Heavens no. Should we condemn every slave owner in history? Of course not. These were very different and often terrible traditions but we are living in much different and, in most ways, better times. Everyone who came before and fought for the truths, liberties and advantages that we enjoy today should not be cancelled just because they were flawed. That disrespects all they gave to the world.

Condemn the “sin” not the “sinner”.

Thomas Jefferson was an amazing person who did so much good and has been a hero for years but was a major slave owner and now is under threat of being canceled due to perceived scandals.

MLK was an inspiration for millions but was a major womanizer. Should he be cancelled?

Nelson Mandela was one of the greatest leaders of our time but also had some disturbing flaws.

In our modern world I think we can all agree that these things that Ghandi did were wrong AND that he would also condemn them if he were alive today.

Let’s learn from history but let’s not cancel everyone just because we find out they had flaws or didn’t live according to our modern day norms.