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Interesting that the US NPS leaves completely un-noted the description of a thief as a half-breed. Some of Roosevelt’s other commentary on Native Americans: “
by 0xfffafaCrash 3y ago
Interesting that the US NPS leaves completely un-noted the description of a thief as a half-breed.
Some of Roosevelt’s other commentary on Native Americans:
“I don’t go so far as to think that the only good Indians are the dead Indians, but I believe nine out of every ten are, and I shouldn’t like to inquire too closely into the case of the tenth.”
Perhaps even now the NPS can’t help but turn a blind eye to the less endearing aspects of Roosevelt’s legacy.
- junofan 3y agoAssuming a historical figure wasn’t racist feels like a bad default. I don’t think it’s necessary to point out racism in every hagiography.
- throwaway6734 3y agodon't try to apply modern moral standards on historical figures
- cocacola1 3y agoI’m sure decent people existed then, too. Rather, no need to make excuses for historical figures who don’t care if you criticize them.
- reese_john 3y agoTheodore Roosevelt was actually quite progressive for his time. He was one of the first US president to invite a black man, Booker T. Washington, to dinner at the White House[0] On October 16, 1901, shortly after moving into the White House, President Theodore Roosevelt invited his adviser, the African American spokesman Booker T. Washington, to dine with him and his family. The event provoked an outpouring of condemnation from white politicians and press in the American South.[1] This reaction affected subsequent White House practice and no other African American was invited to dinner for almost thirty years Ironically, democrats were one of the most ardent critics: The response from the southern press and politicians was immediate, sustained and vicious. James K. Vardaman, a Democrat from Mississippi, complained that the White House was now, "so saturated with the odor of nigger that the rats had taken refuge in the stable;" the Memphis Scimitar declared it "the most damnable outrage which has ever been perpetrated by any citizen of the United States" Very different times. One shouldn't judge past generations according to today's ethical norms. [0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Booker_T._Washington_dinner_at_the_White_House https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Booker_T._Washington_dinner_at...