Time and again we fail to learn the lesson not to place anyone on a pedestal, the latest example being Cesar Chavez (“Cesar Chavez statue taken down amid allegations,” March 21).
His name can now be added to the endless list of dramatically flawed human beings who also made significant, positive contributions to society. Time and again we fall into the trap of attributing accomplishments solely to individuals who we then lionize beyond infallibility only to be devastated when their skeletons are uncloseted, tarnishing not only their legacies but their valid accomplishments as well.
Ironically, most venerated individuals do not seek such recognition, be they with or without said skeletons. Rather they defer to all those who supported the “cause” and typically downplay their own importance. Yet we insist on glorifying them to the exclusion of others.
So, what to do? Should we cynically assume all those who excel are fatally flawed? Do we downplay great accomplishments as ordinary and expected? I don’t think so. However, we do need to reconsider pedestals that are too easily toppled.
James Toth, Milwaukee
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Chavez a flawed man who made major contributions to society | Letter
Reporting by Letters to the Editor, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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