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THE DARK SIDE OF HEROES
Charles Lindbergh
Lindbergh, known for his famous
flight across the Atlantic, was an avid supporter of the Nazi cause and expressed worry
that the United States would allow "inferior blood" to come into the country. He
said that the U.S. should come into the Second World War on the side of Germany rather
than the Allies.
Robert Peary
Peary, the disputed claimant to the North
Pole, fathered a son with an Eskimo woman while his wife and children back home. His
constant companion for over two decades and who many believed was more crucial in the
quest for the pole was Matthew Henson. Henson was black and it was said that he had to
carry Peary part of the way. Afterwards, Peary got rid of Henson. Henson ended up dying in
poverty.
Albert Schweitzer
The noted humanitarian of Africa, Schweitzer,
had two standards in his hospital. One for himself and one for the natives. He felt
natives only needed simple healing methods as they were simple people. Many doctors were
appalled by the conditions of his hospital.
Henry David Thoreau
The naturalist who brings up images up
peacefulness and harmony started his career as a teacher. Upon being threatened with
dismissal for not beating his students into compliance, Thoreau picked six students at
random and caned them before turning in his resignation.
Frank Lloyd Wright
The famed architect, known for his
implementation of nature into his buildings, was a very egotistical and self centered man.
Constantly on the verge of bankruptcy, he abandoned his wife and six children for a
married woman. His wife was faced with the staggering debts Wright incurred during their
20 year marriage while he traveled throughout Europe.
Of course, to many, the discussion on fallen heroes centers on Thomas Jefferson and his relationship with one of his slaves. Whether or not, this immoral crime (which wouldn’t have been considered immoral at that time...over 200 years ago) will darken his other contributions remains to be seen.