I agree with Amy - I had not heard the inspiring story of Dickens and Davis. I appreciate that Davis’ approach allowed for reflection and redemption … much harder to accomplish in our own toxic and polarized cancel culture.
Yes, and Dickens needed that time to change his mind and move forward. (Nearly 30 years elapsed between Oliver Twist and Our Mutual Friend.) He didn't respond too kindly the first time, but Davis's second letter with examples of better ways of writing about Jewish people gave him some food for thought.
A thoughtful essay and refreshing to read. I especially like your comment about Jefferson:
“If we toss out Jefferson’s idea because he failed to live up to it, we fail those who did live up to it.” I would further argue that we cannot toss out Jefferson himself or any of our founding fathers because they failed to completely embody the ideals they were striving for; can any of us claim to perfectly live by the principles or standards we desire?
Thank you, Jill! No, I don't think anyone can claim to perfectly live up to their ideas; that's why I left the concept of perfection out of my article entirely (along with the idea of tossing out a historical figure, which as a historian I certainly don't want, nor am I sure is possible!). We can't expect perfection from each other (those who are living), but we can and should spur each other on to love and good works.
Thank you for your thoughtful approach to this burning question. I am appalled that people would want to destroy or ban art that doesn't conform to our current moral standards. There is a reason these things have endured the test of time - they speak truth to our human condition. All art is valuable and sometimes more so when it causes us to reevaluate/clarify our beliefs. Besides, who can live up to the standard of their highest ideal? All people are denizens of their own time, but not all people inhabiting a specific time and place agree on what is moral and right! And this is why art of all forms is valuable - to continue the conversation and to remind us of how things have evolved through time.
Melody, this is beautifully written and expressed. Thank you! My heart was stirred up as I read. I love that you bring in both contemporary and past writers to illustrate the more excellent way. I'm thinking more on the idea that we humans don't live up to our best ideas (like Jefferson) but that the Holy Spirit animates ideals in other hearts and those individuals act on them.
Thank you, Elizabeth. That's exactly what I mean! We can always seek what is better, and respond to vice with virtue (with the Holy Spirit's help!). That thought from Alan Jacobs has been one I've held close since I first read it.
I agree with Amy - I had not heard the inspiring story of Dickens and Davis. I appreciate that Davis’ approach allowed for reflection and redemption … much harder to accomplish in our own toxic and polarized cancel culture.
Yes, and Dickens needed that time to change his mind and move forward. (Nearly 30 years elapsed between Oliver Twist and Our Mutual Friend.) He didn't respond too kindly the first time, but Davis's second letter with examples of better ways of writing about Jewish people gave him some food for thought.
A thoughtful essay and refreshing to read. I especially like your comment about Jefferson:
“If we toss out Jefferson’s idea because he failed to live up to it, we fail those who did live up to it.” I would further argue that we cannot toss out Jefferson himself or any of our founding fathers because they failed to completely embody the ideals they were striving for; can any of us claim to perfectly live by the principles or standards we desire?
Thank you, Jill! No, I don't think anyone can claim to perfectly live up to their ideas; that's why I left the concept of perfection out of my article entirely (along with the idea of tossing out a historical figure, which as a historian I certainly don't want, nor am I sure is possible!). We can't expect perfection from each other (those who are living), but we can and should spur each other on to love and good works.
Thank you for your thoughtful approach to this burning question. I am appalled that people would want to destroy or ban art that doesn't conform to our current moral standards. There is a reason these things have endured the test of time - they speak truth to our human condition. All art is valuable and sometimes more so when it causes us to reevaluate/clarify our beliefs. Besides, who can live up to the standard of their highest ideal? All people are denizens of their own time, but not all people inhabiting a specific time and place agree on what is moral and right! And this is why art of all forms is valuable - to continue the conversation and to remind us of how things have evolved through time.
Thank you, Dawn! I agree--art should inspire us to live and choose better, even when it's a choice against rather than a choice for.
Melody, this is beautifully written and expressed. Thank you! My heart was stirred up as I read. I love that you bring in both contemporary and past writers to illustrate the more excellent way. I'm thinking more on the idea that we humans don't live up to our best ideas (like Jefferson) but that the Holy Spirit animates ideals in other hearts and those individuals act on them.
Thank you, Elizabeth. That's exactly what I mean! We can always seek what is better, and respond to vice with virtue (with the Holy Spirit's help!). That thought from Alan Jacobs has been one I've held close since I first read it.
It’s such a hopeful view too! I enjoy Alan Jacobs’ writing so much as well.
So well said and so convicting. I did not know that story about Dickens and Eliza Davis, and I want to seek out "Dear Mr. Dickens" now!
Thank you, Amy! It's such a good picture book! I hope you enjoy it.
Well thought out and well written. Thank you, Miss Melody.
Thank you so much, Craig. I appreciate it!