Was Pres Lincoln a racist or a prodcut of his era

ember

ember

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I am having this discussion with others what are your thoughts on this historical figure
 
A very good question. Well, I have read some history on President Lincoln. Honestly, I believe he was a product of the society. The beliefs he held prior to the civil war would be considered racist in today's society. Later in his life, it shifted.

I read somewhere that he suggested that they should be granted the right to vote. That should tell you something.
 
Lincoln was a racist. He made several derogatory remarks about African Americans, and he wanted them out of the country.
 
Steinhauer said:
Lincoln was a racist. He made several derogatory remarks about African Americans, and he wanted them out of the country.
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Like I said, he was a product of the society he was raised in. We weren't there to witness the history.

Do you realize that he changed his tune after the African-Americans started joining him to fight the South?
 
Banjo said:
Like I said, he was a product of the society he was raised in. We weren't there to witness the history.

Do you realize that he changed his tune after the African-Americans started joining him to fight the South?
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Actually he started to believe a bit differently about aa's once he became acquainted with Frederick Douglas, but he still believed that anglo saxons were the superior race. Now is there an excuse for him to have a belief system of a superior race?
 
Steinhauer said:
Lincoln was a racist. He made several derogatory remarks about African Americans, and he wanted them out of the country.
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I've never read that he necessarily wanted them out of the country, he said I don't believe in slavery but its not for me to say if a man has slaves or not what he wanted was peace
 
ember said:
Actually he started to believe a bit differently about aa's once he became acquainted with Frederick Douglas, but he still believed that anglo saxons were the superior race. Now is there an excuse for him to have a belief system of a superior race?
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No, it's not something I condone. However, you do have to realize that it was different back then. Regardless, it was wrong.

From what I know, he did suggest that they should have political equity.
 
Banjo said:
No, it's not something I condone. However, you do have to realize that it was different back then. Regardless, it was wrong.

From what I know, he did suggest that they should have political equity.
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Oh I am not asking if its right or wrong just simple opinions about Lincoln and his time I should have been more clear about that.

really I will have to research that I haven't read or seen that do you remember your source
 
ember said:
who do you think he would have been today?
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The Lincoln we have come to know, he would be accused of being a racist. No doubt on that part.

He lived in a very different United States than you do. In these days, most white people believe they were superior to the other races.
 
He did say one of my favorite quotes
"It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt."

that's GREAT!
 
Banjo said:
The Lincoln we have come to know, he would be accused of being a racist. No doubt on that part.

He lived in a very different United States than you do. In these days, most white people believe they were superior to the other races.
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aside from all of that though I do wonder if the fore farthers were here as many politicians roar in their speeches would they really be the people they think they are or different.

i.e... I love when my republican friends spout off about the Christian values and our fore fathers, my response as a moderate is I honestly think some of the issues you think they would care about they don't because they were diest.
 
ember said:
aside from all of that though I do wonder if the fore farthers were here as many politicians roar in their speeches would they really be the people they think they are or different.

i.e... I love when my republican friends spout off about the Christian values and our fore fathers, my response as a moderate is I honestly think some of the issues you think they would care about they don't because they were diest.
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People have a tendency to sensationalize pretty much every historical figure and event.
 
Banjo said:
The Lincoln we have come to know, he would be accused of being a racist. No doubt on that part.

He lived in a very different United States than you do. In these days, most white people believe they were superior to the other races.
Click to expand...

True
 
ember said:
I am having this discussion with others what are your thoughts on this historical figure
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"Was Pres Lincoln a racist or a product of his era?"

First, what is the definition of racism? Do the words and actions of Lincoln fit that definition?

Second, what was the prevailing culture of the era to which Lincoln was exposed? Was it racist? Was it patronizing towards non-white races in general? Was it anti-slavery but not quite pro-equality? What exactly was that culture and era to which he was exposed?

Third, were his personal and political beliefs the same?

Those are some things you have to research and decide before you can tackle the original question.
 
Banjo said:
People have a tendency to sensationalize pretty much every historical figure and event.
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yeah thats main stream media though and they sensationalize everything, now is that their fault or society they only report what sells? mmmmmm
 
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