Jerks in History

[J. Beckert]

(11-27-2013 08:48 AM)Rob Wick Wrote:  So if we cannot judge Brooks, how can we call Sumner's action rude or obnoxious?
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Rob

We shouldn't judge either one of them from our 21st century seat, in my opinion. We should just try and understand their situation in the era in which it occurred. It would take a whole heck of a lot more than someone calling me a "Squat, nameless animal" or saying I kept a "Harlot" to get me to viciously cane them, but in the 1850's, what Sumner did was beyond their rules of decorum. Aside from someone purposely and physically harming a family member, I wouldn't be capable of that. I don't think any of us would. Most of our society got away from confrontations over honor like that a long time ago, but at that time, it was expected. This was one step down from a duel, which I can't fathom either, but it was still on the table back then.