To the editor: As César Chávez’s storied legacy is additional revealed to have possible included rape and abuse, monuments to him are being rapidly eliminated (“From streets to murals, the erasure of Cesar Chavez is quick underway in California,” March 21).
It may be extra instructive to incorporate the fuller particulars of the person in his all-too-human failings alongside his notable advocacy and organizing efforts, which did profit many.
There’s possible no hero who hasn’t fallen of their historical past in a roundabout way. These views, somewhat than be hidden or leading to whole removing and denial of their in any other case laudable accomplishments, might paint a clearer, extra true-to-life image of those imperfect but very human figures.
There was a widespread motion to take away statues of Accomplice leaders, which has additionally been extensively reversed. These monuments would possibly likewise show extra helpful in the event that they had been soberly thought of and their topic’s histories, together with contributions and misdeeds, had been used as schooling as a substitute of both/or political footballs.
Dan Brumer, Encino
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To the editor: I’m neither defending nor advocating for Chávez. I by no means knew him. It’s unlucky that he’s not alive to elucidate himself and take duty. However, whereas alive and advocating, he didn’t count on the sainthood that was foisted on him upon his dying. Society, in a have to elevate its sense of humanity, did this.
He was only a man doing what he felt he wanted to do to assist himself and others. Like every other man, he had his shortcomings and a few of them had been ugly. Choose up any historical past ebook and also you’ll come throughout a dozen traditionally necessary males who dedicated the identical sins and far worse. We might begin with Christopher Columbus and finish with Donald Trump.
I sincerely grieve with all of Chávez’s victims which have endured these experiences all through the years, alone and in secret, till now. Nonetheless, any progress made in favor of discipline employees shouldn’t be lowered by his private and unacceptable conduct. He was simply one in every of many advocates concerned. Though he could have been on the entrance of the motion, we all know there have been lots of working by his facet.
Maria Martinez Stewart, Santa Monica
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To the editor: Lower than every week since Chávez was publicly accused of sexually abusing three girls, together with the much-revered Dolores Huerta, Chávez’s identify is being erased from public squares.
In a reprehensible irony, our present president, a person present in court docket as accountable for sexual abuse, continues day by day to plaster his identify on public buildings with the self-discipline of an untrained canine. For disgrace.
Judith Remy Leder, Fullerton
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To the editor: My resolution: Paint over all of the Chávez murals with Huerta’s likeness. She deserves recognition for her work and for the neglect and abuse she suffered.
Lynne Hiller, Beverly Hills
