“12 Celebrated Heroes Who Hid Sinister Secrets”
Roald Dahl’s astonishing gift for storytelling is unfortunately tarnished by his offensive views on racial and gender equality, which linger like a shadow over his accomplished career. Behind the vibrant worlds they build, writers can secretly cling to harmful biases that need to be confronted.
8. Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa never wavered in her pursuit of compassion, an epoch of relentless devotion that led to her resounding recognition as a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. But, her methods have been criticized. Many felt her organizations let people down, prioritizing evangelizing over quality healthcare – a disturbing mismatch of priorities.
On the one hand, Mother Teresa’s lifelong quest to alleviate human suffering, and on the other, nagging questions about the efficacy and integrity of her modus operandi. Somewhere in between, we find ourselves wrestling with a disconnect that refuses to settle between altruism and its fallout.
9. Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens’ time-tested classics pierce the veil of social conformity with their bite. However, his personal life was marred by his treatment of his wife, Catherine. He blasted her in public, then high-tailed it out of their relationship, sending shockwaves through proper Victorian society.
Brilliant writing couldn’t conceal the dark truth about his personal life – a shameful tale of how poorly he treated his wife, often in the shadows of his celebrated successes. Behind the passionate arguments and catchy slogans, the personal lives of social justice advocates can tell a different story.