Question

on pages 38-39 in the book “how the word was passed “ why do you think critism about including sally hemings and jefferson’s children exist in the part of some members of the public? what role does scientific evidence play in this matter?

Answer 1

There are a number of reasons why there is criticism about including Sally Hemings and Jefferson's children in the story of Monticello such as:

1. Difficulty reconciling Jefferson's legacy of liberty with his involvement with an enslaved woman.
2. Belief that including Hemings and her children detracts from Jefferson's accomplishments.
3. Uncomfortableness or taboo surrounding interracial relationships.

To me, i see that some people find it difficult to reconcile Jefferson's legacy as a champion of liberty with the fact that he fathered children with an enslaved woman. This is understandable, given the moral difficulty of freedom while enslaving others.

Therefore, others believe that including Hemings and her children in the narrative of Monticello detracts from Jefferson's accomplishments. They argue that focusing on this aspect of Jefferson's life overshadows his achievements as a statesman and a writer.

See text below

Book title: “how the word was passed by Clint Smith

On pages 38-39 in the book “how the word was passed “ why do you think critism about including sally hemings and jefferson’s children exist in the part of some members of the public? what role does scientific evidence play in this matter?