The ‘Retcon’ and the Fate of American History

null Sept. 25, 2023 10:57 am ET Illustration: David GothardThe retcon story line, in which historical figures are somehow endowed with our modern sensibilities and judged accordingly, is very popular (“America in the Age of ‘Retcon’” by Lance Morrow, op-ed, Sept. 21). Imagine Abraham Lincoln as a true enemy of slavery in the contemporary sense. Would he have become a community activist, leading mostly peaceful protests? Would he have chained himself to the doors of the Supreme Court over Dred Scott? Would he at least have run in 1860 on a pledge to immediately emancipate all slaves?Copyright ©2023 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8Continue reading your article witha WSJ subscriptionSubscribe NowAlready a subscriber? Sign InSponsored OffersWalmart: Walmart's Featured Deal: Up to $1,100 off the Apple iPhone 15 SeriesSaks Fifth Avenue: Saks Fifth Avenue promo code 2023: 20% OFF first orderKohl's: Kohl's promo code: 30% Off for Kohl's Rewards M

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Opinion Sep 26, 2023 Add to Reading List

The ‘Retcon’ and the Fate of American History

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Sept. 25, 2023 10:57 am ET

Illustration: David Gothard

The retcon story line, in which historical figures are somehow endowed with our modern sensibilities and judged accordingly, is very popular (“America in the Age of ‘Retcon’” by Lance Morrow, op-ed, Sept. 21). Imagine Abraham Lincoln as a true enemy of slavery in the contemporary sense. Would he have become a community activist, leading mostly peaceful protests? Would he have chained himself to the doors of the Supreme Court over Dred Scott? Would he at least have run in 1860 on a pledge to immediately emancipate all slaves?