The concept of “good” and “bad” people is often black and white, but sometimes history reveals a more nuanced perspective. Recently on an online platform, people have shared stories of individuals who were once labeled as villains or wrongdoers, but in reality, they were not as bad as they were made out to be.
1. Richard Jewel – From Hero to Villain
In 1996, Richard Jewel was hailed a hero for uncovering a suspicious backpack during the Centennial Olympic Park bombing and alerting the authorities, potentially saving lives. However, the FBI later turned on him and accused him of planting the bomb. This triggered a media frenzy that led to Jewel being portrayed as the villain for years, despite the lack of evidence. They even searched his house and took his truck as evidence, leaving Jewel in fear and hiding. Although he was pardoned later, the damage had already been done. Tragically, Jewel died shortly after his dismissal.
2. Lydia Fairchild – The Woman with a Unique Uterus
An insightful commenter mentioned Lydia Fairchild, a woman falsely accused of kidnapping her children because of a rare medical condition. Lydia's uterus had different DNA than the rest of her body, leading authorities to believe she had kidnapped the children. However, after extensive testing, it was discovered that Lydia had been telling the truth all along.
3. William Thomas Green Morton – The Unsung Hero of Anesthesia
“Imagine a man who made one of the most remarkable medical discoveries of all time, changing the face of surgery. Meet William Thomas Green Morton, a dentist who discovered anesthesia. Despite dying penniless and defending his life's work, Morton's invention made surgery painless. He faced criticism from doctors who looked down on his profession, but his legacy inspires generations of medical professionals, showing that unlikely heroes can change the world.
4. Captain Murdoch – The Real-Life Hero Behind a Movie Villain
A wise user pointed out the misrepresentation of William Murdoch in the movie Titanic as a villainous character, which didn't do justice to his real-life heroism. Murdoch was the first officer on the ship who played a critical role in saving lives during the sinking of the Titanic. He helped lower lifeboats, manned a lifeboat, and was last seen trying to launch collapsible lifeboats on the starboard side. However, the movie portrayed him as a character who killed someone, took bribes, and acted like a “right shit.”
5. Captain Bligh – Too Soft for His Own Good
A knowledgeable individual believes that Captain Bligh, widely known as the tyrant captain in the infamous mutiny on the HMS Bounty, was not a bad guy. The user argues that Bligh's mistake was being too lenient on his crew rather than being too harsh. While waiting for the breadfruit trees to survive transplantation, Bligh allowed his crew to slack off, and when he put them back to work, they rebelled.
6. The McDonald's Coffee Lady – Victim of a Frivolous Lawsuit Label
A passionate commentator is firing up their argument about the infamous “McDonald's coffee lady.” They refused to let her be labeled as a frivolous lawsuit plaintiff and instead argued that she was a victim of corporate negligence. With a fiery passion, they point out how 79-year-old Stella Liebeck suffered excruciating third-degree burns in her pelvic area that required skin graft surgery, all due to coffee served at a dangerously scalding temperature, far beyond industry standards.
7. Pharaoh Cleopatra – The Intelligent and Benevolent Ruler
Someone raised the example of Pharaoh Cleopatra, often unfairly portrayed as a seductress who manipulated men to get what she wanted. This user pointed out how Cleopatra was, in fact, a highly skilled ruler who prioritized the well-being of her people over her own personal gain. They emphasized how she was a woman of remarkable intellect who spoke at least ten languages in a male-dominated society.
8. Dr. Kevorkian – Champion of End-of-Life Care
A thoughtful contributor suggested that Dr. Kevorkian, once dubbed “Dr. Death” by the media, should be included in this list. While controversial for his advocacy of assisted suicide, this user believed that people should have the right to decide on end-of-life care. They even predicted that public opinion on this issue would change over time and that Dr. Kevorkian's convictions might be overturned.
9. Lorena Bobbitt and Monica Lewinsky – The Unjustly Vilified Women
A champion of empathy challenged society's skewed perception of two controversial women. In their fiery argument, they asserted that Lorena Bobbitt's actions, often branded as horrific, were, in fact, a desperate attempt at self-defense against her abusive and serial rapist husband. With conviction, they called for more compassion towards Bobbitt as a victim of domestic violence. Similarly, they pointed out that Monica Lewinsky had been wrongly vilified for her affair with President Bill Clinton. They believe the real culprit was the powerful man who should have been held accountable for his actions.
10. Niccolo Machiavelli – The Misunderstood Philosopher
The final commentator sheds light on the historical figure Niccolo Machiavelli, who is often regarded as a “heartless manipulator.” This user pointed out how Machiavelli was observing what worked and trying to secure a new job rather than inventing the ideas of lying or ruthlessness. Despite this, they lamented how his name has become synonymous with a negative reputation.
15 Women From the 90's Everyone Loved
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In the 1990s, actresses like Jennifer Aniston, Demi Moore and Julia Roberts were some of the most popular women in the world. They starred in blockbuster films, graced the covers of magazines, and had legions of fans. While their careers have changed over the years, these women remain iconic figures from the 1990s. Here is a look at 15 women from the 90s that everyone had a crush on.
“No More Woke Garbage” 10 Iconic Black and White Movies That Are Actually Good
Black and white movies may not be as popular as modern-day movies, but they are classics. Every connoisseur of cinema should watch them at least once. Recently, in a platform discussion, people have shared black and white movies that are a must-watch for any film enthusiast.
10 Movies/TV Shows That Ruined the Entire Franchise
Franchise owners and filmmakers work tirelessly to produce hit movies and television shows that keep fans engaged and coming back for more. But sometimes, a single misstep can cause a franchise to crash and burn. On a popular online forum, users discussed the movies and television episodes that killed franchises. Here are the top ten responses:
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“That Movie Is Destined To Suck” 10 Cringe Actors Who Instantly Ruin Movies
Actors and actresses can make or break a movie with their performances. While some are beloved by audiences and critics alike, others are criticized for their lackluster acting skills and ability to ruin an otherwise good film. Recently, in a discussion on a platform, people have shared actors and actresses who can instantly ruin movies with their performances.
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