Abraham Lincoln Reflection Paper

As I watched this documentary in and out of class, I was able to pick out the most interesting part presented as well as discovering new perspectives about Abraham Lincoln. This documentary provides insights from many individuals that Professor Henry Louis Gates encountered in search of the truth and Lincoln himself. One interesting idea presented by Professor Gates was the fact that Abraham Lincoln was not god, but a human. He has human characteristics therefore establishing that he too was not always right nor was he flawless. As Professor Gates introduced this controversial topic to other students and a group of lincoln scholars that are his peers to better understand why Abraham Lincoln is portrayed more as a hero, idol, or great president versus a human.

Treating the people around us with respect and acknowledging where you stand in your society plays a key role in understanding human characteristics. I am the type of individual that views the human population equally

As we advanced on to the next grade level, we were taught differently about Abraham Lincoln. We heard variety of stories growing up as we entered high school. Upon entering the classroom, he sat in the back listening to the students’ responses about the question, “What would Lincoln do?” They all similarly responded only positive actions and assumptions that Mr. Lincoln would undertake, but what about his flaws? Student that were unfamiliar about how bluntly racists Mr. Lincoln was felt kind of upset at the actuality that yes, our 16th president that freed the slaves was racists. Some African Americans that look up to Abraham Lincoln grew up calling him their “savior” until they hear the side of the story that is always kept away from the public fabricating them into feeling