Why Is Rasputin Bad

Hannah Linfesty
May 29, 2016
Global Studies Block 2
Liftig
Rasputin- A Good Man?
Dark, mysterious, evil, holy. These are all words that can be used to describe Grigory Rasputin. Some know him as a healer, others as a freak of nature or an animalistic drunk, still others simply know him as the “lover of the Russian Queen” (“Ra Ra Rasputin”). Everybody has heard of him, yet nobody knows who Grigory Rasputin truly was. Most people, however, would agree Rasputin was not a good man. In fact, Rasputin is generally accepted as a bad man. Was Rasputin actually that bad? No. But why was Rasputin a better man than the Russian public perceived him to be? Although often described as dirty, manipulative, and animalistic, these are simply rumors Rasputin’s

Although often described as dirty, manipulative, and animalistic, these are simply rumors Rasputin’s opposers spread that became accepted as facts. In actuality he was sanitary, powerless, and holy. It is sad that history has overlooked Rasputin’s advanced pacifist views. While Jewish people were being persecuted in World War II, those whose stood up for them were considered heroes, yet Rasputin, who fought for equality and supported Jews in an anti semitic society, received no such praise. In fact, many people fail to even acknowledge that he fought for equality at all. Rasputin is still relevant to society today; it is amazing that his opinions from over 200 years ago are still being addressed. For example, one of the most controversial topics today is that of the death penalty. Rasputin himself opposed the death penalty far before any discussion about the subject was circulating. His beliefs about racial and religious equality are similar to the accepting beliefs we have in the United States today, however, these opinions were outspoken and unheard of during Rasputin's time. What can we learn from the enticing story of Rasputin? First and foremost, rumors are not facts. History allowed slander from Rasputin’s opposers to shape the man we see him as today. In today's world, it can be easy to confuse rumors with facts since the entire world is connected by the internet which allows gossip to circulate easily. We must be careful and make sure that we do not allow these false rumors to shape our views of certain people. Instead, look for the good in people. Whether Rasputin was a drunk or a womanizer will never be known for sure. Regardless, he did several other notable things that cannot be overlooked. Rasputin: a pacifist, an equal rights activist, God-fearing and holy; was he a good man? The answer is an undeniable