I have a similar view, but a little different. I judge historical figures on how they stood out from their surroundings. If they were particularly good or bad in some way, I consider that noteworthy, but I largely ignore the ways in which they were ordinary for their time.

Undisciplined

I agree, but there is a huge difference between words and actions. Mencken, at least in my opinion, was a curmudgeon more than anything else. 

siggy47

BooksAndArticles

The H. L. Mencken Show

While I share the sentiment against racist and anti-Semitic actions, I believe in a more nuanced approach than outright cancellation. I advocate for discerning the positive contributions and separating them from the harmful.