Lovecraft: From Literature to Literaslur

The following is a MediaNote Classic. It was originally presented to MC101 classes in October 2014.
This medianote was presented to TTh classes only.

We all have unfortunate personal failings. But not all of us are revered literary figures who have prestigious awards named after us. Horror/fantasy author H.P. Lovecraft was a much-loved author of weird, twisted tales. It turns out that in his real life he had weird, twisted attitudes about entire groups of people. Should a prestigious literary award stop bearing Lovecraft's name and likeness because of his racism? NPR reports.

Questions...

•In general, what should we do about revered historical figures who are later found to have deep personal flaws?

•Explain D.W. Griffith and Leni Riefensthal. Should we celebrate them as artists or deplore their flaws?

•Should we hold an author to the same moral standards as a politician? How about a movie star?

•What will likely happen if the World Fantasy Award Association changes its award? What will likely happen if they don't change their award?

•Should NPR be allowed to put examples of Lovecraft's racism in their story? Why or why not?