# JONATHAN BROCKLEBANK: The moral virtue of yet another long-dead giant of human endeavour is traduced. Where does this nonsense end?

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/jonathan-brocklebank-the-moral-virtue-of-yet-another-long-dead-giant-of-human-endeavour-is-traduced-where-does-this-nonsense-end/
- Published: 2026-11-05T19:22:11+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-05T19:35:34+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16269511/JONATHAN-BROCKLEBANK-moral-virtue-long-dead-giant-human-endeavour-traduced-does-nonsense-end.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: World

## Key points

- Canada revised Bell’s historic designation over his views on deafness.
- A Baddeck museum plaque is also set to change.
- Bell’s great-grandchildren dispute the characterisation of his beliefs.

## Summary

Canada has revised Alexander Graham Bell’s designation as a National Historic Person and plans to change a museum plaque in Baddeck, Nova Scotia, to reflect concerns about his views on deafness and eugenics. The article argues that reassessing historical figures this way risks overshadowing their achievements and judging them by present-day standards.

Bell made the first telephone call on 10 March 1876, and also worked on aviation, metal detection and hydrofoil boats. Parks Canada’s review cites his preference for lip-reading over sign language and his concern that deaf people marrying could pass on deafness; his great-grandchildren dispute the account, saying he signed with his deaf wife and supported deaf people choosing whom to marry.

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