Hat worn by Napoleon sells for $2.1 million at auction of French emperor’s belongings
NBCJUL 2023
Napoleon Pistols Sold at French Auction
Image copyright: Hulton Archive/Stringer/Hulton Archive via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Napoleon has a complicated legacy that shouldn't prevent him from being celebrated. He embodied the essence of a great man who single-handedly forges history. As both a military savant and political figure, he has written several chapters of history, and he gets far too little credit for his prudence as a leader given the circumstances of his rise. Despite his missteps and large ego, Napoleon remains a hero of history who should be recognized.
Narrative B
Napoleon embodies everything wrong with leaders of the past who enslaved and colonized marginalized peoples for personal gain. A symbol of white supremacy, Napoleon should not be celebrated and instead should be remembered as a murderer and oppressor. More attention should be paid to the remaining legacy of European colonization and how to dismantle oppression.