u/blah3166 — Jean-luc Peak-hard

100% agree, but this logic applies to everyone, not just public figures.

they [public figures] have an extrinsic motivation to make others believe they've changed.

Replace public figures with people and its just as accurate. Nobody wants to be the bad guy, even demon-spawn incarnate, Stephen Miller tries to put everything in a positive light "detaining violent illegals" vs "breaking innocent families apart and sending them to concentration camps".

Judge people based on their actions, not their words.

You're exposing your privilege and lack of understanding other perspectives.

Not everyone grew up knowing the impact words or phrases have on marginalized communities. I reflect on the day I learned women think twice about going for a runs at night. Growing up a white-passing guy in a relatively safe neighborhood, the possibility of getting raped was a foreign concept, but a sad reality for many women. In that same vein, you lack the humility to consider people like me, who grow up in an environment where slurs were common and "just a joke".

I've educated myself, learned from my past, reflected on how my actions may have impacted others at the time and walked away from ignorance. I am not who I used to be, and we must allow people to grow, or would you prefer to see no change?

If you grew up perfect, you should feel blessed that you've had the opportunity. Not everyone gets that.

It may not be common, but it does happen:

• My descent into America's neo-Nazi movement & how I got out | Christian Picciolini | TEDxMileHigh

• Reformed racist expresses regret for previous life with KKK

• My Life Inside A Neo-Nazi Group

some people in here are apparently perfect and don't believe others can grow and learn from their mistakes. what a childish self-centered perspective.

Seriously, apparently its difficult for some to call it as it is, but its no longer a legitimate war when you're starving and bombing those seeking refuge. Shame on Nature, should be treated as propaganda.