Why I’m Not My Ancestor’s Keeper. And I'm NOT responsible for the extinction of the dinosaurs!


In a recent debate with a Slovenian guest, she expressed shame and embarrassment for being a Western white person, in light of the historical crimes attributed to white people. I countered that I am accountable only for my own actions and words, rejecting the biblical notion of inheriting the sins of one's ancestors, especially given that we have had millions of them. My message is clear: personal responsibility is paramount, and the past should inform, not dictate, our present.

Why I’m Not My Ancestor’s Keeper

In today’s world, where the past is often a click away, there’s a growing conversation about collective responsibility. It’s a notion that suggests we carry the weight of our ancestors’ actions on our shoulders, like a family heirloom that’s too heavy to put down. But here’s the thing: I didn’t choose the heirloom, and I certainly didn’t sign up to be its eternal caretaker.

The Great-Great-Grandparent Clause

Let’s get one thing straight: my great-great-grandparents were their own people, with their own lives and choices. I’m pretty sure they didn’t consult me before making their decisions. So, why should I be held accountable for their actions? It’s like being blamed for a food fight that happened at a party I didn’t even attend.


Conquistadores, the Blame Game and the extinction of dinosaurs


And then there’s the matter of the conquistadores from 500 years ago. Last time I checked, my time machine was still in the shop being repaired, so there’s no way I could’ve been part of their expeditions. Holding me responsible for their deeds is as absurd as blaming me for the extinction of the dinosaurs. Spoiler alert: I wasn’t there either.

The Color of Responsibility

As for being a white man, well, that’s just the genetic lottery. My skin color doesn’t come with a manual of historical misdeeds that I need to atone for. It’s a characteristic, not a confession booth. I believe in judging individuals by their actions, not their ancestry or melanin count.

The Original Sin: A Slippery Slope

This whole idea of paying for the sins of our ancestors is a slippery slope that leads back to Adam and Eve. If we start there, where does it end? Are we all supposed to walk around in fig leaves, apologizing for that infamous apple incident?

Conclusion: The Buck Stops Here

In conclusion, I’m all for acknowledging history and learning from it. But let’s not confuse acknowledgment with responsibility. I’m responsible for my actions, my choices, and my words. As for my ancestors, they’ve got their own explaining to do. So, let’s focus on making our own mark on the world, one that we can be proud of and accountable for.

This post is sponsored sponsored by the 

Ancestral Accountability Support Group (AASG)



Are you feeling the weight of your ancestors’ decisions? Do you lie awake at night worrying about the actions of distant relatives you’ve never met? Fear not, for the Ancestral Accountability Support Group is here to help! The Ancestral Accountability Support Group meets every third Thursday of the month, right after the ‘People Who Are Afraid They Might Be Related to Attila the Hun’ club. Join us for a cup of guilt-free coffee and a slice of ‘let’s-move-on’ pie.

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