There are certain points in history where things happened that are considered reprehensible and barbaric by most of modern society. Slavery, racism, genocide, sexism, etc. We would be none too proud if such things happened today. However, back then, all were considered acceptable and a part of every day life by one mainstream group or another, due to socio-cultural perceptions. We can't change the past. Should we feel guilty that it happened, and apologise for the actions of our ancestors? Should we brand all of them barbaric in comparison to us, for that which they believed was rational and justified by their view?

It is true that society has moved on, that we know alot more, understand alot more, and that the outlook of most people has changed, due to increased knowledge, understanding, and tolerance. However, we still stand on the shoulders of our forefathers, and without the achievements of ages past, we wouldn't be here.
We have more understanding, and an understanding of why such things happened, and should look at the past in hindsight. We shouldn't whitewash history and take every chance to condemn our ancestors as savages out of guilt, but look at it rationally. Our ancestors had different world views and less understanding, and we are really in no position to apologise for what is no longer in living memory.

Thoughts?

In what passing, fleeting thoughts I have regarding our ancestry, I look back on deeds done with relief and satisfaction knowing that a different generation had those experiences, consequently creating a level of understanding within us which, ultimately, pushed a majority of negativity out of our society today. This is arguable considering how much of it still lingers today, though for the most part, we as a community have evolved, deriving aspects of understanding equality and diversity in others.

I'm not ashamed of what our mostly long-deceased families had done and felt, though I pity those that cling to it so passionately - be they victims or otherwise; we're hardly responsible merely because of our background. Am I guilty for misdeeds? No.

Should we feel guilty? Nah. I may feel guilty if--you know--I was guilty of something. That isn't the case, though. As mentioned already, I see no reason to feel guilty for something I played no role in.

Seems everyone is in unanimous agreement so far.
Thing is, there are those who do apologise for history, and denounce and feel ashamed by their own culture, even, because of what is now long past. It's a shame, but true.