We include all of them for symbols on our currency. It makes more sense to have people on our currency, because humans generally feel more connection with man than they do their objects and animals. It also serves a nationalist purpose in creating unity. I don't think it is aesthetically displeasing either.
I find several problems with including historical individuals on currency:
1. It creates needless bickering, particularly during periods when such bickering ought to be brought to a minimum. There was a debate several years ago between those who want to put Reagan on currency and those who oppose the idea; the Reaganites pointed to Roosevelt's appearance on the dime, and the Rooseveltians pointed in turn to his connection to the March of Dimes. The problem would never have been a problem had neither one of them the possibility of appearing on money.
2. It creates a selective narrative of history.
Quite the opposite of this thread.
I oppose the use of historical likenesses on currency, no matter what nation, no matter which people. I find it (A) an abuse of historical notions of "Great Men", (B) pointless insofar as it actually degrades the memory of the person in question, and (C) aesthetically displeasing.
I, personally, prefer abstract designs: I'd also oppose the use of national symbols (eagles and Columbia in America, maple leaves in Canada, the crescent-and-star in Islamic nations, etc.) for much the same reason, but I am more amenable than I am to the use of people on money, which is much too on-the-nose.
Quite the opposite of this thread.
I oppose the use of historical likenesses on currency, no matter what nation, no matter which people. I find it (A) an abuse of historical notions of "Great Men", (B) pointless insofar as it actually degrades the memory of the person in question, and (C) aesthetically displeasing.
I, personally, prefer abstract designs: I'd also oppose the use of national symbols (eagles and Columbia in America, maple leaves in Canada, the crescent-and-star in Islamic nations, etc.) for much the same reason, but I am more amenable than I am to the use of people on money, which is much too on-the-nose.
We recently had a debate about the lack of women on ours. (all of it has the Queen on the front, of course) But nobody begrudges Charles Darwin his place on the back of a tenner..
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