History and romanticism

You have probably heard it said that the victor writes the history book.  One can easily see the reality of that assessment.  But regardless of what the history books say, the influence and control of oral history or history believed that is based on ideological grounds, is even more important.
The image that one holds about any particular person will be controlled and directed by the romantic.  In other words, if one believes that person x is wonderful and godly, the reality of person x's struggles and sins will be overlooked, ignored, or even denied.  Or in other situations, if someone is seen as evil or corrupt, the good or noteworthy things that person has done will be ignored as well.  I find this troublesome.
We need to strive to be as honest and realistic as possible.  Anything else is wrong.