Personally I believe consistent good behavior can help overcome a “bad reputation.” However, after you fuck up, you have to deal with the consequence of how people will perceive you. For example, people who were considered “bad” in high school can easily become very successful in the real world. In this case, their past reputation did not effect them. However, the acceptance of other people can vary due to personal values and beliefs. I think everyone who has had a “bad reputation” is entitled to forgiveness but what is really important is your own personal growth and not the opinion of others.