INCLUSIONS AND OMISSIONS

I found this line incredibly powerful amidst the tale of mutiny and murder. The men aboard the Wager were a chaotic collection of souls, yet they were all placed on that boat for the sake of an empire's desire to rule both on land and sea.

The concept of omitted history feels very relevant to American history. How many stories have gone untold? How many stories are being silenced? Although America isn't an empire, similar conditions lead to pages being torn from history books or entire books being removed altogether.

As a battle rages over what people should and shouldn’t read, I support boundaries but not the imposition of laws on what individuals should consume. I believe we should present our nation’s entire history—both the good and the bad, as well as the ugly—exposed for all to see. Only then will we be compelled to confront our past and pave the way for a better future. A future that isn’t doomed to repeat past mistakes, but instead bravely acknowledges our failures while remaining humble yet proud of our successes and aware of a constantly changing world.