Reject Whitewashing History

Reject whitewashing of American history, embrace truth about oppression Those in power have often sought to rewrite history to suit their desired narratives, erasing uncomfortable truths and glorifying oppressive regimes. President Trump's executive order aiming to "restore truth and sanity to American history" is a thinly veiled attempt to whitewash the violent and racist foundations upon which this nation was built. Demanding the removal of "divisive race-centered ideology" from Smithsonian museums and requiring public monuments to only depict "the greatness of the achievements and progress of the American people" is a blatant effort to minimize and erase the horrors of slavery, genocide of indigenous peoples, and systemic racism that have stained America's past. The uncomfortable reality is that the United States was founded on the subjugation and dehumanization of racial minorities. Suppressing this truth does not make it any less real. Refusing to reckon with our nation's oppressive roots only serves to perpetuate the injustices of the present. True patriotism demands an honest examination of history, warts and all, not the selective glorification of achievements while brushing atrocities under the rug. Citizens should reject this authoritarian attempt to rewrite the past and continue pushing for an open and truthful accounting of America's complicated heritage. History cannot be shaped by executive fiat; the truth will ultimately prevail over revisionist falsehoods meant to soothe fragile egos.