We’ve always been taught that Christopher Columbus was a brave explorer who discovered America in 1492, but the truth is far more complex. Indigenous peoples had inhabited these lands for thousands of years before his arrival, which led to the brutal colonization, enslavement, and genocide of native populations. Additionally, Viking explorers had reached North America centuries earlier. We were rarely informed about the tragic consequences of this so-called discovery, overshadowed by the narrative of freedom.
In school, we learned that the U.S. was the primary force behind defeating Nazi Germany and liberating Europe, but we often overlook the significant role played by the Soviet Union, which suffered immense losses and was crucial in defeating the Nazis on the Eastern Front. The Vietnam War was framed as a noble endeavor to stop the spread of communism, yet the mass civilian deaths in neighboring countries like Cambodia and Laos and the use of chemical agents like Agent Orange were seldom mentioned.
We were taught to view our founding fathers as champions of liberty and democracy, without acknowledging that many, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, were slave owners. The foundational role of slavery in building the U.S. economy is a narrative often omitted from our education.
Growing up, we were led to believe that the United States is a unique force for good in the world, promoting freedom and democracy. However, we were rarely taught the darker aspects of our history, including slavery, imperialism, systemic racism, and economic inequality. The violent displacement and genocide of Native American tribes, along with the broken treaties and devastating impacts on indigenous cultures, were often left out of our lessons.
While figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and events like the Montgomery Bus Boycott were highlighted as part of a successful civil rights movement, we weren’t shown how systemic racism and economic disparities still persist today.
When 9/11 occurred, America felt the shock deeply. Most people my age had never witnessed war or such blatant evil, leaving us confused about why another country could harbor so much animosity toward us. I remember being in my eighth-grade history class, watching the tragedy unfold on TV, grappling with how anyone could exhibit such hatred. We were told that our involvement in the Middle East was motivated by a desire to spread democracy and fight terrorism, yet the underlying interests in controlling oil resources and the long history of support for authoritarian regimes like Saudi Arabia were rarely discussed. The consequences of our interventions, such as the destabilization of Iraq and the rise of ISIS, were similarly omitted.
As an adult, discovering these truths has filled me with guilt. I can't help but reflect on the freedom I enjoy while knowing that countless people around the world are suffering, often as a result of our interference in their nations. I wonder how people from other countries view America. Do they see it as a land of freedom, or do they see us as the source of their pain?
While I understand that some will label me a conspiracy theorist, I believe there’s often a kernel of truth behind these theories. Many narratives that were once dismissed have turned out to be accurate, and it feels like we are only beginning to scratch the surface. The challenge lies in spreading this truth to a broader audience.
Social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube have become vital for sharing information and awareness. Yet, the reality is that many people remain ignorant of the darker sides of American history. Most don’t even know basic facts about our government, like who the vice president is or the contents of the Bill of Rights.
One experience that opened my eyes was a TikTok live session where someone from another country spoke about the injustices I had uncovered. Their knowledge of our history was staggering, especially given that they didn't live in the U.S.
My website isn’t about sharing my personal opinions; it’s dedicated to providing documentation and information for you to draw your own conclusions, read between the lines. Some topics may seem outlandish, but I encourage you to research and think critically. I hope more people wake up to the darker secrets of America’s past, so we can strive to be the country we were always told we were meant to be.
