Equality

US: 250 Years Later – Part 65: Homosexuality

by

In 1776, homosexuality was not generally understood as a personal identity but as a category of behavior judged through religious, legal, and cultural frameworks. Two hundred and fifty years later, LGBTQ+ identities exist within a far more visible and publicly recognized landscape, though debates over acceptance, rights, and belonging continue evolving. This letter follows America’s changing relationship with homosexuality and asks whether the deepest struggle across centuries has been less about sexuality itself… and more about who gets to live openly and safely as themselves.

Read the letter →

US: 250 Years Later – Part 34: Democracy

by

In 1776, the Declaration of Independence did far more than announce separation from Britain. It introduced a radical idea: that governments derive their power from the consent of ordinary people rather than kings or inherited authority. Two hundred and fifty years later, the Declaration remains both inspiration and challenge, shaping debates over equality, rights, and who fully belongs within America’s promises. This letter follows the journey of a document that continues rewriting the nation long after the ink dried.

Read the letter →

US: 250 Years Later – Part 33: Declaration of Independence

by

In 1776, the Declaration of Independence did far more than announce separation from Britain. It introduced a radical idea: that governments derive their power from the consent of ordinary people rather than kings or inherited authority. Two hundred and fifty years later, the Declaration remains both inspiration and challenge, shaping debates over equality, rights, and who fully belongs within America’s promises. This letter follows the journey of a document that continues rewriting the nation long after the ink dried.

Read the letter →

US: 250 Years Later – Part 22: Civil Rights

by

In 1776, America proclaimed liberty while limiting who could fully participate in it. Rights and equality existed, but often behind barriers of race, gender, class, and status. Two hundred and fifty years later, the struggle for civil rights continues across courts, communities, movements, and even algorithms. This letter follows America’s long effort to expand the promise of equality and asks who gets counted within the nation’s unfinished story.

Read the letter →

US: 250 Years Later – Part 18: Chivalry

by

In 1776, chivalry stood between old European traditions and a new American identity. Honor meant courage, duty, reputation, and protecting what society deemed worth defending. Two hundred and fifty years later, the armor has changed. This letter follows the evolution of chivalry from knights and gentlemanly codes to modern ideas of empathy, equality, respect, and what honorable behavior might mean in an increasingly connected world.

Read the letter →