In last week’s edition of the Phoenix, arguing that the word “Plantation” be removed from the name of Rhode Island, Stephan Brigidi stated that “History is constantly evvolving.”

Even Mr. Brigidi noted that the word recognized the early colonists’ farming way of life. Therefore, he asserts the word is not open to a revisionist attempt to redefine “Plantation” and then have it removed because it is deemed evil. The voters had their say earlier this week, but his remarks evoke a broader response.

I believe that history is a static, non-evolving, reflection of what occurred at a particular period of human existence. Wars, revolutions, natural disasters, technological advance, political are historic events.

They are impacted by a cast of men and women who are products of their times, both noble and sinister, good and evil, and through their actions they improved or tarnished the world they lived in.

From the beginning of mankind, every society, culture, religion, and political policy were influenced by imperfect people, no different than exist today. Our goal is not repeat their mistakes, an achievement that can be accomplished only by remembering who they were and what they did. We call it history.

The lens through which some view and interpret history may be altered by the ever-changing shifts in societal beliefs of the moment, but history remains a constant. 

When we attempt to alter history through the removal of words, statues, signs, it leaves future societies vulnerable to continued modifications in perception. Imagine a future state where each generation redefines history based on their societal beliefs, each generation will possess its own lexicon and communication will resemble ancient Babel. 

So, the solution is not to erase but to embrace our history.  But that embrace comes with an understanding that history, with all its warts and imperfections, has crafted the great nation we live in today, a nation always striving to be better and most importantly provide equal opportunity for every one of its citizens. 

However, some are overlooking one important element that is critical to support our legacy and to further improve our society. They overlook respect and acceptance; they overlook a place where multiple sets of values and traditions co-exist. 

For example, traditional and non-traditional marital values can co-exist, even if each group holds a diverse definition of a personal union. Those who represent a women’s right to choose and those who choose to represent the rights of the unborn can co-exist. Both should have civil discourse on their firmly held beliefs.

Differences of opinion and open and free discussions regarding those opinions are vital to a free and vibrant society. All ideas should and can share the same space, neither marginalized, rebuked, or subjected to a cancellation mind set. 

Improving behavior on all sides, embracing all points of view, acceptance without denunciation, regardless of one’s beliefs, traditions, values or view of history, is what will guarantee a continued free society to all.

David Scarpino
Bristol