Some people are aware of the release files of Jeffrey Epstein. He is known as a horrible person who sold girls and boys to other powerful people to harm them. Or how Epstein is inhuman, to do disturbing, cruel things, or how he, as well as others, did intense mistreatment. But what is the truth? Are most of the things we heard about Epstein in the files, or what we saw or heard on social media?
Set 8 file EFTA00009809.pdf states enough evidence of a crime that Jeffrey Epstein committed by having the defendant share their experience. It stated, “The victims described herein were as young as 14 years old at the time they were abused by Jeffrey Epstein.”
When asking the people of MACES what they think or feel when the files were released, Mr. Nolasco, an AP government, economics, and sophomore world history teacher, “I think it was pretty sickening to think that a lot of these files have existed,” he said. “He’s been around for such a long time, and nothing has been done about it.”
Jennifer Castro, senior, explains how she wasn’t aware of the files, “I was honestly shocked about the files”. She adds on saying, “I was unfamiliar with who Epstein was, so hearing that a man so vile had harmed so many was super crazy to me”. Aaden Arrieta senior shares the same viewpoint, “ It sounds crazy,” he explains, “ I feel like me and many people were more shocked about the names that were in the files than what actually happened on the island.”
When questioning MACES students about whether they get their information about Jeffrey Epstein from social media, and if they believe the internet as their reliable source. Castro says, “I personally looked at the files released by Congress instead of going to social media for my information. Arrieta displays the same response, “I got the information through the files and kind of went through them on my own.”
Castro goes on to say, “I believe some of the things I hear and see about him, especially when there are files and documents to back it up.” She added, “I think people tend to come up with a lot of theories, and it gets mixed up in the media.” Arrieta responded, saying that, “I think everything in the files is probably true, but the people on the internet blow it out of proportion.”
When those at MACES are asked if social media has impacted negatively or positively on the information about Jeffrey Epstein, Mr. Nolasco says, “I think it’s a little bit of both.” He continues to say, “In a positive way, you can’t hide what’s happening, and it’s very difficult for people to ignore”. He points out the drawbacks, “ It is also negative the way social media works,” he elaborates, “exposing a lot of information to younger audiences, or even adults that may not be ready to come to terms with the terrible things that this person did.”
Castro believes that it has helped, “Social media has helped people understand this case so much.” She explained further, “Honestly, it’s helped me especially understand certain stuff like the emails he’s sent to public figures.”
To conclude, members of MACES were asked what advice they would give to others about seeking the truth, but also getting it from a reliable source. Castro shares, “The internet can make up crazy stuff, even if the information does come out as untrue, it doesn’t make Epstein any less of a horrible person.” She adds, “Do your own research and understand what’s within the files.”
Mr. Nolasco recommends saying, “Look at actual news sources from reliable newspapers that have been around for a long time.” He emphasizes further, “It’s three million pages of information, you don’t need to overwhelm yourself with it and be able to walk away, if you want, but take it in smaller chunks.”
Ultimately, to truly understand the Epstein situation, people need to ignore the rumors and the viral posts and look at credible reporting and the evidence. The truth is the evidence to separate fact from fiction. In the end, this case proves the importance of trusting sources, as it is the only way to gain a complete understanding.
