I support diversity. I support BLM. I support LBGTQIA+ creators making the cool games they want to play.
What I don't understand is shying away from tough issues in historical settings. These issues have been explored with all the stinging truth of the past to great effect (see Lovecraft Country for example). Part of the delight for me in an RPG is exploring the human condition. It's not a primary thing (that would be fun) but there's something about stepping into the shoes of this imaginary person that can be cathartic. Pretending like 1776 was an idealistic place of diversity is absurd.
Why not just create a fresh new setting with some 18th century flavor? Just grab the handful (I mean, what else would be left?) of the tropes, themes, or elements you really wanted to explore in your rainbow happy sort-of 18th century land, and run with it! Again, my liberal cohorts have jumped the shark.
Being respectful of someone's experiences, beliefs, or traumas does not require us to rewrite history. It doesn't require much special handling at all. If an African-American responds to your game advertisement to the 1776 game, and wants to play an escaped slave, and explore kicking some old-timey ass - you are not really required to glad-handle them (they responded to the game set in an historical setting and obviously understand what the are about to embark on). If you believe there might be an issue, have a conversation about it before the game. Make sure everyone is on the same page.
Nothing about this game sounds fun. Why would I play this? To experience the War of Independence? Cool. Set the game in the near future, say 2050 AD. ETs have invaded Earth and control 70% of the planet. The humans discover some cool new thing(tm) (like guerilla tactics or something?) that gives them an edge, and VIOLA! you have a new war of independence. It's the future - so nobody cares about your race, sexuality, or religion. If you can fight, you're in. The rebel forces are a diverse lot, truly fighting for liberty and equality. Easy as potato pie.
If you're trying to just FORGET the past -- you chose a funny way of doing it.
Once again, if my friends would get off the couch and actually DO SOMETHING to fight for social justice, they would likely expunge some of this guilt and feel like they accomplished something. Self-masturbatory "Justice Porn" is hardly cutting the mustard.
I cant' believe I backed the first two Zweihander KSs, this has turned into a deluxe shit-show. I'm genuinely embarrassed.