When you're using load_and_authorize_resource in cancan, it only passes an instance of user to the authorize method when the action is update show edit or destroy (I think). When the action is index it passes the User class instead.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.