UC Berkeley's Harry Kreisler interviews historian and activist Howard Zinn. (2001) Series: Conversations with History [Public Affairs] [Humanities] [Show ID: 8400]
"...the very engagement with other people in a common struggle for something that you all believe in, is a victory in itself." Thank you Howard Zinn:-)
Well, you’ve been taken for a ride, Sir. Howard Zinn was nothing but a Communist Coward, who never had the guts to move to Russia! His desire was to tear down the United States. He was a traitor!
@@shawnaweesner3759 he was much worse than a communist coward, he was an active evil self-rhighteous propagandist. He was the worst the west could ever produce. He was the manifestation of the toxic ignorance which the misguided clueless spoiled boomer and millennial minds craved for.
I was honored to do my Masters Thesis with Howard at BU, and to see him give a speech about 1 year before he died. He has left quite an indelible impression on me.
Thank you so much for this interview. Howard Zinn with Harry Kreisler's obvious skill as an interviewer lead one to (dare I say this) to hold out a small faint flame of hope that humanity can work it's way through the horrific problems it has created for life on planet earth.
I appreciate Zinn's views on the war. He has such a sound grasp on reality of war, and history. His sense of rightness comes from having grown out of his ignorance, and very clearly shares his progression of this journey so others can understand and relate to their own journey, and appreciating that of others.
10 years passed. Ever more relevant today! “That even if you’re engaged in a movement where the future that movement is uncertain, even if you are trying to achieve an objective which looks very very far away. simply working for it makes life more interesting and more worthwhile. So that you don’t have to look for some victory in the future. That the very engagement with other people in the common struggle for something that you all believe in. That, is a victory in itself” .
I'm less optimistic. The rich and powerful have all the human and financial resources available to execute political and economic gambits. It takes the working poor decades to zig, while it only takes the rich a few days to zag. Usually, they employ several nefarious strategies to prevent the diminution or dissolution of their power. Technology has been used to achieve an even greater control of information and concentration of power.
@@frank2778 What you say,sir,makes a great deal of Common Sense,which Voltaire stated : " Common Sense is not so common." Voltaire was quite accurately,correct.The " Powers that Be," are the people with the control,money,and power,which they use the Federal Reserve,IMF,World Bank,IRS. Thank you,for expressing your thougbts,ideas,philosophy. Most sincerely,Nancy,Missouri.
Yes it’s very apt. He is the reason we have this 1619 project garbage teaching history that makes black people the central actors and pretends that every good that this country has ever brought on the earth is irrelevant because black people had slavery put upon them
It's a sad, but ultimately edifying fact when somebody says, "I understand how atrocities work." I met a man during my Master's (I in my 20's, he in his late 50's) who relayed to me his account of having fun while setting people and villages on fire with parachute-flairs during the Vietnam War. I watched a grown man cry, and I listened as conveyed how he came to terms with the error of his ways. I think it also sad that War vets who truly understand are so vastly different than chickenhawks.
I am glad to hear this from a 16 year old. If and when you have children, pay it forward. People's History is one of the most important works of non fiction ever.
you, being the youth of our generation are the new hope. I wish there were many more like you that were intellectually curious and willing to venture outside of the prescribed books of standardized education. Continue to be an example and maybe there will be hope for us all.
@@saskk2290 Howard, like the 1619, makes things up and takes events and loosely connects them to some overarching plot where if you’ve never actually read history it sounds like a coherent argument.
R.I.P. howard zinn i read this on Noam Chomskys facebook group about Howard Zinn "His writings have changed the consciousness of a generation, and helped open new paths to understanding and its crucial meaning for our lives. When action has been called for, one could always be confident that he would be on the front lines, an example and trustworthy guide." -- Noam Chomsky
I was fortunate enough to read Zinn's People's history of the United States before I began to observe American politics. I am so humbled by so many people who fought for their basic human rights which we now cherish and yet they have no place in Hollywood movies or history books. There are way too many brave selfless people in this country to let the rich and ignorant thugs take it down. If only the rest of the world read Zinn.
Howard Zinn learned how to TRULY cut to the chase,especially in matters of logic,honesty,and decency. Truly a precious jewel who will shine his light forever!
Thank you so much for putting this video online. It was simply passionating! Just to mention, also, that Zinn's "A people's history..." is mentioned in one of the greatest novels recently published: "The Given Day", by Dennis Lehane.
An inspiring scholar, but moreover an inspiring person. I hope that those of us who appreciate Mr. Zinn will act in such a way that ensures his example is not just an aberration, but rather a point of departure.
As long as there are people who will speak truth to power and who are willing to challenge the status quo, evil will never triumph over good. Howard Zinn is a rare soul and we are all in his debt.
love that music too, instantly knew this vid gonna be good. star hustler has cool music. Zinn is our Mom. Mom reminds you your brother isn't really your opponent or a threat in the big picture. Mom ain't so useful dealing with bad guys or winning death match free-for-alls tho. For that, even she looks over at Daddy. Daddy works at China Lake.
Had the honor to meet and shake hands with HZ in the early 90s. He was warm, down to earth and wide-awake to what he was doing as an historian. "People's History" should be required reading all through early education---if, that is, education is a crucial pillar of democracy. Never listen when people charge HZ with "being political," for ALL history does that: it's just a question of whom it speaks to and for, and Zinn put his work into democratic inclusiveness, even if it cost him a "career."
I read the chapter on the Great Depression from APHUS for history and it was obviously the best, most comphrehensive source I had for my essay--I intend to read the entire book in the near future.
Zinn was a truely great writer ,thinker and activist.He inspired another book -- Chris Harman's Peoples History of the World which does for world history what Zinn did for U.S. We should try to learn form the past to better shape the future.The US working class fought militant struggles in the 1930's to establish union rights against brutal employers. . The Autolite plant in Toledo ,longshoremen in San Fransico and truckers in Minneapolis were great victories. We need this again today
Perhaps his teachings have made me realize his hopes and that of his predecessors, I had a dream about a prophecy that the next generation of his students will bring a great change to the world, and he will be the one to guide those revolutionaries, and I believe that I am one of those revolutionaries. And he believes in every one of us who seek to create a future of peace based on his teachings.
Yes, I studied his book as part of a history course I completed at Cal State Northridge back in 1988. He was truly a seeker of the truth, the nasty truth that is always covered up by the establishment.
Is Howard Zinn still teaching? If so where? I couldn't imagine a better use of time than to go sit in on a class taught by him, absolutely wonderful to hear a voice of intelligence and reason in this time of ignorance and apathy.
I suspect strongly that the operators of the close captioning device intentionally twist or change the words being captioned for example this interview at the 27.25 minutes.Mr Zinn has a very CLEAR pronunciation so, i dont have NO OTHER explanation for the constant flaws of the captioning. Please give me a sound explanation if I am wrong.
@patsfan124 FYI: Alternative Radio in Boulder, Colorado (run by David Barsamian) has an excellent audio collection of speeches and interviews with Zinn. Check with Radio Free Maine as well.
@ehunter2 Now (if you read my previous post) that I've more or less decided to quit trying to have reasoned argument with you: Just out of curiousity, considering how positively view the Vietnam war, did you ever actually serve in the US military and if so, what was you job, what years did you serve, and where were you stationed?
@PremiseTester I think you are right. Both Paul and Zinn are honest intellectuals. They may have very different politics but they would be able to have an amazing conversation, I'm sure of it. I cannot say that about anyone else in the GOP leadership race today.
@ehunter2 Actually my "research" consisted of going through government archives, collections of communiqués between foreign embassies (FRUS), declassified CIA documents, and testimony about the Vietnam War by both American and Vietnamese Veterans of the conflict. Also my father was a veteran of the Vietnam War, was the farthest thing from a hippie, and he agreed that most of my conclusions are accurate. Your "research" probably consists of Glenn Beck and films like "Flight of the Intruder".
Professor Zin said:"Pitiful risks" about what one might lose as a "truth teller". That's how people who have in a way destroyed the comfortable illusions that the system creates speak. To us weak materialistic bunch, unfortunately it does take courage to do the right thing and to speak up against injustice especially when we're not touched directly by the latter.
I think this point of 27:25 is clear and original, I hear no twists. Yes, he has been thrown into jail for a day or two 7-8 times. In this point I hear: "...and that has happened to me."
The internet has hours, no, DAYS of interviews and lectures by university professors. This would have cost thousands of dollars twenty years ago. How are we not all de facto college graduates?
A pitty this video has a little more than 100 thousand views, while "Sorry" by Justin Bieber has more than 3 million. (Nothing against Bieber. But, oh, boy, good info, sustaining material, such as this video, is so undervalued!)
I've read Howard Zinn books. And I've read Ron Paul books. Strange, but I think if they met, they'd be friends. They're both skeptical of power-seekers, intelligent, sincere, and too good at writing to be very engaging interviewees. Plus they disagree enough to keep each other interested. Just a thought.
My sentiments exactly. Except I am 68 yrs old, and only up to Chap 6. I'm glad that you read this book, and maybe realize that what is taught in our schools is mostly crap. I would hate to be 17, and face the world you are going into. I don't know what to say to encourage you. If you kids think our schooling system stinks, you are correct. Just read the books and watch the videos by Charlotte Iserbyt and John Taylor Gatto. Then you may understand how we've been screwed.
@ehunter2 Actually the education I received in Elementy school tended to be in favor of the Vietnam War and very rarely questioned the idea that our government has always been good and just to everyone. It wasn't until I was in High School that I found out embarrassing facts like Ho Chi Mihn worked for the US during WWII to fight the Japanese or that (and the source on this is the CIA) if free elections were granted in South Vitenam in 1954 80% of the voters would have voted communist.
"Children of nine or ten years are dragged from their squalid beds at two, three, or four o clock in the morning and compelled to work for a bare subsistence until ten, eleven, twelve at night, their limbs wearing away, their frames dwindling, their faces whitening, and their humanity absolutely sinking into a stone-like torpor, utterly horrible to contemplate." This was written in England in 1860. To argue that people voluntarily worked under these conditions is outreagous
@oldstock1607 that is true, and i think that it is apparent to some degree that i have sympathy for the professors and teachers that you are talking about, and also agree that sometimes their bias does color their lessons, but nearly without exception (in my experience) the aforementioned educators were available only at a college level. History, as it is studied in high school and before, seems to me to be shaded with a sort of western righteousness, and i think its important to self examine
I have heard a few times that most historians dont truly take Howard Zinn seriously, and i think that is okay, most historians look at macro-history, view it as a series of events which lead to the present, but Howard Zinn does something quite novel i think, he looks at history as more of a narrative, then he tells that narrative "through the voices of those who lived it." of course i am admittedly biased on the matter.
Actually Capitalism does have a manifesto. It is called "The Capitalist Manifesto: The Historic, Economic and Philosophic Case for Laissez-Faire by Andrew Bernstein
@oldstock1607 that is a fair point, and you're probably not wrong i think (and at this point i would also like to admit that i am not an expert on the matter), but it seems to me that a project like the peoples history necessitates that sort of polemic writing because it is looking at history through a different sort of lens, it rejects the premises that are well established and considers a different historical paradigm, but then again i, admittedly, havent read all the most recent scholarship.
Zinn's resentment that his parents "had nothing to show" for working hard doesn't make sense. His father was a waiter who apparently had no ambition to be anything else but he and his wife raised 4 sons on what he earned. That's something to show for it.
yes, but in most cases, these 4 sons would also have limited opportunity to be anything but waiters - Zinn is the exception to the rule. He's identified the truth in class conflict - the working poor will always be in a position of vulnerability.
What's being talked about here is not about jealousy, and has nothing to do with "I want to live like people in magazines." It's about common decency, becoming aware of the crushing poverty in the world, and wanting those people to have basic human rights, human needs met. Ignoring the greed that causes this may lead to "happiness," if one has no conscience, for yourself. How can anyone have so little conscience, though? And should only your own happiness matter?
Scientists have shown that individuals who do kind things receive serotonin to the brain, which is responsible for eustress and happiness. (This is assuming you're not a sociopath...) But usually kindness is in your own self-interest.
Spend a little time with Democracy Now! or read Socialist Worker. We lost a lion with Zinn's death, but he's not the last of his kind, just the last the mainstream seems to have any interest in listening to. We just have to get louder and fight harder until we are heard.
Před 3 lety+1
Fuck Marxism. Its filled racism and hate. Fuck Zinn too.
I share this to friends over Facebook but unfortunately it seems that wanting to expand my understanding of social conflicts and becoming class conscious is abnormal for someone that has just graduated high school. So my friends ignore this, shame shame shame.
Chomsky paid a lovely tribute to Zinn today. And nooooooo, heaven forbid we lose another brilliant mind. especially when there are so many obtuse ones out there ...the list goes on and on...maybe one of them could just get out of the way!
"...the very engagement with other people in a common struggle for something that you all believe in, is a victory in itself." Thank you Howard Zinn:-)
Hakan Habip YES!
Well, you’ve been taken for a ride, Sir. Howard Zinn was nothing but a Communist Coward, who never had the guts to move to Russia! His desire was to tear down the United States. He was a traitor!
9,bax99no9. 9n
North Vietnamese slaughtering South Vietnamese peasants: let me introduce myself.
@@shawnaweesner3759 he was much worse than a communist coward, he was an active evil self-rhighteous propagandist. He was the worst the west could ever produce. He was the manifestation of the toxic ignorance which the misguided clueless spoiled boomer and millennial minds craved for.
I was honored to do my Masters Thesis with Howard at BU, and to see him give a speech about 1 year before he died. He has left quite an indelible impression on me.
Wow! I wish I could have met him.
@@DillPhobia Then, I wish both of you could meet some competent psychiatrists.....
@@johnharrison6745 To treat what, exactly? The relentless hope towards a better world?
What did you major in as an Undergrad?
Thank you so much for this interview. Howard Zinn with Harry Kreisler's obvious skill as an interviewer lead one to (dare I say this) to hold out a small faint flame of hope that humanity can work it's way through the horrific problems it has created for life on planet earth.
ZINN IS GREAT!
I appreciate Zinn's views on the war. He has such a sound grasp on reality of war, and history. His sense of rightness comes from having grown out of his ignorance, and very clearly shares his progression of this journey so others can understand and relate to their own journey, and appreciating that of others.
Well-said!
So many dont ever grow out of their ignorance.
More like grew INTO his ignorance.
@@TranscendentaLobo27 ?
10 years passed. Ever more relevant today!
“That even if you’re engaged in a movement where the future that movement is uncertain, even if you are trying to achieve an objective which looks very very far away. simply working for it makes life more interesting and more worthwhile. So that you don’t have to look for some victory in the future. That the very engagement with other people in the common struggle for something that you all believe in. That, is a victory in itself” .
I'm less optimistic. The rich and powerful have all the human and financial resources available to execute political and economic gambits. It takes the working poor decades to zig, while it only takes the rich a few days to zag. Usually, they employ several nefarious strategies to prevent the diminution or dissolution of their power. Technology has been used to achieve an even greater control of information and concentration of power.
@@frank2778 What you say,sir,makes a great deal of Common Sense,which Voltaire stated : " Common Sense is not so common." Voltaire was quite accurately,correct.The " Powers that Be," are the people with the control,money,and power,which they use the Federal Reserve,IMF,World Bank,IRS. Thank you,for expressing your thougbts,ideas,philosophy. Most sincerely,Nancy,Missouri.
Yes it’s very apt. He is the reason we have this 1619 project garbage teaching history that makes black people the central actors and pretends that every good that this country has ever brought on the earth is irrelevant because black people had slavery put upon them
It's a sad, but ultimately edifying fact when somebody says, "I understand how atrocities work." I met a man during my Master's (I in my 20's, he in his late 50's) who relayed to me his account of having fun while setting people and villages on fire with parachute-flairs during the Vietnam War. I watched a grown man cry, and I listened as conveyed how he came to terms with the error of his ways. I think it also sad that War vets who truly understand are so vastly different than chickenhawks.
I am glad to hear this from a 16 year old. If and when you have children, pay it forward. People's History is one of the most important works of non fiction ever.
I was glad when I finally bought a copy of A Peoples Hist...
I didn't read it until I was 68. I regret it took so long to find it.
@@robertrichard6107 8
you, being the youth of our generation are the new hope. I wish there were many more like you that were intellectually curious and willing to venture outside of the prescribed books of standardized education. Continue to be an example and maybe there will be hope for us all.
If they do that, they'll discover that people like Zinn are contemptible infestations that need to be fumigated. 😏😉😜
@@johnharrison6745 is that so? Curious what way you think we should organize society
@@GruntKF Yes; it is. And, we should organize society around the Bill of Rights with a few alterations/additions. 😉
Peoples History of the United States was a truly enlightening experience. Written by a man who truly submersed himself in the times he wrote of.
Just like 1619 project is “truly enlightening”. When you just make up facts it must be incredible to read such fantasy for the first time
@@joshmcdonald7472 They are different books from different times. Howard wasn't pandering
@@saskk2290 Howard, like the 1619, makes things up and takes events and loosely connects them to some overarching plot where if you’ve never actually read history it sounds like a coherent argument.
An inspiring scholar. I admire his work very much 🤩
Juan Carlos Vásquez García . Scholar? His material is all derivative.
You need more names.
@@juanmonge8 We all do. And, what's more important, we all need to make a name for ourselves.
@@josephososkie3029 Says you.
@@juancarlosvasquezgarcia253 Touché!
incredible interview.
R.I.P. howard zinn
i read this on Noam Chomskys facebook group about Howard Zinn
"His writings have changed the consciousness of a generation, and helped open new paths to understanding and its crucial meaning for our lives. When action has been called for, one could always be confident that he would be on the front lines, an example and trustworthy guide."
-- Noam Chomsky
Will someone please tell me why he's gone now and Kissinger is still here.
R.I.P. Howard. At least you'll be missed, unlike some people.
I was fortunate enough to read Zinn's People's history of the United States before I began to observe American politics. I am so humbled by so many people who fought for their basic human rights which we now cherish and yet they have no place in Hollywood movies or history books. There are way too many brave selfless people in this country to let the rich and ignorant thugs take it down.
If only the rest of the world read Zinn.
Howard Zinn learned how to TRULY cut to the chase,especially in matters of logic,honesty,and decency. Truly a precious jewel who will shine his light forever!
RIP
you fought the good fight
Howard Zinn was a Communist.
He didn't fight the good fight.
He worked to undermine the United States.
He’s the kind of guy you pop champagne to on the anniversary of his death. His disgusting philosophy is in action today
@jkforever10 yup..
Howard, your words have been a bright light shining through the darkness. Thanks for keeping us informed over the years. You will be missed.
rest in peace howard zinn,would've loved to have met you and talked history and politics with you.
Howard Zinn was a POS Communist.
It was this interview. It inspired me to become a historian. It inspired me to go to Berkeley. The rest is history...
Great conversation.
RIP Professor Zinn.
@Marshall Kinnaird
????
I suppose the most revolutionary act one can engage in is ... to tell the truth - Howard Zinn
Mr. Zinn, your efforts in bringing justice to this world will echo in history.
Thank you so much for putting this video online. It was simply passionating!
Just to mention, also, that Zinn's "A people's history..." is mentioned in one of the greatest novels recently published: "The Given Day", by Dennis Lehane.
real inspiration
what an excellent person
An inspiring scholar, but moreover an inspiring person. I hope that those of us who appreciate Mr. Zinn will act in such a way that ensures his example is not just an aberration, but rather a point of departure.
A People's History is heart-wrenching. The sadistic perfidy of the moneyed elites tracks the creation and development of the USA.
As long as there are people who will speak truth to power and who are willing to challenge the status quo, evil will never triumph over good. Howard Zinn is a rare soul and we are all in his debt.
Great video!
i love the music in this video! that is the soundtrack to educational tv. god bless Professor Zinn.
love that music too, instantly knew this vid gonna be good. star hustler has cool music. Zinn is our Mom. Mom reminds you your brother isn't really your opponent or a threat in the big picture. Mom ain't so useful dealing with bad guys or winning death match free-for-alls tho. For that, even she looks over at Daddy. Daddy works at China Lake.
Had the honor to meet and shake hands with HZ in the early 90s. He was warm, down to earth and wide-awake to what he was doing as an historian. "People's History" should be required reading all through early education---if, that is, education is a crucial pillar of democracy. Never listen when people charge HZ with "being political," for ALL history does that: it's just a question of whom it speaks to and for, and Zinn put his work into democratic inclusiveness, even if it cost him a "career."
I read the chapter on the Great Depression from APHUS for history and it was obviously the best, most comphrehensive source I had for my essay--I intend to read the entire book in the near future.
Zinn was a truely great writer ,thinker and activist.He inspired another book -- Chris Harman's Peoples History of the World which does for world history what Zinn did for U.S. We should try to learn form the past to better shape the future.The US working class fought militant struggles in the 1930's to establish union rights against brutal employers. . The Autolite plant in Toledo ,longshoremen in San Fransico and truckers in Minneapolis were great victories. We need this again today
Perhaps his teachings have made me realize his hopes and that of his predecessors, I had a dream about a prophecy that the next generation of his students will bring a great change to the world, and he will be the one to guide those revolutionaries, and I believe that I am one of those revolutionaries. And he believes in every one of us who seek to create a future of peace based on his teachings.
Yes, I studied his book as part of a history course I completed at Cal State Northridge back in 1988. He was truly a seeker of the truth, the nasty truth that is always covered up by the establishment.
Such a smart man. I've come to learn the same thing he says regarding lies and things that are ommitted.
LOVE the intro song
Farewell to a great man and a hero.
Mr Salamander...brilliant observation. I heard the Christopher Walken right off. but Billy Crystal??? amazing ear you have. complimenti....
Is Howard Zinn still teaching? If so where? I couldn't imagine a better use of time than to go sit in on a class taught by him, absolutely wonderful to hear a voice of intelligence and reason in this time of ignorance and apathy.
A great man, a great mind.
I suspect strongly that the operators of the close captioning device intentionally twist or change the words being captioned for example this interview at the 27.25 minutes.Mr Zinn has a very CLEAR pronunciation so, i dont have NO OTHER explanation for the constant flaws of the captioning. Please give me a sound explanation if I am wrong.
@patsfan124 FYI: Alternative Radio in Boulder, Colorado (run by David Barsamian) has an excellent audio collection of speeches and interviews with Zinn. Check with Radio Free Maine as well.
Not sure if I prefer the music or the interview!
anyone else the editing in the end was a bit awkward, not just the sound but even the cutting
May God bless his soul. Amen.
How about some volume on this?
Brilliant guy
When was this?
Zinn is a great speaker! I can hear Martin Luther King Jr in Dr Zinn's voice!
@ehunter2 Now (if you read my previous post) that I've more or less decided to quit trying to have reasoned argument with you: Just out of curiousity, considering how positively view the Vietnam war, did you ever actually serve in the US military and if so, what was you job, what years did you serve, and where were you stationed?
@PremiseTester I think you are right. Both Paul and Zinn are honest intellectuals. They may have very different politics but they would be able to have an amazing conversation, I'm sure of it. I cannot say that about anyone else in the GOP leadership race today.
@ehunter2 Actually my "research" consisted of going through government archives, collections of communiqués between foreign embassies (FRUS), declassified CIA documents, and testimony about the Vietnam War by both American and Vietnamese Veterans of the conflict. Also my father was a veteran of the Vietnam War, was the farthest thing from a hippie, and he agreed that most of my conclusions are accurate.
Your "research" probably consists of Glenn Beck and films like "Flight of the Intruder".
Professor Zin said:"Pitiful risks" about what one might lose as a "truth teller". That's how people who have in a way destroyed the comfortable illusions that the system creates speak. To us weak materialistic bunch, unfortunately it does take courage to do the right thing and to speak up against injustice especially when we're not touched directly by the latter.
I think this point of 27:25 is clear and original, I hear no twists. Yes, he has been thrown into jail for a day or two 7-8 times. In this point I hear: "...and that has happened to me."
It's in Marx's Das Kapital, in chapter 10 section 3. The whole section is filled with quotes like this one.
The internet has hours, no, DAYS of interviews and lectures by university professors. This would have cost thousands of dollars twenty years ago.
How are we not all de facto college graduates?
Yes, and that's exactly why I think his anit-war/pacifist views are more sincere than most.
A pitty this video has a little more than 100 thousand views, while "Sorry" by Justin Bieber has more than 3 million. (Nothing against Bieber. But, oh, boy, good info, sustaining material, such as this video, is so undervalued!)
I've read Howard Zinn books. And I've read Ron Paul books. Strange, but I think if they met, they'd be friends. They're both skeptical of power-seekers, intelligent, sincere, and too good at writing to be very engaging interviewees. Plus they disagree enough to keep each other interested. Just a thought.
That kindness makes one feel good does NOT mean "it's in your own self-interest."
Another great CwH interview.
I noticed a slight edit at 32:26
I didn't think Conversations with History did edits
My sentiments exactly. Except I am 68 yrs old, and only up to Chap 6. I'm glad that you read this book, and maybe realize that what is taught in our schools is mostly crap. I would hate to be 17, and face the world you are going into. I don't know what to say to encourage you. If you kids think our schooling system stinks, you are correct. Just read the books and watch the videos by Charlotte Iserbyt and John Taylor Gatto. Then you may understand how we've been screwed.
@ehunter2 Actually the education I received in Elementy school tended to be in favor of the Vietnam War and very rarely questioned the idea that our government has always been good and just to everyone. It wasn't until I was in High School that I found out embarrassing facts like Ho Chi Mihn worked for the US during WWII to fight the Japanese or that (and the source on this is the CIA) if free elections were granted in South Vitenam in 1954 80% of the voters would have voted communist.
"Children of nine or ten years are dragged from their squalid beds at two, three, or four o clock in the morning and compelled to work for a bare subsistence until ten, eleven, twelve at night, their limbs wearing away, their frames dwindling, their faces whitening, and their humanity absolutely sinking into a stone-like torpor, utterly horrible to contemplate."
This was written in England in 1860. To argue that people voluntarily worked under these conditions is outreagous
R.I.P. Dr. Zinn. Another voice of truth and sanity is gone from this world. It's a bit darker today than it was yesterday.
@gunnerfan87 I agree with you... profoundly... RIP Mr. Zinn.
a heck of a guy
i was just recovering when i found out about salinger!...and they say these deaths come in threes...
@oldstock1607 that is true, and i think that it is apparent to some degree that i have sympathy for the professors and teachers that you are talking about, and also agree that sometimes their bias does color their lessons, but nearly without exception (in my experience) the aforementioned educators were available only at a college level. History, as it is studied in high school and before, seems to me to be shaded with a sort of western righteousness, and i think its important to self examine
Howard Zinn, nuff said.
R.I.P.
@Drregaleagle,
I've never heard that.
I have heard a few times that most historians dont truly take Howard Zinn seriously, and i think that is okay, most historians look at macro-history, view it as a series of events which lead to the present, but Howard Zinn does something quite novel i think, he looks at history as more of a narrative, then he tells that narrative "through the voices of those who lived it." of course i am admittedly biased on the matter.
Actually Capitalism does have a manifesto. It is called "The Capitalist Manifesto: The Historic, Economic and Philosophic Case for Laissez-Faire by Andrew Bernstein
@oldstock1607 that is a fair point, and you're probably not wrong i think (and at this point i would also like to admit that i am not an expert on the matter), but it seems to me that a project like the peoples history necessitates that sort of polemic writing because it is looking at history through a different sort of lens, it rejects the premises that are well established and considers a different historical paradigm, but then again i, admittedly, havent read all the most recent scholarship.
Howard Zinn and Noam Chomsky are my heroes!
Without a doubt, two GREATS!!!!!
Neither could talk about Fake 9/11. Very disappointing and sad. Indicates some things are just too disturbing for most, even the most courageous.
Zinn's resentment that his parents "had nothing to show" for working hard doesn't make sense. His father was a waiter who apparently had no ambition to be anything else but he and his wife raised 4 sons on what he earned. That's something to show for it.
yes, but in most cases, these 4 sons would also have limited opportunity to be anything but waiters - Zinn is the exception to the rule. He's identified the truth in class conflict - the working poor will always be in a position of vulnerability.
2020
What's being talked about here is not about jealousy, and has nothing to do with "I want to live like people in magazines." It's about common decency, becoming aware of the crushing poverty in the world, and wanting those people to have basic human rights, human needs met.
Ignoring the greed that causes this may lead to "happiness," if one has no conscience, for yourself. How can anyone have so little conscience, though? And should only your own happiness matter?
A People's History of the United States is an amazing read.
Hate wrong love what's right
Scientists have shown that individuals who do kind things receive serotonin to the brain, which is responsible for eustress and happiness. (This is assuming you're not a sociopath...) But usually kindness is in your own self-interest.
Spend a little time with Democracy Now! or read Socialist Worker. We lost a lion with Zinn's death, but he's not the last of his kind, just the last the mainstream seems to have any interest in listening to.
We just have to get louder and fight harder until we are heard.
Fuck Marxism. Its filled racism and hate. Fuck Zinn too.
@ wow, way to respect different perspectives.
@@loganmcvey3339 violent racist ideology is not something to be tolerated.
@ interesting to see how marxism would be racist when it directly speaks against it via making race apart of class conflict.
@furyxan
I just saw Kissinger on TV. The mans chin is literally connected to his torso. There's no neck. He can't have too long left in the ticker.
For more on Howard Zinn and A People's History of the United States view Monumental Myths on You Tube.
he's been Emeritus since 1988.
I share this to friends over Facebook but unfortunately it seems that wanting to expand my understanding of social conflicts and becoming class conscious is abnormal for someone that has just graduated high school. So my friends ignore this, shame shame shame.
rockin hair do
Gada Ascha Ba!
I wish Howard had lived to see the Occupy Movement.
@Gulfporter I think what you really mean is that you disagree with anyone who has left-wing views.
Historian and Activist = a very grumpy old geezer
Chomsky paid a lovely tribute to Zinn today. And nooooooo, heaven forbid we lose another brilliant mind. especially when there are so many obtuse ones out there ...the list goes on and on...maybe one of them could just get out of the way!
Revolution now
Cry harder
R.I.P Zinn
Jesus Christ said that "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me" - JESUS CHRIST IS MY GOD, MY LORD, MY SAVIOR
RIP Zinn an American Lion !!!
Whoses shorty
Nothing wrong with being a waiter