What Howard Zinn Got Wrong
The historian believed that empowering the people would improve society. History hasn’t always proved him right.
TL;DR
- Howard Zinn, author of "A People's History of the United States," is remembered not just as a historian but as a sage figure.
- His book offered a radical reimagining of American history from the perspective of ordinary people and marginalized groups, challenging mainstream narratives.
- "A People's History" became a bestseller, praised for its justice-minded approach by fans and criticized as a leftist morality play by detractors.
- Dave Zirin's biography, "The People's Historian," explores Zinn's life and argues for the enduring wisdom in his work, particularly his belief in the power of ordinary people to change the world.
- The article questions Zinn's unwavering faith in "the people," particularly in light of recent political history where conservative movements have gained grassroots support, and the complexities of voting patterns that challenge a simple left-right division.
- It suggests that Zinn's tendency to demonize those in power and view legislative achievements as mere "concessions" might have inadvertently discouraged engagement with the imperfect, institutional processes needed for progress.
- While Zinn believed in the possibility of change and surprising historical turns, the article posits that recent history reveals potential limits to his perspective.