Remembering Howard Zinn
Noam Chomsky writes on the anniversary of Howard Zinn’s death:
Howard’s remarkable life and work are summarised best in his own words. His primary concern, he explained, was “the countless small actions of unknown people” that lie at the roots of “those great moments” that enter the historical record – a record that will be profoundly misleading, and seriously disempowering, if it is torn from these roots as it passes through the filters of doctrine and dogma. His life was always closely intertwined with his writings and innumerable talks and interviews
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In those same years, Howard also became one of the most prominent supporters of the resistance movement that was then developing. He was one of the early signers of the Call to Resist Illegitimate Authority and was so close to the activities of Resist that he was practically one of the organisers. He also took part at once in the sanctuary actions that had a remarkable impact in galvanising anti-war protest. Whatever was needed – talks, participation in civil disobedience, support for resisters, testimony at trials – Howard was always there.
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Even more influential in the long run than Howard’s anti-war writings and actions was his enduring masterpiece, A People’s History of the United States, a book that literally changed the consciousness of a generation. Here he developed with care, lucidity and comprehensive sweep his fundamental message about the crucial role of the people who remain unknown in carrying forward the endless struggle for peace and justice, and about the victims of the systems of power that create their own versions of history and seek to impose it. Later, his “Voices” from the People’s History, now an acclaimed theatrical and television production, has brought to many the actual words of those forgotten or ignored people who have played such a valuable role in creating a better world.
Wow!
“the countless small actions of unknown people” that lie at the roots of “those great moments” that enter the historical record – a record that will be profoundly misleading, and seriously disempowering, if it is torn from these roots as it passes through the filters of doctrine and dogma.
And isn’t this exacly what economists do?
No snark. I am being deadly serious.
JzB
A worthwhile remembrance of a genuine american hero. I just bought another copy of People’s History for my nephew Benjamin who got arrested in DC last month while Occupying it. He is missed in this dark and pointless election season. He’s still influencing young american dissidents. Good on him.
As a young undergradute I was deeply influenced by Zinn. Not especially “A People’s History” but by another book he wrote entiltled “Declarations of Independence”. As a graduate student I finally realized how lacking “A People’s History” was/is. It’s not history but a political tract. Serious historians, the celebratd leftist historian Eric Foner being probably the most prominent, consider the book seriously flawed if not an outright joke. Of course Chomsky would consider the book to be one of the greats since he’s lauded by Zinn as a sort of demi-god.