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Meeting famed historian Howard ZinnA few ideas for a good place to bring college parents for graduation dinner Historian and Archivist Howard Zinn is a proponent of taking opposite, sometimes contrary points of view no matter what subject is being discussed. I should have expected this before I met him at a recent lecture delivered at Holy Cross. In his best known book, A People's History of the United States, Zinn admits to veering in contrary directions -- but with purpose. His view of history is "...a biased account, one that leans in a certain direction," in order to offset the mounds of books that are, as he asserts, "...so tremblingly respectful of states and statesmen and so disrespectful, by intention, to people's movements." On first meeting Zinn, (a man whose reputation as a remarkable activist and thinker spans more years than my lifetime), one immediately notices his unassuming nature and his modesty. Once I introduced myself and shook his hand, he responded to me in a quiet voice by introducing himself, as if I had no idea that the man standing across from me literally wrote the book on social revolution. I am positive that he would deny such praise. He made it clear from the beginning that his concerns extend far beyond his own opinions -- he is seeking to make a difference for a world that will exist long after he is gone. "I am desperately anxious to have a new generation arise that will change the world," Zinn said. Trying to ask him the most basic question that I could think of, I said to Zinn, "So, what can do?" I was sure he would be an advocate of some kind of social uprising and that he would give me a good battle cry or creed to work by -- or at the very least share an inspirational quote. His response was unexpected. "Unfortunately, individuals are limited in what they can do," Zinn said. Everything about personal power that I -- and everybody else in the room -- had been instilled with as Americans in charge of our own destiny was turned upside down. We have been taught that "one person can make a difference," since kindergarten. Zinn stuck by his statement, though, and expounded on the point. He believes that our culture is "celebrity obsessed". What is needed, he contends, is that each individual should join and support an organization that will move you towards your goal. "If you can't find it, start one," Zinn said. But not all organizations are sound, the historian contends. After questioning the true patriotism of the American government, Zinn insisted, "Nationalism is a tremendous obstacle to peace." Zinn believes in the importance of a world of peace, insisting that America cannot exist as an isolated society or a country alone, free of war. At this point I was beginning to understand Zinn's style -- he is obviously a man bent on questioning everything, and frequently arrives at counter-intuitive answers. After talking with us before his presentation, Zinn moved to the podium to deliver his lecture on "The War on Terrorism." An interesting aside -- Zinn was visibly nervous. Initially I would have thought that a man with such powerful ideas who had spoken to large crowds hundreds of times would have been at home in the pulpit. Of course, the opposite happened. Zinn's voice was shaky and his hands seemed to be seeking a place to rest on the podium. He was the personification of his modest, anti-icon sentiments -- a man uncomfortable standing alone before the public. Zinn outgrew his awkwardness as the talk progressed, though. He became stronger. "Terrorism is a reality we must live with," was his first point, striking an almost shocking chord with the audience. His arguments against America's war on terrorism were logical and well supported. The historian exposed the faults of a war that has no real centers to attack, stressing the fact that terrorist groups are spread out into cells across the globe. To bomb them all would be impossible -- not to mention extremely costly in terms of casualties. Zinn's point was well taken by the mostly sympathetic crowd. After fielding some slightly critical questions, Zinn sat down finally. I saw a look of satisfaction appear on his face. It was the most content he had seemed all day. He disappeared eventually as a sea of people approached him for autographs. Whether or not this man wants to be an icon, it is obvious to some degree that in his own niche, he is a true celebrity. This is obviously the opposite of what he wants, making for the great irony of Howard Zinn. |