I received today my A.P. United States History catalog from SocialStudies.com which was filled with books, DVDs, and other resources and guides for purchase.
First off, I wish I had a budget I would order a ton of materials from this resource. But I would be remiss if I did not mention that this publication, which goes out to thousands of teachers, had a one-page dedication to “Howard Zinn” and numerous materials including his book A People’s History of the United States: 1492-Present. Now, they can promote whoever and whatever they want. Not my point. Two things, are they promoting Zinn’s propaganda or are they simply being wise marketers and pitching the right thing to what is probably the right crowd? Why not a page dedicated to William Bennett’s America: The Last Best Hope, or something equivalent? Zinn’s book is the only one to get the special treatment. I don’t know, you decide. Makes me want to start my own resource for teachers that does not promote one thing over another.
So this goes back to past discussions on Howard Zinn’s materials and books in the classroom and how they are used. Remember, Zinn’s books are propaganda and the work of an activist with limited historical accuracy. [See here, here and here.]
I’m not really sure you need to read a lot into it. Zinn’s books were huge bestsellers (at least for the history market) so in that sense it’s good business for them to capitalize on his death with a full-page “dedication.” A standard tactic for booksellers.
Chris – this leads, in my mind, to a fundamental question about teaching American history. What do parents want their children taught? I would want my children taught the truth, of course. But I do not believe that history can be taught in a vacuum – despite the best efforts. While I want my children taught the truth and to not hide or ignore our failures, I want them taught that America is a good country, the best on earth and was founded my men, despite their shortcomings, who loved liberty and freedom and wanted that for future generations and that they sacrificed much to obtain that for the rest of us. I want them taught American Exceptionalism without apology.
Chris, what’s with you and Zinn anyway? You talk about inaccuracies and half truths and then you list an entire set of universities that use his work. I don’t mind that you don’t like Zinn but that list suggests that you’re right and all those schools and college professors are wrong? I have a hard time believing all of this. It’s clear that you don’t agree and I will support your right to believe any way that you choose. But this right and wrong thing seems rather arrogant to me. It makes me wonder if you’ve studied Zinn’s work at all, what less makes you an authority on the subject.
Samuel, if you have read my blog and in particular the following posts, you would not have to ask such ignorant questions:
http://www.blog4history.com/2009/12/teaching-social-justice-in-the-classroom/
http://www.blog4history.com/2009/01/howard-zinn-in-the-classroom/
http://www.blog4history.com/2009/01/final-thoughts-on-zinn-and-history/
http://www.blog4history.com/2009/12/teaching-social-justice-in-the-classroom/
Why do liberal teachers and universities use Zinn? The fact that you have not the slightest clue is itself telling. So, once again, it is because they agree with him (his activism) and SEEM more interested in creating social activists like themselves, instead of students of American History and critical thinkers. At best, Zinn was a historian who could not separate his politics from the past, and therefore committed himself to judging the past based on his own world view. Presentism.
For a great breakdown on just some of Zinn’s inaccuracies in his book, I refer you here:
http://hnn.us/articles/4370.html
Chris
Chris,
I read your blog and I find that you’re right — undoubtedly far right. That’s okay. When you retire you can join the John Birch Society, where you will also be undoubtedly welcome. I think perhaps that you have missed my point. The reason why college professors use Zinn is precisely because they are concerned that their students are “students of American History and critical thinkers.”
And in Zinn’s own words: “I would not have been a historian if I thought that it would become my professional duty to never emerge from the past, to study long-gone events and remember them only for their uniqueness, not connecting them to events going on in our time.” — Howard Zinn (2007)
Relax. Take a deep breath. Be secure in the fact that there are other right wing conservatives to support your rhetoric and you can be what you seem to need most: “to be right” and impress the world with your knowledge. By the way, if you hope to render with any seriousness your point of view with the less than conservative crowd — try getting the facts and spout less of your personal rhetoric. I am not impressed that you wrote three more blogs filled with your own opinions — I wonder in fact if you’ve ever tried to read the likes of Zinn or any other less than conservative historian with an open mind.
But alas, I still defend your right to express yourself even if I do not agree with you. The point remains (at least for a little longer) we can both express our opinions without fear of persecution. Oh wait…. is that a Homeland Security Van that just pulled into my yard?
Sammy, not going to bite. I like this: “I wonder in fact if you’ve ever tried to read the likes of Zinn or any other less than conservative historian with an open mind.” You clearly DO NOT read my blog my friend, as I use Zinn’s book in my class. Which you would know. I will leave it at that, thread done.