Emily Nolen
Mr. Benton
English 102
10-22-12
Howard Zinn: 8
Howard Zinn was an American Academic Historian. He was different form many historians in that he told history form the point of view of the unpopular view. I applaud him for this. If it were not for him writing several books and teaching people may have never have learned about history from all sides. Not only was he a historian and teacher but also a civil rights and anti-war activist. He also encouraged his students to be disobedient citizens and fight for their rights and beliefs.
Not only did Howard encourage his students to fight for their rights and beliefs but would lead them and try to help them regardless of what it would do to his career. For example, his students asked him to speak on their behalf. He gladly granted their request even though he would be speaking against the people that were deciding if he would be getting tenure at the college. I think this says a lot about him as a person. He is willing to risk his job and reputation for what he believes in.
He was not only courageous for his students but also his country. He was an anti war activist he was actually in a war. I think his experience in the war gave his a great understanding of it that really hit him after the war. He was very adamant about his activism but did not believe in violence! He believed in using your words and large groups of people coming together for a common cause and not being afraid of the police. Being strong, non violent, disobedient citizens.
Howard Zinn was a brave, courageous, strong willed, sharing man. He loved his job as a teacher and historian. I have a lot of respect for Zinn because of how strongly he believed in things and was willing to sacrifice a lot for what he believed.
Works Cited
5544andrew. A People’s History: Howard Zinn, Youtube. 2008
Wikipedia:Howard Zinn
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