Yesterday, Howard Zinn died. He was a great historian, an activist for civil rights and civil liberties, and he participated in anti-war movements.When I read his most popular book, A People’s History of The United States, I was moved by his courage to go against the status quo, to give an alternate perspective other than the limited view of the history books. In his book he wrote about the struggle of Native Americans against conquest, slaves against slavery, union workers against capitalists, women against patriarchy and African Americans fight for civil rights. He was a man who made practical his love for humanity, for truth and justice, by writing from the perspective of what really happened. The world will miss him, a rare beacon of truth, a man who inspired many with his humility and humor.
Dr Zinn’s life’s work to tell the truth of the people’s struggle makes possible the healing of a nation. In all healing, the truth must be told. No matter how painful, how vulnerable the exposure of injustices, it is the starting point of the healing process. Until we can acknowledge the oppression of whole ethnic groups, women, and the working class, until we can restore their basic rights and dignity, the stage for forgiving and being forgiven is blocked and alienation continues.
Coming clean is the path to healing on all levels, for physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Howard Zinn was a man who challenged the status quo to relinquish its silence and opened the perspective of many to a greater conscience and moral obligation. I hope that his work will be more openly recognized and honored. An emblem for the healing of a nation.
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Wow Miruh, this is a great post. You are so right – in order to heal, we must face the deepest darkest hours, because when you hit rock bottom, the only place to look is up.
Nicole
I haven’t read A People’s History. I heard about his death and the book last week. For some reason, it’s slipped by me and I ordered it last week when I heard that in his book he chronicled the lives of the women and how they contributed to the history. Thanks for highlighting his work, Miruh, I look forward to reading his book.
Hello Nicole,
Yes, it is a fine line though as Nietzsche cautions: if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.
Looking for the light while facing the shadows, recognizing the gift in every misfortune keeps one from succumbing to the darkness of the abyss.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
May light and love follow you!
Hello Marion,
Interesting your timing! Also interesting, is that I got the name of this post before I heard that Dr Zinn died.
I think this is one of the most important books I have read. It really made clear the saying: Don’t believe everything you read. And to have our education based on a history written from the point of view of the winners, it is humbling to know the truth.
This book makes one rethink our values.
Mentors come in all shapes and sizes. I am in the midst o editing my thrid book called Transorm Your Life: 730 Inspirations. It contains stories of 730 people and how they have not only inspired me in some way but also have the potential to inspire readers on many levels. It is an enriching process to reflection experiences that stretch us and remind us who we are. In essence, we are shadows of everyone and Everyone is a shadow of us. We all teahc and learn from each other.
You have given Mr. Zinn a great tribute. Yes to heal a wound we must first cleanse it of all impurities, if not the wound will fester, become infected and can kill the whole body.
Hello Liara,
730 people! Wow!
We are gifted with mentors in every walk of life, and if we are mindful we will see that everyone we meet is our teacher.
The book sounds like an inspiring read.
Thanks for sharing.
Love and blessings!
Hello Mark,
Your wound analogy is so appropriate when we look at how our society today is reflecting the need for the healing of a deep festering hurt. To heal we always have to go to the root of the problem and not just make nice the symptoms.
Thanks for your insight!
Deep peace to you!
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