Where progress has been made, wherever any kind of injustice has been overturned, itโs been because people acted as citizens, and not as politicians. They didnโt just moan. They worked, they acted, they organized, they rioted if necessary to bring their situation to the attention of people in power. And thatโs what we have to do today.
Howard ZinnBecause of the control of the media by corporate wealth, the discovery of truth depends on an alternative media, such as small radio stations, networks, programs. Also, alternative newspapers, which exist all over the country. Also, cable TV programs, which are not dependent on commercial advertising. Also, the internet, which can reach millions of people by-passing the conventional media.
Howard ZinnWhere progress has been made, wherever any kind of injustice has been overturned, itโs been because people acted as citizens, and not as politicians. They didnโt just moan. They worked, they acted, they organized, they rioted if necessary to bring their situation to the attention of people in power. And thatโs what we have to do today.
Howard ZinnThese peopleโthe employed, the somewhat privilegedโare drawn into alliance with the elite. They become the guards of the system, buffers between the upper and lower classes. If they stop obeying, the system falls.
Howard ZinnThe function of traditional history is to create a citizenry that looks to the top - the president, Congress, the Supreme Court - to make the important decisions. That's what traditional history is all about: the laws that were passed, the decisions made by the court. So much of history is built around "the great men." All of that is very anti-democratic.
Howard ZinnWhenever I become discouraged (which is on alternate Tuesdays, between three and four) I lift my spirits by remembering: The artists are on our side! I mean those poets and painters, singers and musicians, novelists and playwrights who speak to the world in a way that is impervious to assault because they wage the battle for justice in a sphere which is unreachable by the dullness of ordinary political discourse.
Howard Zinn