Welcome to week one of A People’s Readalong. A group of us (see the end of the post for the group, and please shout out if I’ve overlooked you) will be reading one chapter a week from Howard Zinn’s classic history book, A People’s History of the United States. We’ll be finished sometime in July. 
This week we’re focusing on Chapter One: Columbus, the Indians, and Human Progress. I’m going to start with an excerpt from the chapter. Please excuse the length, but I think it perfectly summarizes Zinn’s approach to history and the point of this book.
“My point is not to grieve for the victims and denounce the executioners. Those tears, that anger, cast into the past, deplete our moral energy for the present. And the lines are not always clear. In the long run, the oppressor is also a victim. In the short run (and so far, human history has consisted only of short runs), the victims, themselves desperate and tainted with the culture that oppresses them, turn on other victims.
Still, understanding the complexities, this book will be skeptical of governments, and their attempts, through politics and culture, to ensnare ordinary people in a giant web of nationhood pretending to a common interest. I will try not to overlook the cruelties that victims inflict on one another as they are jammed together in the boxcars of the system. I don’t want to romanticize them, but I do remember (in rough paraphrase) a statement I once read: ‘The cry of the poor is not always just, but if you don’t listen to it you will never know what justice is.’
I don’t want to invent victories for people’s movements. But to think that history-writing must aim simply to recapitulate the failures that dominate the past is to make historians collaborators in an endless cycle of defeat. If history is to be creative, to anticipate a possible future without denying the past, it should, I believe, emphasize new possibilites by disclosing those hidden episodes of the past when, even if in brief flashes, people showed their ability to resist, to join together, occasionally to win, I am supposing, or perhaps only hoping, that our future may be found in the past’s fugitive moments of compassion rather that in its solid centuries of warfare.
That, being as blunt as I can, is my approach to the history of the United States. The reader might as well know that before going on.”
What surprised me the most is how not angry Zinn is. For some reason, I had expected a more militant stance. And while he’s certainly not excusing anyone, Zinn is holding true to his statement that “My point is not to grieve for the victims and denounce the executioners. Those tears, that anger, cast into the past, deplete our moral energy for the present.” Once I read this I will admit to a big sigh of relief. I’m not a fan of angry history. So this attitude, combined with his very readable style, is making this book seem like less of a chore than I initially anticipated it would be.
After Zinn presents his manifesto, so to speak, the first chapter focuses on Columbus, and breaking down the myth that he’s a shining hero who discovered the New World and paved the way for Europeans to colonize the Americas. Zinn presents the history that is often overlooked…how Columbus had a callous attitude toward the natives, and how the Arawaks (and later, other tribes across the Americas) were decimated through disease, greed, aggression, and slavery. And all the while, the conquerors were claiming that it was just a necessary sacrifice for progress and civilization.
I also read the first chapter in Voices of a People’s History of the United States, which provides excerpts from primary and other sources relevant to this chapter. There are excerpts from Columbus’s diary (which is a bit of a trip, since he either refers to himself in the third person or as the Admiral…he comes across as being a bit infatuated with himself) and the diary of Bartolomé de las Casas, who gives a first hand account of some of the atrocities perpetuated against the Arawaks and other natives. There are also excerpts from a modern novel written by the Uruguayan writer Eduardo Galeano, in which he re-imagines Columbus arrival in the New World.
And if you can get your hands on a copy of the DVD, The People Speak, I really encourage you to watch it. Actors and musicians perform excerpts (of the excerpts) from Voices, Howard Zinn provides background narration, and there are hundreds of images interwoven through the presentations. It doesn’t follow the same order as the books (the Columbus chapter appears late in the DVD), but it’s fascinating to see and hear the words of Zinn and his sources brought to life. The man must have been a phenomenal teacher.
If you posted your thoughts on the first chapter, please leave a link in the comments. If not, no worries…just tell us what you thought in the comments!
Readalong Participants:
Here’s my link to thoughts on Chapter 1: http://nomadreader.blogspot.com/2012/01/peoples-read-long-week-1.html. I’m thoroughly enjoying it so far and agree I’m glad it’s not angry history, even though I found myself getting angry at times! I was most intrigued with the Iroquois society and their gender roles (or lack thereof), but there were many fascinating stories in chapter 1. I’m going to pick up the Voices book you recommended from the library tomorrow. I love digging into primary source material, and I think it will complement the wonderful pace of this read-a-long too.
nomadreader´s last [type] ..A People’s Read-a-long: Week 1
I’m glad you’re enjoying it! And there’s a surprising amount of info packed into such a short chapter.
I agree that it’s not as “angry” as I was thinking it might be. He seems to make clear that it’s not so much about criticizing historians but just pointing out that all of the truth should be provided so that we can provide our own opinions based on that. I was also fascinated by how the Iroquois (well all the tribes, really) created their societies and social rules.
Yes…he seems more about offering up more info than achieving his own agenda.
Here’s my post. I’ve done something a bit different:)
gavin´s last [type] ..A People’s History – Columbus, The Indians and Human Progress
I love your links and resources!
Though Zinn totally does not come off as angry, I was, as I read some of these things! I think what made me the most infuriated was the way things have been totally whitewashed in the education system today. We never hear these things, and Columbus is portrayed as a hero. It wasn’t until I was much older that I began to hear about what he was really up to on those islands. And the fact that this seemed to be the way of the Spaniards (and other cultures) also made me mad. Why must all the natives be enslaved and killed and subdued? History is such a complicated thing, and by deliberately sanitizing the versions that are not pleasing to the majority we are, in effect, hiding the truth. I am really ensnared in this book, and am so glad to have joined the readalong. I like reading everyone else’s opinions too!
zibilee´s last [type] ..East of Eden by John Steinbeck — 608 pgs
History is indeed complicated. And the fact that it’s usually written by the vicotrs doesn’t help matters. At all.
I am not really a blogger but this readalong interests me, so I’ll participate via comments. I agree with all the rest who don’t like reading “angry history”, but boy did some of these descriptions make me angry. I think what struck me the most was the definition of ideology as a way to justify a particular system of beliefs. This certainly is true and carries over to the various current political, religious, and philosophical points of view dividing our country today. Anything can seem justified if you spin it the right way, eh?
I grew up in Western Massachusetts and there was an area in my town called “King Phillip’s Stockade.” Thanks to this chapter, I now know that King Phillip was actually an Indian from the Cape Cod area. I’ll have to take a closer look next time I am back East.
Looking forward to the next few months of Zinn!
I think as this readalong progresses, we’ll all find local points of interest that will have new meanings for us like with the tavern you mentioned.
Jenners´s last [type] ..A People’s Readalong: Columbus, The Indians and Human Progress
Glad you’re joining us! Isn’t it cool when history intersects with real life? I always get excited when I find references to local history.
Having started and stopped this novel many times, I’ve read the first chapter a lot. I kind of associate this book with hating Columbus, just because of how many times I’ve read this one particular chapter. This read-a-long made me think beyond the anger (as Zinn has promised to do, as well) since it is extremely futile so many hundreds of years later and to just better understand that every story has two sides. He also raises some very poignant questions of human sacrifice against human progress which I hope he expounds upon in future chapters.
I really need to watch this DVD – it sounds so interesting and like such a superb companion to this project. My husband would probably even watch it with me and give me his own thoughts which could spice up my reading as well. Looking forward to chapter 2!
Brooke´s last [type] ..Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
I can’t recommend the DVD enough! It really was fascinating to see some of the history brought to life.
I was relieved to read Zinn’s points about spinning our wheels in the past…the most important point here is that we keep seeing these same atrocities over and over again…and part of the reason it keeps happening is because history has been prettied up…if the truth is known and taken into consideration when politicians, people, and cultures are making decisions, maybe the past would stop repeating itself.
I am saddened by the blind decimation of a culture of people who we could have surely learned so much from…I hate to be sexist but I keep thinking of these explorers like a bunch of thug football players beating up on the other kids in school. I’m writing all over my book…so many other things mentioned to look up as well.
Patti Smith´s last [type] ..Monday at the Movies – Elizabeth The Golden Age
Historians for president!
What gets me is the “all in the name of progress” excuse. Which has led to the automatic assumption by generations of Americans that our way is best…because we’re so much more civilized than other cultures, and they need us to make their lives better. Hah.
Oh … I’m so excited with everyone’s enthusiasm and anger (even if Zinn isn’t as angry as expected). Like you, I was drawn to the same quote — I think it is important to realize from the get go that this book isn’t meant to attack people but to present a more well-rounded point of view. This is, by far, the biggest readalong I’ve ever participated in. I’m so excited!!! I’m off to visit everyone listed above to read their posts.
Jenners´s last [type] ..A People’s Readalong: Columbus, The Indians and Human Progress
We got quite the turn-out, didn’t we? High five!
Oh … and I also meant to say that the companion material you got seems amazing! I just know I’m going to have to check it out. I did get the kid’s version as I want to see how it is presented at a kid’s level and just when I can present it to my son!
Jenners´s last [type] ..A People’s Readalong: Columbus, The Indians and Human Progress
I’m echoing every one else’s comments but I too was pleasantly surprised the book is not an “angry” depiction of history. I have a feeling however that as the chapters and weeks progress my eyes will be opened to just how much history has been whitewashed in order to excuse atrocious actions. Columbus Day needs to be re-named to Remembrance Day for the Massacred Indians.
Stacy (A Novel Source)´s last [type] ..The Fire Did Not Ignite With Burn Out
You’re so right. It’s crazy that we have a holiday for him!!
I haven’t had time to write up a post for this week (I joined the readalong a little late), but plan to catch up next week. I had already read the first chapter, but revisiting it definitely got me excited to read the rest of the book. I think Zinn’s approach to history is just right; it’s impossible to go back and change the past, but it is essential to look at history critically and to take from it the lessons that will allow past mistakes to be avoided in the future.
Thank you for hosting this readalong! I’m looking forward to multiple months of Zinn.
–Rayna
Rayna´s last [type] ..This Book is Overdue! How Librarians and Cybrarians Can Save Us All by Marilyn Johnson
Thanks for joining!
Hey, can I still get in on this? I’ve had this book since 2000 & haven’t gotten past chapter…well, I haven’t picked it up in so long I can’t remember what chapter. But it’s on my to-read list for this year & I am definitely looking for inspiration to actually finish it this time. Just finished Chapter 1 (again) today, but haven’t written anything about it.
Shana´s last [type] ..My Knitting Life List
He doesn’t seem angry to me either – but I can certainly see why people think this is a biased record… he tells nothing from the point of view of the “aggressors.” However, he explains in the beginning that he will always be trying to explain from the “victims’” point of views. Considering most history books are from the formers’ points of view, it makes sense to write something from the latters’.
My mouth was hanging open for most of it – and I was curling my toes and cringing at other parts (and it gets worse… I’m in chapter two now, where my mouth had to be covered with my free hand). Eek! People are CRAZY. Crazy. (And incredibly arrogant). Amazing how that runs through to today as well.
Wallace´s last [type] ..Homicide in Hardcover & If Books Could Kill by Kate Carlisle
I am so excited to be a part of this read along. I just haven’t had a chance to post anything yet. Maybe tonight? In the meantime, I agree with all of you, especially Wallace. My mouth was hanging open almost the entire time as well. I knew Columbus wasn’t exactly the hero he is made out to be, but I didn’t realize to what a degree of villain he was, either. I remember when I found out that English settlers passed out blankets with smallpox on them to the Indians, how horrified I was. I feel the same way now about Columbus. Yes, Columbus Day should be renamed….I look forward to the rest of the book.
christy´s last [type] ..thank you, danke, gracias, arigatou gozaimasu