MOJO Academy Book Brief #13 -- Debunking Howard Zinn
Debunking Howard Zinn: Exposing the Fake History That Turned a Generation Against America
MOJO Academy Book Brief #13 -- Debunking Howard Zinn
Book Title: Debunking Howard Zinn: Exposing the Fake History That Turned a Generation Against America
Author: Mary Grabar
Publishing Year: 2019
Number of Pages: 352
Audible Time: Approximately 12 hours
Brief Summary
Let me just say, if there was ever a subtitle for a book that perfectly captured the essence of what it’s about, "Exposing the Fake History That Turned a Generation Against America" has to be one of the best I’ve come across. Howard Zinn's radical history has been poisoning kids for the better part of almost 50 years now and so it no wonder we have a radicalized generation.
Howard Zinn's radical take on history has been influencing kids for nearly 50 years, so it’s no surprise we’re seeing a generation that openly hates America and what it stands for, while barely knowing its history!
Debunking Howard Zinn by Mary Grabar is a great first step in clearing up the misinformation from Howard Zinn’s famous but controversial book, A People’s History of the United States. Grabar critiques Zinn’s approach to history, accusing him of twisting facts to push a Marxist agenda and create distrust in American values. She persuasively argues that Zinn portrays American history as nothing more than a story of oppression and exploitation, relying on cherry-picked details, questionable sources, and a lack of balance.
Grabar breaks down how Zinn romanticizes certain historical figures while exaggerating or misrepresenting events to promote an anti-American and radical narrative. She tackles big topics like Christopher Columbus, the colonial era, the Civil War, and even the U.S.’s role in World War II, offering insights from respected historians to counter Zinn’s claims. Grabar also looks at how Zinn’s book has influenced schools, where it’s become hugely popular despite what she sees as its one-sided and overly negative take on America’s past.
Two Significant Insights
#1—The Danger of Historical Distortion
"According to Zinn, there’s no such thing as objective history, anyway: “the historian’s distortion is more than technical, it is ideological; it is released into a world of contending interests, where any chosen emphasis supports (whether the historian means to or not) some kind of interest, whether economic or political or racial or national or sexual.” Once ideology has become a moral virtue, Zinn can discount standards of scholarship—such as those of the American Historical Association—as having to do with nothing more important than “technical problems of excellence”—standards of no importance compared to his kind of history, which consists in forging “tools for contending social classes, races, nations.”
Grabar points out that Zinn’s intentional bias gets in the way of real historical scholarship. She highlights how important it is to have balanced narratives, especially in education, since leaving that out can lead to misunderstandings and more about a nation’s history.
#2—The Primary Role of a Historian
"In fact, the historian’s aim to recreate the past in a narrative that is both enjoyable to read and accurate in its presentation of fact goes back to the ancient Greeks—Herodotus, born approximately in 484 B.C., who is considered to be the father of history, and Thucydides, born approximately in 460 B.C., who is considered to be the father of scientific history.
These are the standards by which A People’s History of the United States will be judged in this book. The question is not, as Zinn liked to pretend, whether he chose the correct topics to investigate. We will not concern ourselves with whether presidents or slaves are more important. But we will also not assume that a purported concern with slaves, factory workers, and immigrants gives a historian a special dispensation to play fast and loose with the facts of history."
This quote emphasizes the importance of factual accuracy and balance in historical narratives. While focusing on specific groups can shape the story, it should not compromise historical standards. It raises questions about prioritizing certain perspectives at the expense of truth, highlighting the need for objectivity in trustworthy historical accounts.
Nuggets of Wisdom!
Reading Debunking Howard Zinn was such a refreshing change—it’s the mainstream pushback we conservatives have been waiting for. Sure, there’s been some criticism from historians, even from some on the far left, who’ve said Zinn wasn’t exactly careful with the facts, but this book really brings it all together.
Plus, you can really see how the way we teach and understand history can have such a huge, lasting impact. What stuck with me the most was Grabar’s argument that Zinn’s work isn’t just flawed—it’s been hugely influential in education, shaping young minds with a pretty one-sided view of events. She breaks down all the ways Zinn's work has made its way into pop culture and education. From Matt Damon quoting Zinn in that famous Boston bar scene in Good Will Hunting to Zinn's version of Reconstruction being taught in South Carolina schools (at least as of 2019), his influence is everywhere. Marxist indoctrination is still going on.
Lastly, The book really pushes you to question the sources you trust and highlights just how much power historians have in shaping how we remember the past. Grabar’s deep dive into Zinn’s methods and factual errors was a great reminder of why critical thinking is so important, especially when it comes to historical narratives. We’re living in a golden age of books, so there’s no need to read Howard Zinn’s A People’s History of the United States. David Horowitz even called it "America’s Mein Kampf," and it’s often embraced by those on the Hate America Left. There are so many great history books out there, so why waste your time on radical takes from a historian who wildly bends the facts?
Final Recommendation
Mary Grabar's Debunking Howard Zinn is an essential read for educators, students, and anyone interested in understanding the divide between academic rigor and ideological agendas in historical writing. Grabar’s work not only critiques Zinn but also defends the importance of historical integrity. She deserves credit for that, and her book is a must-read—a much-needed antidote to the years of indoctrination we’ve just endured.
If You Liked This Book, You Might Like These:
A Patriot's History of the United States by Larry Schweikart and Michael Allen – A counter-narrative to Zinn’s work.
Land of Hope by Wilfred McClay – This book offers a balanced and engaging account of American history, presenting its complexities with fairness and depth. McClay provides an inspiring alternative to ideological interpretations, highlighting the ideals and challenges that have shaped the United States. Perfect for those seeking a thoughtful understanding of the nation's past and hope for its future. A great alternative in high school to Zinn’s radical take.
A History of the American People by Paul Johnson – This book offers a detailed yet engaging journey through American history, exploring the people, ideas, and events that shaped the nation. Blending analysis with storytelling, it’s perfect for history enthusiasts or anyone curious about America’s past. This is a great way to balance out Howard Zinn's one-sided take on history, especially if you're in college!