Howard Zinn: A Challenge To American Exceptionalism

Howard Zinn A Challenge To American Exceptionalism Here Is An Excer

Write an analytical essay discussing Howard Zinn's critique of American exceptionalism as presented in the excerpt. Your essay should explore how Zinn portrays the history of American expansion, violence, and moral self-perception compared to the ideals of liberty and justice that are often associated with America. Include an analysis of specific historical examples provided by Zinn, such as the Pequot massacre, the Philippine-American War, and America's stance on international law. Contrast Zinn's perspective with the contrasting view of American founding ideals expressed by Mitt Romney, highlighting the differing visions of America's identity and moral standing. Discuss the implications of these contrasting narratives for understanding American history, identity, and global role. Support your analysis with evidence from the excerpt and relevant scholarly sources.

Paper For Above instruction

The excerpt presents a compelling critique of the myth of American exceptionalism, emphasizing the contrast between the national narrative of America as a land of liberty and justice and the historical realities of violence, imperialism, and moral deviation. Howard Zinn's perspective challenges the notion that America is divinely endowed with a unique moral status, instead portraying its history as marked by acts of conquest, dispossession, and moral self-righteousness. This essay will explore Zinn’s critique, compare it with the contrasting patriotism expressed by Mitt Romney, and analyze the implications for understanding American identity and foreign policy.

Howard Zinn’s critique of American exceptionalism hinges on highlighting the persistent violence and displacement that have characterized American expansion from its earliest days. The massacre of Pequot Indians, as described by William Bradford, exemplifies the brutal violence inflicted upon indigenous populations. Bradford's account depicts a scene of savage destruction, with the destruction of an entire village and the slaughter of those who survived the initial attack. Such events starkly contradict the narrative of America as a beacon of moral virtue and divine blessing. Instead, they reveal a history rooted in conquest and racial violence, often justified by the belief that American expansion was divinely sanctioned. This narrative aligns with Zinn’s broader argument that American exceptionalism often masks underlying imperial ambitions and moral contradictions.

The history of U.S. military intervention further exemplifies Zinn’s argument. For instance, the Philippine-American War, where American soldiers inflicted death upon hundreds of thousands of Filipinos, is cited as an example of America acting as an “advance guard of liberty and justice,” as articulated by Elihu Root. This ironic self-characterization is juxtaposed with the brutal reality of occupation, violence, and repression. Similarly, America’s refusal to sign international treaties regulating environmental pollution or banning landmines underscores how the nation perceives itself as exempt from the same ethical standards that govern other countries. These actions suggest that American exceptionalism often serves as a shield for self-interest and a justification for actions that violate international norms.

In contrast to Zinn’s critical perspective, Mitt Romney's speech emphasizes the foundational role of liberty, choice, and pioneering spirit in American identity. Romney celebrates America's "love of liberty" rooted in its immigrant founding population, asserting that these values have propelled the nation to global dominance. His depiction aligns with the traditional narrative of America as a land of freedom and opportunity, emphasizing the pioneering spirit and moral superiority. Romney’s narrative underscores the positive aspects of American history, such as economic innovation, military sacrifices, and promotion of freedom worldwide. It reflects a more optimistic, patriotic view of America’s role in history, emphasizing its moral exceptionalism and benevolence.

These contrasting narratives reveal two distinct visions of America. The first, represented by Zinn, is critical and grounded in a history of violence, greed, and moral paradoxes. It calls for acknowledgment of the darker aspects of American history and urges a re-evaluation of national myths that hide these truths. The second, exemplified by Romney, frames America as a nation driven by noble ideals with a unique moral character that continues to shape its destiny. This idealized version promotes national pride and justification for interventionist foreign policies.

The implications of these differing perspectives are profound. Zinn’s critique urges Americans to confront uncomfortable truths about their history of conquest and moral compromise, fostering a more honest national discourse. It questions the legitimacy of exceptionalist claims and advocates for a more accountable and morally consistent foreign policy. Conversely, Romney’s narrative sustains a sense of patriotism and moral superiority, which can justify interventions and a global leadership role rooted in American values.

In conclusion, Howard Zinn’s challenge to American exceptionalism underscores the importance of scrutinizing national myths and recognizing the historical realities that often contradict them. By contrasting this perspective with patriotic narratives like Romney’s, we gain a nuanced understanding of American identity—one that must reconcile its ideals with its actions. Engaging with both narratives allows for a more comprehensive and truthful understanding of America's past, present, and future role on the world stage, fostering a citizenry capable of moral reflection and responsible global engagement.

References

• Zinn, H. (2003). A People's History of the United States. HarperPerennial.
• Bradford, W. (1637). Of Plymouth Plantation. (Historical account of the Pequot massacre).
• Root, E. (1899). Speech at the American Defense Society Conference.
• Romney, M. (2012). "Prizing Freedom". HarperCollins.
• Steinbeck, J. (1939). The Grapes of Wrath. Penguin Classics.
• Guthrie, W. (1940). "This Land Is Your Land".
• Camarota, S. (2015). "The Cost of Immigration to the U.S. Taxpayer". Center for Immigration Studies.
• Chomsky, N. (1999). "The New Military Humanism". Pluto Press.
• International Campaign to Ban Landmines. (2023). "Landmine FAQ".
• United Nations. (1997). "Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court".