Why do you think Howard Zinn entitled Chapter 19 of A People’s History “Surprises”?
Zinn examined one of the most rapidly changing eras in America’s history. The nineteen sixties were characterized by a major transformation across the spectrum of sectors, including government, religion, the economy, and culture in general. In the decades following this widespread and widespread changes, a powerful elite worked to restore the status quo. Therefore, this era is a critical part of United States history that needs to be recorded. Most importantly, this era played a critical role in determining the current freedoms and rights enjoyed by all humanity within its borders.
This chapter highlights the general revolt against oppression and societal metamorphosis, including the degradation of morality. It is during this era that the entertainment industry explored sexuality more than they had attempted before in history. Musicians, writers, the church, and film-makers addressed current issues, including the Vietnam war, which raised massive public attention and arousal. I think that the events highlighted by this chapter play a huge role in reforms and are a necessary part of modern curricula.
What is feminism? How did the movement begin? What achievements have feminists made? What gains remain to be made?
Feminism is, according to ++_+++++++++++++++++, the belief in socio-economic, and political equality of both genders. In the United States, as was the case with most European nations, women’s role in the pubic scene emerged during the Second World War. Their services were needed in the industries and had a direct impact on the War. After the war, the second part of the twentieth century brought at least 36% of women, which translates to 23 million feminine, active workers in the workforce. As civil rights movements of the sixties emerged, women played a major role too. Their participation as front liners, they helped make significant changes on the global scene, despite the dangerous environment that prevailed at the time. More working-class women joined the feminist movements to lobby for equality across various sectors and fight against injustice.
One of the most significant achievements of the feminist movements of the late sixties is compelling the Supreme Court to amend the law on abortion, giving them a right to choose whether or not to have a baby. However, the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is yet to achieve all proposed constitutional amendments to domestic violence and rape.
Howard Zinn chose a difficult topic at the time; hence I acknowledge his braveness.