Through reading this article I became very confused and recognized the complexities that exist when it comes to fighting inequality, particularly between those who are oppressed and those who are considered to be in the oppressive position. In early American history the vulnerable population of poor labor workers, mechanics and artisans were fighting to be treated equally and respected by the rich people who employed them. Instead of opposing them, the article spoke about how there were rich individuals representing these poor populations and broadcasting their issues. The rich “linked to the artisans and laborers through a network of neighborhood taverns, fire companies, and the Caucus…that gave credence to laboring-class views and regarded as entirely legitimate” (Zinn). After reading this, I was pushed to question what benefit would the rich have in helping the poor. In this case, they are the oppressors and the ones who should be making changes but instead, they are siding and advocating for those who are oppressed. Although this is beneficial to the poor workers, the changes should come directly from the rich. This connection reminded me of the fight for racial equality and the presence of white allies in the Civil Rights movement. In a similar way, the white allies helped advocate for their disenfranchised counterparts. However, with this situation, I am able to understand that those who were advocating had levels of power but not political power that could change laws. In making this comparison there are many questions to be asked about who can be allies, who can help the opposing population and what exactly needs to be done to create changes in these situations.
Further in the article, Zinn wrote about the Regulators and their attempt to rebel against their oppressors. A major part of their problems revolved around taxes and not being able to vote on taxes which heavily affected them. In contrast to the earlier general population of workers, the Regulators were much more organized and even created revolts against the rich to assert their opinion in matters which affected them. They even went as far as ” organiz[ing] to prevent the collection of taxes, or the confiscation of the property of tax delinquents” (Zinn). This group, without the backing of the rich, were able to create their own changes and rules. This additionally complicates the question of why allies are necessary, if they are necessary and what is their purpose?
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