Zinn’s chapter “The Coming Revolt of the Guards” brought what he’s been saying throughout the book together in one cohesive chapter. He focuses on the commonality of the 99% of the population; the people in the middle and lower classes. Zinn writes, “…the Establishment cannot survive without the obedience and loyalty of millions of people who are given small rewards to keep the system going…they become the guards of the system, buffers between the upper and lower classes. If they stop obeying the system falls” (635). He states that the middle class is the buffer between the upper and lower classes, however if the middle class revolts and refuses to do these things just for the benefit of the upper, they can redefine the system and take some power away from the upper class. I think Zinn did a really good job of explaining the importance of the middle class and the clear discontent of the majority of people with the system in this chapter.
I enjoyed the prisoner and guard analogy Zinn used, for the lower and middle classes. I feel like this idea that the middle class is bridge between all the classes is often considered, however no one has called them the “guards”. I think another important point that he makes is that in times of crisis we often look to someone else to save us. This savior ideology only worsens our condition and Zinn explains some of the detrimental effects this really has. Overall, I enjoy how Zinn focuses on the other half of history, the history that many textbooks don’t talk about. This chapter specifically talks about the 99%, the common people and the power they have through unity over the other 1%. History should be respectful of resistance, and Zinn continues to reiterate this message through his book.
Also, in regards to the film, I do not have much to say. I really did not enjoy it, as I had a difficult time figuring out what I was supposed to take away from it. I found the horse people particularly disturbing and would not recommend the movie to a friend.
I also found the prisoner and guard analogy for the lower and middle class particularly interesting, as I had never thought of them that way. When put in that perspective, it is easy to see how important those classes are to society, as without them the country would indeed collapse without their roles and jobs. More people need to see them in this light, to give them more credit for everything they do.
I enjoyed your feedback on Zinn’s chapter. I also found Zinn’s analysis of the importance of the middle class. The majority of the civil service workers- the military, fire, police, and teachers- are part of the middle class and keep the government stable across the country and the rest of the middle class.
After reading this chapter it really hit home to me how much the middle-class matters to society. Before it always felt like the people who had the most money held up society, but in reality, it is the middle class that is the backbone of our society. They are the ones who can create real change for everyone.
The guard analogy of the middle class in American society really helped me visualize the point Zinn was trying to get across with this chapter. The middle class ultimately are the ones who have the power to reform and demand change, as they are the force that keeps the lower classes poor and the upper classes rich; however, these changes and reforms will never be realized until the middle class realizes their status and power as the “guards” of the country and takes initiative to mobilize and demand change.
I agree with your feedback about the Zinn chapter. I found it interesting the disparities between the 1% and the lower class and the lack of community.