Question

question 1
1 pts
in his observations of samuel eliot morisons treatment of columbus, prof. zinn makes all the following points except:
historians cannot avoid emphasis, selection, or simplification in their work.
historians distortions are more than technical; they are ideological and always represent interests.
its possible to convey inconvenient truths in ways that minimize their import.
historians and students must not project 21st century values on deeds of previous epochs.

Explanation:

Analyze Zinn's historiographical arguments

In Chapter 1 of A People's History of the United States, Howard Zinn discusses Samuel Eliot Morison's biography of Christopher Columbus. Zinn argues that historians cannot avoid selection, simplification, or emphasis because the mountain of historical data forces them to choose what to include.

Evaluate the ideological nature of history

Zinn explicitly states that the selection and emphasis made by historians are not merely technical decisions; they are ideological choices that serve particular interests, often reinforcing the status quo or the perspectives of the victors.

Examine the treatment of inconvenient truths

Zinn points out that Morison does not omit the mass murder of the Arawaks; rather, Morison mentions it briefly and then buries it under a mountain of other details about Columbus's greatness. This demonstrates that historians can convey inconvenient truths in ways that minimize their significance.

Identify the exception in Zinn's points

Zinn's entire methodology is built on challenging traditional narratives and evaluating past actions through a critical moral lens. He does not argue against projecting modern values; instead, he rejects the idea that historians should remain neutral or avoid moral judgment of past atrocities. Therefore, the claim that historians must not project modern values is the exception.

Answer:

• (A) Historians cannot avoid emphasis, selection, or simplification in their work.
• (B) Historians' distortions are more than technical; they are ideological and always represent interests.
• (C) It's possible to convey inconvenient truths in ways that minimize their import.
• (D) Historians and students must not project 21st century values on deeds of previous epochs. (Correct answer)