Vietnam

Leigh Engelman

Howard Zinn, author of The Twentieth Century, and John Murrin, contributing writer to Liberty, Equality, Power, both agree with the fact that the United States did not win the Vietnam War fought from1963 to 1974. Howard Zinn’s attitude toward the war throughout this time period is extremely negative. He does not depict even one positive feature that was achieved after those ten long gruesome years. Zinn even goes as far to show sympathy towards the Vietnamese. John Murrin, however, portrays some positive outcomes (Counterculture and “Black Power”) that were born as a result of the war. Both men share similar American opposition to the war, however diverse. Zinn describes total American opposition while Murrin exposes those Americans who were for fighting the war. Zinn takes a more emotional approach by unfolding personal stories while Murrin acquires a more historical side and displays graphs, facts and dates.

Howard Zinn and John Murrin both agree that no good came out of the United States entering Vietnam. Both state that the U.S. was trying to stop Communism and keep the “domino theory” from taking affect. As American troops were leaving Vietnam, Zinn shares the New York Times thoughts as, “The U.S. emerges as the big loser and history books must admit this…we lost the war”. 1 While Zinn states, “America’s longest war ended in defeat”.2

Not only does Zinn sympathize for Americans, he also paints a mental picture in our minds concerning innocent Vietnam victims. Zinn feels pity for the Vietnamese mothers who reported birth defects in their children and civilians, including the elderly and infants, who were ordered into a ditch and shot to death by American soliders.3 The army had even tried to cover up this unfair massacre. Zinn shares a story from a young soldier’s point of view towards the inhumane killings. He acknowledges even the soldier feels ashamed and humiliated of his actions.

Zinn’s only thoughts,...