Middle class Quote by Howard Zinn
““the term “middle class” concealed a fact long true about this country, that, as Richard Hofstadter said: “It was . . . a middle-class society governed for the most part by its upper classes.” Those upper classes, to rule, needed to make concessions to the middle class, without damage to their own wealth or power, at the expense of slaves, Indians, and poor whites. This bought loyalty. And to bind that loyalty with something more powerful even than material advantage, the ruling group found, in the 1760s and 1770s, a wonderfully useful device. That device was the language of liberty and equality, which could unite just enough whites to fight a Revolution against England, without ending either slavery or inequality.””
About This Quote
Source Book: A People’s History of the United States, Howard Zinn, 1980
The ruling elite used liberty rhetoric to unite whites for revolution while preserving oppression of marginalized groups.
In simple terms: Liberty language masked class oppression.
Key Takeaway
Recognize hidden class interests.
Themes
class
politics
liberty
race
Mood
critical
historical
Type
political
educational
When to use this quote
- political campaigns
- education reform
- social movements
Key Concepts
social control
historical narrative
Questions to Reflect On
- How does modern politics use similar language?
- What can expose these hidden motives?
A Different Perspective
Rhetoric can be genuine, not just manipulative.
