Instructions: Read and analyze the information below. Answer the questions given with at least 135 words per answer.
The Reactionary Twenties to the Red Scare:
1 (a) – Captain America Comics:
When it comes to history, comic books serve as a wonderful source of American propaganda, and no character embodies that more, perhaps, than Captain America. Attached below, are 2 covers that pit Captain against America’s enemies, which vastly change over the course of time and the country’s interests. Examine what you see and give some comments about it.
1 (b) – The KKK in the 1920s:
In the 1920s, the KKK experienced a massive resurgence in the United States, expanding from its sectionalist past into a national entity. Attached below are 2 clips from the Klan’s 1920s propaganda. Looking at them, answer the few associated questions below.
“Creed Of Klanswomen” : How does this message appeal to American society in the 1920s? What makes it timely and opportunistic?
“Meet Your Friends – Ku Klux Klan Day” : Though the year is not stated, what does this advertisement say about the level of public approval and embrace concerning the KKK in Texas?
The 1950s to the Present:
2 (a) – “Target: You” – A Federal Civil Defense PSA
The following link is to a rather surreal short 9-minute film released by the Federal Civil Defense Administration during the 1950s on how to survive a nuclear blast:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOQswEHV5hE
Considering what we now know about atomic weaponry & the rising tensions between the U.S. & the Soviet Union over the course of the next decades after this film was made, does any of this come across as sound advice? Record any reactions you may have.
2 (b)- Saddam Hussein Seizes Power – 1979
Narrated by journalist Christopher Hitchens, this chilling 6-minute video shows the exact moment in Iraqi history in which Saddam Hussein seizes power:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OynP5pnvWOs
What are your reactions? Do Hitchens’ narration and commentary add to the images? Knowing that America was distantly associated with Hussein for many years before the First Gulf War, does this affect your perspective of foreign politics in any way?
Thank you in advance!
