The dropping of two US nuclear bombs on Japan ended World War II in the Pacific. By then little was known about the pathological implications such an act of war would have on the Japanese civilian victims. The weapons had barely been tested before deployment and the potential consequences of the radioactive fallout were not yet fully understood. The first practical use of the bomb together with all its casualties initiated a future policy of deterrence. It was apparent what can happen if you go to war with a nuclear power. Still, no other nuclear weapon has ever since been deployed as an act of war.
In this research paper I will analyze the Duck and Cover propaganda short issued by the Federal Civil Defense Administration in the early 1950s as the primary source. I will focus on the content of the episode, its structural and cinematic means, and its desired and achieved affects toward its target audience. What were the reasons and goals behind this far-fetched and committed civil defense operation? Is it seen as an outspoken domestic act out of moral obligation from the government that comes with the responsibility of being a nuclear power? Was the nuclear fallout – which the film thoroughly neglects as a danger – really not known to the government at this point in time or was this knowledge deliberately held from the public? This last question defines greatly the core meaning of the film in historical terms. Eventually it determines whether Duck and Cover was merely a naïve piece of safety education or just a good excuse for conditioning a whole generation (as well as its parents) to the ideological challenges of the forthcoming decades of the Cold War.
This humble paper alone cannot answer all these questions but rather build a basis for extended research on the topic. Sources indicate that in government circles the secondary dangers that emanate from a nuclear blast like radioactive fall-out were at least partially known if not already scientifically proven at the time. The question about the decision to keep such knowledge from the broad public goes beyond the primary analysis this paper can provide.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Source description
- Source analysis
- Pretext and Production of Duck and Cover
- Federal Civil Defense Administration
- Archer Productions Inc.
- National Education Administration
- Conclusion
- Sources
- Bibliography/Filmography
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This research paper analyzes the Cold War-era propaganda film "Duck and Cover," focusing on its content, structure, cinematic techniques, and intended impact. The paper explores the reasons and goals behind the film's creation, examining whether it represents a moral obligation of a nuclear power or a deliberate attempt to condition a generation to the Cold War's ideological challenges. The paper aims to establish a foundation for further research into the government's knowledge of nuclear fallout's dangers and the decision to withhold this information from the public.
- The effectiveness of "Duck and Cover" as propaganda.
- The government's knowledge of nuclear fallout and its implications for the film's message.
- The film's use of cinematic techniques to achieve its persuasive goals.
- The role of the film in shaping public perception of nuclear war and civil defense.
- The film's target audience and its reception.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This chapter sets the stage for the analysis of the "Duck and Cover" film by highlighting the historical context of the post-World War II atomic age. It introduces the film as the primary source of analysis and outlines the key questions the paper aims to address. These questions revolve around the film's purpose, its message, and the government's potential knowledge of the long-term effects of nuclear fallout that were omitted from the film. The introduction establishes the paper's scope and limitations, acknowledging its inability to definitively answer all the questions it poses, but establishing its focus on building a groundwork for more extensive research.
Source description: This chapter provides detailed information about the production and distribution of "Duck and Cover." It details the film's production by Archer Productions Inc. for the Federal Civil Defense Administration (FCDA), its release date (January 7th, 1952), and its distribution methods, which included schools and the "Alert America Convoy Exhibit." The chapter discusses the film's target audience (school children and their parents) and its official purpose of raising awareness about the nuclear threat while offering survival advice. It also notes the film's subtextual goal of generating support for military programs and aligning young citizens against opposing political systems. Furthermore, this chapter analyzes the significance of using film as a medium for this message, highlighting the power of film on children and its role as an extraordinary teaching method within the context of nationwide civil defense.
Source analysis: This chapter delves into the film's content and cinematic techniques. It describes the introduction of Bert the turtle, the use of the theme song, repetition, and the character traits of the turtle as a messenger to children. The chapter analyzes the symbolic meaning of the scenes, particularly the dynamite-ape sequence, to illustrate the message of preparedness in the face of danger. The chapter also discusses the film's structure, which presents a series of questions and answers regarding behavior during a nuclear attack. The discussion of the film's use of a turtle as the main character also includes mention of the cultural connotations surrounding the animal, particularly its symbolism of wisdom and defensive capabilities.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Cold War, propaganda, "Duck and Cover," nuclear war, civil defense, Federal Civil Defense Administration (FCDA), Archer Productions Inc., National Education Association (NEA), public education, film analysis, historical context, nuclear fallout, Cold War ideology, target audience, cinematic techniques, propaganda effectiveness.
Duck and Cover: A Cold War Propaganda Film - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main topic of this research paper?
This research paper analyzes the Cold War-era propaganda film "Duck and Cover," examining its content, structure, cinematic techniques, intended impact, and the motivations behind its creation. It explores whether the film reflects a moral obligation of a nuclear power or an attempt to condition a generation to the Cold War's ideological challenges. The paper also investigates the government's knowledge of nuclear fallout dangers and its decision to withhold this information from the public.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the effectiveness of "Duck and Cover" as propaganda; the government's knowledge of nuclear fallout and its implications for the film's message; the film's use of cinematic techniques to persuade; the film's role in shaping public perception of nuclear war and civil defense; and the film's target audience and its reception.
What information is provided in the "Source Description" chapter?
This chapter details the production and distribution of "Duck and Cover," including its production by Archer Productions Inc. for the Federal Civil Defense Administration (FCDA), its release date (January 7th, 1952), and distribution methods (schools and the "Alert America Convoy Exhibit"). It discusses the target audience (school children and parents), the film's official purpose (raising awareness and offering survival advice), and its subtextual goal (generating support for military programs and aligning young citizens against opposing political systems). The chapter also analyzes the significance of using film as a medium for this message.
What does the "Source Analysis" chapter cover?
This chapter analyzes "Duck and Cover's" content and cinematic techniques, including the introduction of Bert the turtle, the theme song, repetition, and the turtle's character traits. It examines the symbolic meaning of scenes (like the dynamite-ape sequence) and the film's structure (presenting questions and answers about nuclear attack behavior). The analysis also includes discussion of the cultural connotations of the turtle as a symbol of wisdom and defense.
What is the purpose of the "Introduction" chapter?
The introduction sets the historical context of the post-World War II atomic age, introduces "Duck and Cover" as the primary source, and outlines the key questions the paper addresses. These questions revolve around the film's purpose, message, and the government's potential knowledge of the long-term effects of nuclear fallout omitted from the film. The introduction establishes the paper's scope and limitations.
What are the key takeaways from the "Conclusion" (implied)?
While not explicitly detailed in the provided summary, the conclusion would likely synthesize the findings from the source description and analysis chapters, offering insights into the effectiveness of "Duck and Cover" as propaganda, the government's role in shaping its message, and the film's lasting impact on public perception of nuclear war and civil defense. It would likely reiterate the need for further research into the government’s knowledge of the dangers of nuclear fallout.
What are the keywords associated with this research paper?
Cold War, propaganda, "Duck and Cover," nuclear war, civil defense, Federal Civil Defense Administration (FCDA), Archer Productions Inc., National Education Association (NEA), public education, film analysis, historical context, nuclear fallout, Cold War ideology, target audience, cinematic techniques, propaganda effectiveness.
- Quote paper
- Andreas Schwarz (Author), 2010, Duck and Cover – Propaganda for the Atomic Age, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/184936
