PastPresent


 * Note to parents and community members:** If there is any information on which you would like to comment or provide feedback/insight, please click on the discussion tab above. You must be a registered user. Please click here for those directions.

=**__McCarthyism: Past and Present__**=

McCarthyism is known as a historic period in American history which lasted from 1950-1954, although the term still lingers in the United States. In the 1950's, McCarthyism was an everyday occurrence in our nation. Many people were discriminated because of their soviet backgrounds. Senator Joseph McCarthy promoted his ideas with the use of radio, television, and print. Before long, the entire country became brainwashed by McCarthyism. We were tangled in a second Red Scare.

It is estimated that during McCarthyism 10-12,000 people were denied work because of suspicions cast against them by Joseph McCarthy and his followers. It is also estimated that 300 actors and actresses lost their jobs during the FBI's investigation into the motion picture industry. McCarthy made a point to first target anyone associated in media and were close to the people. He took out radio hosts, TV stars, and news anchors. Among the entertainers who lost their jobs were the Hollywood Ten: Alvah Besie, Herbert J Biberman, Lester Cole, Edward Dmytryk, Ring Larder, John Lawson, Albert Maltz, Sam Orntiz, Adrian Scott, and Dalton Trumbo. Most of the Hollywood Ten never returned to the US after being blacklisted. Most went to Mexico and continued working in acting there.



The Hollywood Ten (above)

Today, McCarthyism itself doesn't exist, but there are still similar conflicts present in our world. After the terrorist attacks of 2001, air security has been tightened. Certain ethnic groups, and nationalities (Arabic, Muslim, Iraqis, Afghans, Pakistanis) have had numerous eyes cast upon them as being responsible for these attacks. Through all the fright associated with 9/11, many Americans have been guilty of discrimination and racial profiling of these suspected ethnic groups. There have both political and media images who have contributed to these accusations. The country is no where near the complete and utter fear and inappropriate actions that came as a result of Joseph McCarthy's extreme discrimination, but it is important that we continue to not discriminate, no matter the ethnicity of any person. It is important that we remember that all US citizens possess basic rights, and it is against the Constitution to deny anyone those rights without lawful cause!

__**Bibliography**__
 * http://www.moderntimes.com/palace/ten.jpg
 * http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McCarthyism
 * [|www.lib.berkeley.edu/mrc/blacklist.html\]

McCarthyism Home Page Ms. Rice's Home Page