Introduction
This example of documentary filmmaking portrays the Cold War mentality quite effectively. The work entitled The Atomic Café uses archival footage and demonstrates the U.S. government’s decisions, rhetoric, and actions during the Cold War era following the end of World War II (Rafferty et al., 1982). The combination of fear-mongering and reassuring citizens of the rightness and safety that the government uses can mostly be noted. In doing so, public service announcements, films, and civil defense instructions aimed to instill fear in the public and prepare them for the threat of nuclear war.
However, nuclear power was promoted not so much as a risk but rather as an innovative way of developing energy, production, and economics. It has sometimes even been called a clean and safe energy source that improves daily life. This contradiction reflects the volatility of public opinion and the government’s attempts to balance and control perceptions (Rafferty et al., 1982). Thus, the American public reacted with concern, confidence in the government, and curiosity about opening up prospects. However, some acknowledged the absurdity and contradictions of the official reports.
Cold War Mentality and Government Actions
The threat of a nuclear flood gave rise to the so-called atomic scare, which profoundly affected society. The spreading atmosphere of fear and uncertainty owed much to government propaganda, and many safety measures were organized, including building shelters, stocking up on provisions, and frequent drills and alarms. At the same time, there was a significant impact on children because, through educational films and special lessons and drills, according to the film, information was conveyed to teach children how to respond to a potential threat (Rafferty et al., 1982). It is worth noting, however, that even the reassuring and hilarious characters in the cartoons and commercials failed to relieve young Americans of their feelings of vulnerability and fear. Moreover, children’s naïveté, combined with the seriousness of the nuclear threat, is displayed and emphasized.
Analysis of the Film’s Ending and Filmmakers’ Choices
The selection of footage at the end of the documentary can serve several purposes. It is impressive and consists of archival videos of nuclear tests and relaxing music (Rafferty et al., 1982). Floyd Tillman’s leisurely and relaxed rhythm contrasts with the destruction on display. In this way, it amplifies nuclear weapons’ destructive power and effects, causing a lasting impression on the viewer. In addition, the lyrics have a negative context and metaphorically refer to the Cold War. For these reasons, the ending is compelling and poignant, leaving the viewer with a sense of the subject’s seriousness and encouraging reflection.
Film and Television as Tools of Propaganda
Undoubtedly, cinema and television can be used as instruments of propaganda. It can be seen in contemporary examples of authoritarian and dictatorial regimes such as North Korea, Russia, and Venezuela, and it is demonstrated in detail throughout the film by the example of postwar America (Rafferty et al., 1982). The media is highly effective for these tasks, and shaping public opinion to promote specific narratives has always been. It will always be underdeveloped or lacking in democracy and media ownership by political structures. Propaganda uses methods of selective editing, emotional manipulation, and substitution of information to achieve its goals.
In general, propaganda aims to influence the audience’s perception, behavior, and attitudes; for this reason, television, which is available in almost every home, is one of the most effective tools. Especially at the time of the documentary, when digital information transmission methods did not yet exist, people received all the news through radio and television (Rafferty et al., 1982). However, it is worth noting that the film itself can likewise be considered propaganda, which in some ways is aimed at indirectly discrediting the government’s actions of the time and spreading the idea of the dangers of nuclear research. Thus, by its existence and popularity, the work confirms the effectiveness of influencing people through media resources.
The U.S. Government’s Role in Propaganda Creation
The U.S. government played a significant role in creating propaganda at the time to inform and correct public opinion. According to the film, government agencies such as the U.S. Information Agency and the Office of Civil Defense produced and distributed relevant materials (Rafferty et al., 1982). These included public service announcements, educational films and instructions, newsreels, and television programs.
At the same time, the purpose of this dissemination was not so much to teach people how to behave in case of danger but to control and promote the necessary narratives. It led to a synthesis of conflicting claims about the destructive power of the atom and its safety in everyday life. The government sought to portray itself as the protector and savior of the people, feeding the idea of its ability to avert the threat and reduce the likelihood of panic. Consequently, the dangers were purposely downplayed, and the effectiveness of civil defense measures was overstated.
Conclusion
The idea was to use archival footage to show all the material’s original meaning and intent and to search for inconsistencies in parallel. The footage was used for a critical and satirical narrative meant to expose contradictions, absurdities, and manipulations, and it succeeded at many points (Rafferty et al., 1982). However, despite many obvious flaws in the government’s tools during the Cold War, the film also aims to manipulate viewers’ opinions and reduce their trust in politicians.
At the same time, it is difficult to deny the real danger of nuclear conflict, given the geopolitical situation and the importance of civil defense training. In addition, the effectiveness of atomic energy when used intelligently and carefully has long been proven and cannot be considered fiction or untrue. Thus, the film does an excellent job of revealing and comparing propaganda methods while demonstrating the consequences of nuclear strikes and highlighting inconsistencies in government messages. However, it has its purpose and primarily illustrates the creators’ opinions.
Reference
Rafferty, K., Loader, J., & Rafferty, P. (1982). The Atomic Café [Film]. The Archives Project.