Author: Andrea Morales

The Atomic Bomb’s Legacy in Post-War America

     

   After the detonation of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the whole world stood in awe. According to The University of California: Los Angeles, it was the first attack of its nature on behalf of the United States, and its detonation led to the death of approximately 150,000 in Hiroshima and 75,000 in Nagasaki. This devastating attack on civilians did not only garner Japan’s surrender in World War II, but also planted a seed of fear into the world. Some can debate it was the first time that the United States was seen as a force to be reckoned with, while others perceive it as one of the most horrific and inhumane acts committed by the U.S. These points-of-view are crucial to the perception of nuclear weapons in America decades later. During the 60s, at the height of the Cold War and Cuban Missile Crisis, the United States found itself in a frightening situation regarding nuclear weapons. While the conflict never culminates, the fear of being victims to a nuclear fallout was permeated into the minds of young Americans. This fear did not gradually dissolve and has been recently heightened as a result of relations between the United States and North Korea.

       The Washington Post reports that tensions between the United States and North Korea have subsided and have been in talks of an agreement regarding nuclear weapons and their usage, but nevertheless the looming fear of being thrust into a nuclear war is real to many. What does this mean for the United States? Fear of being subjected to a nuclear war has been a ubiquitous facet of the lives of many, and the development of nuclear arms has not ceased. According to the Washington Post, Abraham Denmark, a former Asia official at the Pentagon, warns: “I’d caution against too much optimism because we’ve been down this road too many times before”. It also reports that residents should possess a small emergency kit with items such as: sturdy shoes, petty cash, and three days’ worth of food and water, among other things. This, however, is in the unlikely event of an attack by North Korea.  Therefore, should the United States really be worried about the possibility of a nuclear attack? It is hard to say and is the cause for speculation.

Sources:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/north-korea-offers-talks-with-united-states-on-curbing-nuclear-program/2018/03/06/91a2b770-2134-11e8-94da-ebf9d112159c_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.5a6bfb44dbfa

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/politics/wp/2017/12/14/how-to-prepare-for-a-nuclear-attack/?utm_term=.ac16cc7bcc0e

http://www.aasc.ucla.edu/cab/200708230009.html

http://historyconflicts.com/atomic-bombing-hiroshima-nagasaki/

#MeToo in Old Hollywood: Judy Garland’s Nightmarish Experience in the Land of Oz

Photo source: Youtube

          The Wizard of Oz has permeated American cinema as one of its most iconic films. It was the first movie to be produced in technicolor; its production riddled with urban legends. According to The Washington Post, Garland was repeatedly abused by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s head, Louis B. Mayer. However, she was not only subjected to unwanted sexual advances from the studio’s CEO, but was also molested by several Munchkins on set. At just sixteen-years-old, Judy Garland experienced incessant sexual harassment by the cast and crew, as well as was subjected to an extremely demanding schedule-oftentimes being given adrenaline shots to prevent exhaustion. She was additionally subjected to a diet regimen comprised of chicken soup, cigarettes, and coffee, as a result of being deemed “too fat” by the same executives who continuously harassed her. As a result of her traumatic experience, Garland became addicted to barbiturates and sadly passed away due to an overdose at the age of 47. However, Judy Garland’s legacy remains ensconced in American culture and her story evermore relevant.

      A surge in the #MeToo movement last year has created shockwaves throughout Hollywood. Notorious Hollywood magnate and producer Harvey Weinstein’s victims spoke out about their horrific ordeals and propelled the movement into the centerfold. This is why Garland’s story remains crucial to the movement. It is a reminder that the horrors faced by actresses in the entertainment business have been present since its conception. Denouncing these attackers allows for victims to have their voices heard, and those whose voices have been silenced by time or passing, to be heard once again. The treatment she received at the hands of her abusers echoes that of other renowned actresses such as Angelina Jolie or Asia Argento, who have been vocal in the movement. Other Old Hollywood Actresses such as Marilyn Monroe and Shirley Temple were also victims of abuse by Hollywood executives, only to be silenced by the rampant sexism of their time. Whether it was Weinstein or Mayer, these men abused their position of power for decades only to be protected by their position as part of the Hollywood elite. Judy Garland was one of the most remarkable actresses to have graced the silver screen. There is no doubt about the place she holds in Americans’ hearts as the beautiful Dorothy, as well as the magical land of Oz. Yet, it is imperative to her memory and legacy that one also acknowledges the turbulent times she went through while creating one of America’s most beloved movies.