The McCarthy Era - Report Example

Since the founding of the United s, its governmental ities have done a number of things to cause the countrys citizens to have a deep mistrust for the government, since the government has used bullying tactics to cause numerous individuals to turn their backs on their loved ones and friends by giving information about them for the sake of self preservation. Some people were so afraid in these situations that when they were accused of knowing something, they would divulge false information. It was not enough for the government for these individuals to be honest and say that they did not do what they were accused of doing, and they did not know anyone who engaged in the activities. Refusal to provide information to the authorities resulted in heavy consequences, such as jail time or black listing, which meant that they would be denied everything from society. Black listed individuals lost their source of employment, and they were not able to obtain another job, unless they complied with what was expected of them by the authorities. While there were a large quantity of people who dismissed their values and beliefs and went against their consciences, and completely lost all sense of loyalty to their loved ones and friends, there were still a number of individuals who were steadfast about doing what was right and not what the authorities thought should be done. They were not about to divulge fabricated information about others or turn in loved ones and friends just to preserve themselves. As a result, they suffered the consequences, but this did not matter to them because following their consciences, sticking to their values and beliefs, possessing loyalty and integrity, and having a backbone was more important to them. One very notable time period when things occurred was during what many refer to as the McCarthy Era. The McCarthy Era was a time of deep fear and trembling for many because the severe paranoia of the country being influenced by Communism was rampant. People were required to name any person or group of people who would be involved in what was considered to be unpatriotic activities or possessing Communist or left-winged views of any kind. Failure to divulge information about these people resulted in being shunned by society or serving jail sentences until they complied of what was being expected of them, even if it meant that they would have to go great lengths to conjure up fabrications of completely innocent people. Hollywood was deeply affected because there were believed to be loads of Communists among the stars and others who were associated with them, so a witch hunt began. Actors, producers, writers, and other entertainers were turning in on one another, as they were quick to give names so they could preserve themselves and their careers. They feared getting cut off and not being allowed to take part in Hollywood any further, which not only meant that their reputation would be shattered, but they would be cut off from their source of income, causing them to suffer deep financial troubles. Some Hollywood stars remained truthful and loyal. Even though the pressure was great for them, they did not cave in (Spartacus Educational - Home Page). The movie, "Guilty by Suspicion," though fictional, is an excellent depiction of what the McCarthy Era was like, as it not only gives us a clear picture of what people went through during that time, is shows us that there are people who will stand their ground by holding onto loyalty, honesty, and integrity and not allow the authorities to bully them for information. The movie began with David Merrill returning from filming abroad in France. He was very excited about returning home because he had been presented with a huge opportunity to work with Twentieth Century Fox, but what he did not realize was that he had been named by other Hollywood stars as participating in Communist activities. Merrill was brought before the House of Un-American Activities Committee, and he was told that he had better comply or he’d risk many troubles. Because Merrill had a conscience, he knew he had to stand up for what was right. He knew that it was wrong to hand his friends over to these tyrannical authority figures who were denying American citizens their freedom. As a result, he openly defied the House of Un-American Activities Committee (Ebert, Harris, and Winkler). The road ahead of him was long and harsh. Merrill was not only blacklisted, but his reputation was ruined. Nobody wanted to have any dealings with him. He completely lost his opportunity to work with Twentieth Century Fox and even when he tried to get work, it was impossible because nobody would return his calls. No matter where he went, he was not wanted because of being blacklisted. He wasn’t even able to find work with Broadway because; they too, wanted no dealings with him. Feeling broken and discouraged, he moved back in with his estranged wife and son, sleeping on the couch (Ebert, Harris, and Winkler). Things continued to get worse for Merrill. He was consistently harassed by the FBI, and he was barred from working with advertising agencies, as well as in film repair shops. Even when he tried to do filming under a different identity, he was discovered, and he lost his opportunity to work on that film. Now, he felt more broken and discouraged than ever. As a matter of fact, he was so broken and discouraged that he decided he’d give in and divulge information about his friends. It also did not help that he was tempted by a huge offer presented to him by his old studio that promised tremendous benefits and a fresh start to life. If only he’d cooperate he could have it. This seemed like such the perfect solution for him because if he did this, it meant that he would be cleared for work and that his life could return to normal. No longer would he suffer financial troubles, and his reputation would be restored. He’d actually be made to look like a big hero for doing something that was considered to be very American at the time (Ebert, Harris, and Winkler). Now in court, he was well prepared to speak against his friends. He knew that This is what he had to do, and it would be all over. He thought about how he was so close to getting his life back. He was inches away from living his dreams. But when he saw how inhumane and tyrannical the House of Un-American Activities Committee was being, he then realized that he could not hand his friends over to them. He knew that it would be wrong in so many ways to just turn his friend over to these people to suffer grave mistreatment and injustice. He realized that he had a duty. He had to remain true to himself and the ones that he loved and cared about. He did not care how unpopular his decision was. He did not care that he would be terribly scrutinized by society. He knew that he could sleep better at night if he was not a betrayer. While he had a duty to serve his country, he had an even greater duty to remain truthful to his conscience. Realizing all of this, he openly defied the committee again. He bravely stood up to them and told them that he could not and would not turn his friends over to the government officials, and it did not matter what consequences this action incurred. He was certain to show them no matter what tactics they used, he would not be bullied into giving in (Ebert, Harris, and Winkler). Now as far as who did the right thing out of the three men, I feel that David Merrill, the man who openly defied the committee, definitely did the right thing. The reason that I feel that this is the case is because he not only followed his conscience, he remained loyal to the ones who meant the most to him. He was not going to allow any government authority to bully him into going against the principles that he believed in. Merrill was willing to do anything he could to defend his friends to the best of his ability. It did not matter to him that he risked losing everything or being punished severely as a result of doing this. This man is a perfect role model for people wanting to really be true Americans because he realized that the greatest service he could ever provide for this country was to remain true to his conscience. Work Cited Ebert, Roger. "Guilty by Suspicion." Rogerebert.com. N.p., 15 Mar. 1991. Web. 21 Apr. 2010. . Guilty by Suspicion. Dir. Irwin Winkler. Perf. Arnon Milchan. Warner Bros., 1991. Harris, Mike. "Guilty by Suspicion (1991) - Plot Summary." Internet Movie Database. N.p., 1990-2010. Web. 21 Apr. 2010. . . "McCarthyism." Spartacus Educational - Home Page. N.p., 2010. Web. 21 Apr. 2010. . Read More