Question Cold war politics in the modern world

[itsxpaperdoll]

Ok, I have a ridiculous question but I really need an answer and I thought, since there are so many different people here there should be at least someone who can help me.
So here's the problem. I'm writing an essay for contemporary world history and in this essay I'm discussing how the americans still have an image of russia that is strongly influenced by the propaganda used in the cold war.
Now here comes the problem, I have no examples of that. Overall it's not difficult to see that we westerners still have a slightly twisted image of russia but since its an 3000 word paper I need one specific example and explain why and how. I just can't think of one.

Help, I need somebody, not just anybody, you know I need someone, help!

 

[Skanky Vamp]

I'm discussing how the americans still have an image of russia that is strongly influenced by the propaganda used in the cold war.
Now here comes the problem, I have no examples of that.

Yeah, I think that WOULD be a problem. Maybe your stereotypical image of an American is not true. I dont know anyone, ANYONE, that views Russia as the Evil Empire any longer; let alone anyone still strongly influenced by the cold war propaganda.

I think finding an American that views Russia that way may present a bit of a problem for you.

 

[itsxpaperdoll]

I don't mean that americans think russians are bad or anything, cos I know there's practically no one who thinks that anymore. I'm just looking for an example, a popular joke, maybe something out of american foreign policy, to discuss the influence anti-commie documentaries and oher kinds of propaganda had, you know? Cos there's no denying that they strongly influenced the stereotype people had back then. I just want to find out how much is left of that.

 

[goldenboy]

Can't think of much. Hollywood still helps out a little in that respect. You still see Russians portrayed as mercenaries and dangerous arms dealers. There was that Nic Cage 'Lord of War' movie. And didn't "24" have some demented ex-Soviet general as a baddie? Must've been Season 5. He was seeking revenge for the end of the Cold War, something like that.

Seems like there's been a general unease about the Russian government. Not just the recent stuff going on in Georgia, but missing and murdered journalists, Putin sticking around as Prime Minister under Medvedev, etc. I think there's a sense that Russia has been moving backward, becoming more authoritarian. Don't really know how historical propaganda really enters into this though.

You do see Soviet style goofiness in ads now and then:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sk4cmFRCN6g&feature=related

 

[Kean]

In the Cohen Brothers latest film Burn after Reading there is 'kinda' reference to people still believing America is suspicious of Russia. Two characters find themselves in possesion of some 'secret s**t' i.e secret government files and try and blackmail a former CIA agent by bringing it to the Russian embassy and offering it to them for money. The film itself makes fun of then notion, showing that Russia and America could care less about each other.

I don't know if that would work but it's pretty much the only one I can think of.

 

[goldenboy]

Simpsons ep:

MySpaceTV Videos: The Simpsons - Soviet Union by Rich


Maybe you can get into this through parodies and satire out there in pop culture.

 

[white avenger]

I'm not certain if this is exactly what you want, but I grew up in that generation, when people were building and stocking fallout shelters in their basements or digging them in their back yards. There were whole libraries with books covering subjects like purifying contaminated air and water, growing your own crops, foraging off the land, bartering for the things you need, going as far as to cover the manufacture of explosives from household goods and converting your semi-automatic rifles into automatic assault weapons. Those people who adhered to the belief that "the big one" was a definite threat even went so far as to move into isolated parts of the wilderness, stockpiling supplies of food and weapons, and joining together in survivalist communities in preparation for the coming chaos. Some of those still exist to this day, mostly inhabited by members of extremist groups like the American Nazi Party and the KKK.

For a more light hearted view of people who still adhere to beliefs in the inevitable global disaster, you might try watching the "Tremors" series of movies. One of the lead characters, in fact the only one to appear in all 4 movies, Earl, is a devout survivalist.

(One word on the extremist groups above: there is an individual, a white supremacist, who goes by the pseudonym "White Avenger." . Please, PLEASE don't confuse me with that kook. I was "Avenging" long before he showed up on the scene, and I in no way support any of his philosophies or beliefs)

I hope at least some of this is of some help to you, and if there are any questions you would like to ask about life back then from the viewpoint of a then teenaged boy, feel free to ask.

 

[Skanky Vamp]

Maybe I am just being argumentative but I do not see of any of those are still being influenced by Cold War propaganda.

 

[willow23]

I see Americans as being less hateful of Russia specifically, but the smear campaign still has influence. Americans, in general, have a distaste for anything labeled as "communism," and still carry resentment toward the basic philosophy. Check the transcripts of the Presidential/ Vice Presidential debates and look at how they refer to Communists because I seem to remember a few digs.

 

[StuckinTraffic]

I don't know how others feel, can only speak for myself. I grew up at the tail end of the Cold War era and I think the attitudes and beliefs I grew up with still color how I think of the entity "Russia." Even tho I know, intellectually, that a lot of what I see in my mind's eye, ie. long food lines, ugly cars, everything grey, steely-eyed KGB agents running around in dark alleys, the gulags, etc., is no longer true...that's still my first impression when I think of Russia, and probably quite a bit of that was highly dramatized in the movies and TV shows I watched. I have a friend who's sent me pictures from Russia and it's a GORGEOUS country, I'd love to visit there some day. As for specific examples, I think the most influential media would be recent movies and TV shows. Even 20 years after the end of the Cold War, Russia is portrayed as the "big bad Reds." Some episodes of Alias show that. La Femme Nikita is FULL of Russian (and Eastern bloc) sterotypes. The tide is slowly changing and I see them being portrayed as money-grubbing, opportunististic Capitalists, too.....it's kinda funny.....a microcosm of Wall St. today.

 

[Blondie Bear]

The only thing I can think of off the top of my head is the series of "In Communist Russia . . ." jokes. For example, "In Communist Russia, the shirt wears you!" "In Communist Russia, the joke tells you!" etc.