The Crucible: The Rise Of Mccarthyism And American Culture

In Cold War, Cool Medium: Television, McCarthyism and American Culture, Thomas

Doherty profiles the 1950's Red Scare, also known as McCarthyism, and its vast effect on

American culture during that time. Doherty arms his audience with the revealing history behind the rise and fall of Senator Joe McCarthy, as well as the roots of the anti-communist attitude during the Cold War era that led to the rise of McCarthyism. He discusses the effects of

McCarthyism on the entertainment world of the 1950's; the blacklisting of actors, actresses, and producers; many important trials, such as the Army-McCarthy Hearings; and, finally, the end of

McCarthyism. An interesting section of the book titled I Love Lucy: The Redhead and the

Blacklist demonstrates that in a time

Also, CBS was flooded with mail from supporters of Ball. One week later, HUAC member Donald Jackson cleared Ball's name, announcing that he was confident she had never been an active member of the Communist Party. The investigation of America's primetime sweetheart illustrates that no one was safe from the anti-Communist movement. Similarly, in Arthur Miller's The Crucible, Rebecca Nurse, a revered woman in the community, was accused of witchcraft during the Salem witch-hunts. Through his characterization of her, Miller implies that Rebecca was a benevolent, knowledgeable, God- fearing woman. He clearly makes the point that "the general opinion of her character was so high,” (Miller 2066) that it was inconceivable how anyone could accuse her of witchcraft. Miller conveys this through having Mr. Hale tell Rebecca, "I suppose you look as such a good soul should. We have all heard of your great charities in Beverly" (Miller 2071); Miller's own expository throughout the play places further emphasis upon her good character. To justify her predicament, however, Miller offers the explanation that the Putnams used the mass