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Duck and Cover

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Duck and Cover

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HIS/145

Duck and Cover

Duck and Cover is a film that was used to show children the steps they needed to take in the event of a nuclear attack. It shows children to find a space, such as under their desk, to hide under and to cover the back of their necks with their hands to protect themselves. The film also talks about seeking cover in designated shelters if they are not at school or at home. Also discussed is the fact that there may not be a warning siren, though it is expected there will be. The idea was to educate children about the possibility of an attack and how, it was thought to be, the best way to they could protect themselves.

Living Under the Threat of Nuclear War

Living under the threat of nuclear war must have been an extremely stressful experience. To live life in constant fear that a nuclear bomb could detonate at a moments notice would cause anxiety and fear, making many people fearful of leaving the (perceived) safety of their homes. This must have been especially true for children that may not have fully been able to comprehend the threat. In the comments section of the video, one viewer wrote “I used to have nightmares about the "Bomb" when I was a kid. It was such a nebulous but terrifying thing. In school we had this sort of "duck and cover" propaganda complete with drills and explanations about the "bright flash", etc. As a child, one of my big fears was that this horrible thing called the "Bomb" would happen WHEN I WAS NOT AT SCHOOL! To my 6-year-old mind, the only safe place in the world was under my desk at school!”
(C. Random, September 10, 2005).

The Threat of Nuclear War Compared to the Threat of Terrorism

The threat of danger was and is real in both cases. Terrorists are responsible for the attacks on the Pentagon on September 11, 2001

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