The Red Nightmare documentary

1. In the beginning of the film, it appears to be an ordinary American small town, but where is it? (Between 1:00 and 2:30).        

     The small town appears to be an ordinary American town, but it is in the Soviet Union. 

2. What is the father's (Jerry) attitude toward his responsibilities, such as attending a Parent-Teacher Meeting (PTA) and going to Army Reserve training (6:20)?      

     Jerry feels it is alright not to take control of his responsibilities, such as attending a Parent-Teacher meeting and going to Army Reserve training. He feels that if he doesn't feel like going, he doesn't have to. Because it is his decision whether or not he goes, it doesn't bother him that much not to go, therefore, he makes up excuses to get out of his responsibilities.  

3. According to the film, if all people had the attitude that Jerry has, what is the Red Nightmare? (To answer this question, what does Jerry witness or experience in a Communist America at the: 

• Town Square
• His Daughter's depature (note the soldier is her boyfriend, Bill)
• the PTA
• His job
• His younger children's' education    
• and at the church     

If all people had the attitude that Jerry has, the Red Nightmare would be a spread of Communism throughout the United States where children would volunteer to work for the communists leaving their families behind. You would have no freedom and would be told exactly what to do. People would be brainwashed by the communists to hold communist beliefs and you would have to work for as long as you are told.  

4. What is Jerry's experience like at trial?      

     Jerry is placed at a trail where he pleads innocent yet no believes him. Even worse, they have no evidence  other than reports written by those who are his close friends and family yet accuse him of being guilty. They couldn't even really tell him what he was being accused for. He was not given a chance to prove his innocence as the trail was unfair and in Soviet command.  
 

5. Consider this film in the context of the Red Square Era. If you were a high school student 50 years ago, how would you have reacted to this film in a history class?

    If I were a high school student 50 years ago, I definitely would have felt terrified and worried from this film. The film makes you thank the fact that you live in a place where you are given freedom and the right to make your own decisions. The film would have made me much more cautious about scared of communism if I were living in this time.