What Was It Like Growing Up in the United States During the Cold War?

Summary

This video script reflects on the Cold War era, vividly recounting the fears and tensions of growing up during that time. The speaker shares memories of nuclear drills, bomb shelters, and the pervasive fear of the Soviet Union, portraying them as an enemy to be feared and hated. The speaker discusses the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam War, and the experiences of their military family members, particularly their brother's service in Vietnam. The script also touches on the military's role in the Cold War, including practicing for war with the Soviets, and the lingering concerns about nuclear weapons and international conflict today.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker's childhood memories are filled with fear of nuclear war and a deep distrust of Russians, who were perceived as enemies during the Cold War.
• 😀 Schools conducted tornado drills and nuclear drills, with children instructed to hide under desks to protect themselves from nuclear explosions.
• 😀 During the Cuban Missile Crisis, people panicked and stockpiled canned goods, reflecting the widespread fear of a nuclear war.
• 😀 The speaker recalls the belief that Russians were not seen as people, but as enemies, and that mutual hatred existed between the United States and the Soviet Union.
• 😀 Some people built storm shelters and bunkers in fear of a nuclear fallout, preparing to survive underground for months or even years.
• 😀 The speaker experienced visits to bomb shelters during school trips, where they were shown how to survive a nuclear war and provided with emergency rations.
• 😀 Propaganda heavily influenced perceptions of the Soviet Union and China, particularly during the Vietnam War when China supported North Vietnam.
• 😀 The speaker's brother served in Vietnam and was awarded several medals for bravery, including the Purple Heart, after being wounded in action.
• 😀 The family lived in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba from 1963 to 1967, where they participated in regular evacuation drills in case of a nuclear threat.
• 😀 In the 1980s, the speaker joined the Air Force during the Reagan era, with a focus on preparing for potential conflicts with the Soviet Union.
• 😀 The speaker reflects on the dangerous legacy of the Cold War, with concerns about the proliferation of small tactical nuclear weapons and the risk of them falling into the hands of terrorists.

Q & A

What was the general perception of the Russians during the speaker's childhood?

The speaker recalls that as a child, Russians were viewed as 'bad people' and were often feared as potential enemies who might start a nuclear war. There was a widespread fear of them, fueled by Cold War tensions.

What kind of drills did the speaker's school conduct to prepare for potential nuclear war?

The speaker mentions participating in drills where students were instructed to hide under their desks and cover their heads, which was meant to prepare them for the possibility of a nuclear explosion.

How did people in the speaker's hometown react during the Cuban Missile Crisis?

During the Cuban Missile Crisis, the speaker recalls that people panicked, rushing to grocery stores to buy up goods, particularly canned goods, due to the fear of impending war.

What was the atmosphere in the speaker's community regarding the threat of nuclear fallout?

There was a strong fear of nuclear fallout, with some people building underground shelters in case of war. The speaker recalls visiting bomb shelters during field trips, where they were given rations and told what to do in the event of a nuclear war.

How did propaganda influence the speaker's view of the Russians?

From an early age, the speaker was exposed to propaganda that portrayed the Russians (and later the Chinese) as the enemy. This constant negative portrayal contributed to the speaker’s perception of Russians as hostile and dangerous.

How did the speaker's understanding of world conflicts evolve over time?

The speaker notes that they went from being scared as a child to eventually understanding the global situation more rationally, with a better grasp of world conflicts and the political dynamics behind them.

What role did the speaker's brother play in the Vietnam War?

The speaker’s brother served in the military during the Vietnam War and saw significant action. He was awarded multiple Bronze Stars for valor and leadership and received a Purple Heart for his injuries during combat.

What was the speaker's experience in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba?

The speaker's family was stationed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, from 1963 to 1967. During this time, the speaker recalls practicing evacuations monthly, with his mother keeping a packed trunk ready in case of emergency.

How did the speaker's military experience in the 1980s differ from earlier Cold War tensions?

In the 1980s, during the Reagan era, the speaker served in the Air Force, and the focus was on preparing for potential war with the Soviets. The speaker notes that, while there was significant military buildup and preparation, the actual threat seemed less imminent once they understood the limitations of Soviet equipment.

What concerns does the speaker have regarding nuclear weapons and non-state actors?

The speaker expresses concern about the potential for smaller tactical nuclear weapons, which could fall into the hands of non-state actors or terrorists. These weapons, which could be as powerful as the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, pose a significant threat to global security.