All Of It: What The Red Scare Can Teach Us Today

Podcast Information:

• Title: All Of It
• Host: Alison Stewart
• Producer: WNYC
• Episode: What The Red Scare Can Teach Us Today
• Release Date: July 11, 2025
• Description: A deep dive into the cultural and historical impacts of the Red Scare, exploring its lessons for contemporary society.

Introduction

In the episode titled "What The Red Scare Can Teach Us Today," Alison Stewart delves into a pivotal moment in American history—the Red Scare of the late 1940s and 1950s—and examines its enduring lessons for today's political and cultural climate. Joining her is Ann Lessy, the curator of historic exhibitions at the New York Historical (formerly the New York Historical Society), who provides expert insights into the events and their ramifications.

Setting the Scene: An American Story [00:31 - 01:34]

Alison Stewart introduces the centerpiece of the episode: an exhibit titled An American Story at the New York Historical. This exhibit showcases how the American government targeted Hollywood in 1947, accusing prominent figures in the film industry of communist sympathies.

"The exhibit makes the point that what was in the past is not always over. And it asks, what does this time teach us about today? And what warning should we heed?" [00:31]

The exhibition features a variety of artifacts, including photographs, objects, paintings, and films, illustrating the pervasive influence of the FBI in monitoring and censoring perceived communist propaganda in Hollywood.

Historical Context: The Origins of HUAC [01:35 - 03:33]

Ann Lessy provides a historical backdrop, tracing the origins of the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC). Initially formed before World War II to investigate supposed communist infiltration in various sectors, HUAC's focus intensified post-war, particularly targeting the Federal Theater Project.

"Many who had been so involved in that patriotic effort suddenly found themselves scrutinized for their personal political beliefs and associations." [01:53]

The Red Scare was fueled by the economic turmoil of the Great Depression and the subsequent search for scapegoats, leading to heightened fears of communist influence in American institutions.

Mechanics of the Red Scare: HUAC’s Operations [03:33 - 07:53]

The discussion shifts to how HUAC operated during the Red Scare. Ann Lessy explains that HUAC claimed to uncover communist propaganda in Hollywood but largely focused on probing individuals' political affiliations without substantive evidence.

"There was never really any evidence presented of, you know, subversive messages embedded within Hollywood films." [03:39]

HUAC leveraged the burgeoning Cold War tensions and public fears of Soviet expansion to justify their invasive investigations. The committee's approach was less about factual evidence and more about political maneuvering and reasserting conservative values.

"It was a contest between who was being the patriotic American." [04:48]

Impact on the Film Industry: The Hollywood 10 [07:10 - 10:38]

One of the most significant impacts of HUAC's actions was the blacklisting of industry professionals, notably the Hollywood 10—a group of screenwriters and a director who resisted answering HUAC's probing questions about their political affiliations. Ann Lessy details their courageous stand and the subsequent fallout.

"They were held in contempt of Congress. They made appeals through the judicial system... their conviction was upheld and they were sentenced to up to one year in prison." [09:58]

The Hollywood 10 became symbolic figures representing the fight against governmental overreach and the suppression of free speech. Their refusal to comply led to widespread repercussions, including loss of employment and public reputation.

The Mechanics of Blacklisting: How HUAC Operated [10:36 - 13:44]

Explaining the process of blacklisting, Ann Lessy describes how HUAC utilized subpoenas and leveraged other organizations, such as the American Legion and publications like Red Channels, to compile lists of alleged communist sympathizers. These blacklists were not limited to Hollywood but affected various sectors, including labor unions and civil rights organizations.

"You got a subpoena from Congress... there's such an uneven platform." [07:17]

The pervasive fear of being labeled a communist led to self-censorship and a stifling of progressive and liberal movements across the country.

Consequences for Artistic Expression [11:22 - 15:20]

The blacklist had a chilling effect on the types of stories and themes explored in Hollywood films. Ann Lessy notes that social dramas addressing issues like anti-Semitism and veterans' struggles were discouraged as they were deemed unpatriotic.

"There was a real discouragement against social dramas that explored social problems." [11:57]

A poignant example is "Roman Holiday," written by Dalton Trumbo, one of the Hollywood 10. Due to blacklisting, Trumbo had to write under a pseudonym, preventing him from receiving credit and fair compensation for his work until decades later.

"And it really took a campaign decades later. So four decades after the release of the film, he was finally recognized as the writer." [15:20]

Broadway vs. Hollywood: Divergent Paths [15:41 - 17:10]

Interestingly, unlike Hollywood, Broadway and the New York theater scene did not adopt a formal blacklist. Ann Lessy attributes this to the theater's smaller scale and lack of corporate sponsorships, which rendered it less of a target for HUAC.

"It seemed as if in the Post World War II era, the government was less interested in theater because it wasn't a mass entertainment." [15:54]

Broadway became a refuge for artists who fled Hollywood, allowing for continued creative expression and social commentary despite the oppressive climate.

The Decline of the Blacklist and Long-Term Effects [17:10 - 19:43]

The blacklist began to lose its grip in the 1960s, highlighted by the release of "Spartacus" in 1960, where actor Kirk Douglas insisted that Dalton Trumbo receive writing credit. This and other similar actions signaled the start of the downfall of blacklisting practices.

"You saw over the course of the 1960s, some being able to return to the entertainment industry." [17:16]

However, the damage inflicted on many lives and careers during the Red Scare was irreparable, with some individuals never regaining their former status.

Contemporary Reflections and Lessons [20:52 - 22:15]

Connecting past to present, the conversation shifts to the relevance of the Red Scare in today's political discourse, where accusations of communist or socialist sympathies are still used as political tools.

"When you hear politicians, any politician, calling people communists today, what does that bring up for you as a historian?" [21:01]

Ann Lessy emphasizes the importance of safeguarding democratic values, free speech, and protecting individuals from being ostracized for their beliefs.

"It is so important to engage in critical thinking about what. How do we treat political dissent?" [22:15]

Exhibit Highlights: Artifacts Illuminating History [19:43 - 21:44]

Ann Lessy highlights key artifacts from the An American Story exhibit, including a 1947 pamphlet titled Thought Police that visually represents the concept of "policing thought." Another significant artifact is Lauren Bacall's costume from "How to Marry a Millionaire," symbolizing the personal sacrifices artists made during the blacklist era.

"It shows police officers who are covering ears, eyes and mouth of individuals. And I think that really captures that idea of policing thought." [22:50]

Conclusion: Enduring Impact and Unresolved Issues [23:17 - 24:24]

As the episode concludes, Alison Stewart reiterates the importance of understanding the Red Scare's legacy to navigate current and future challenges in protecting civil liberties and fostering a healthy democratic society.

"We see how quickly the ground shifted and potential allies felt they had to retreat and retract." [20:52]

Ann Lessy underscores that while the blacklist has faded, its lessons remain pertinent, urging contemporary society to remain vigilant against similar forms of persecution and censorship.

Key Takeaways

• Historical Significance: The Red Scare was not only a political episode but also a profound cultural movement that reshaped American society and its institutions.

• Impact on Arts: The targeting of Hollywood and the subsequent blacklist had lasting effects on artistic expression, censorship, and the careers of countless individuals.

• Lessons for Today: The episode underscores the importance of protecting democratic freedoms, fostering open dialogue, and resisting the temptation to label dissenting voices for political gain.

Notable Quote Highlights:

• "Some believe that it was an opportunity to elevate themselves as politicians." – Ann Lessy [04:08]
• "It was a contest between who was being the patriotic American." – Ann Lessy [04:48]
• "You had to work in secret and forego any recognition of your work." – Ann Lessy [15:20]
• "It is so important to engage in critical thinking about what. How do we treat political dissent?" – Ann Lessy [22:15]

For those interested in exploring this pivotal chapter of American history, the An American Story exhibit remains on display at the New York Historical through October 19th, offering a comprehensive look into the Red Scare's pervasive influence on culture and society.