7 chapters across the catalog
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Nuclear Warfare and Psychological Operations
During an interview with Lex Fridman, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. discussed the "duck and cover" drills of the 1950s and 60s. Kennedy claimed his father, Robert F. Kennedy, viewed the drills as a psychological operation designed to make the American public accept the possibility of nuclear war rather than a legitimate safety measure.
Duck and Cover Generation, Cold War Indoctrination
Reflecting on childhood during the Cold War, the hosts compare modern climate anxiety to the "duck and cover" drills of the 1950s and 60s. They describe the era of fallout shelters and the psychological impact of the thermonuclear threat, noting that past generations seemed less genuinely traumatized than today's youth.
The show concludes with a discussion of Hawaii's new preparedness plan for a potential North Korean missile strike, which includes "sheltering in place." The hosts play vintage "Duck and Cover" audio, characterizing the modern warnings as a form of state-sponsored terrorism designed to keep the public in a state of fear.
A discussion of the Showtime series "Masters of Sex" leads to a comparison between 1950s "duck and cover" civil defense drills and modern school shooting protocols. The hosts argue that these drills serve to terrorize and train the population in obedience, utilizing crisis actors and emergency power simulations.
A host reflects on Cold War "duck and cover" drills and the narrative that the U.S. had to be aggressive to prevent Russian bullying. The discussion posits that the U.S. has since become the world-class bully it once feared. This shift toward permanent militarism is described as a byproduct of the post-World War II era.
The Great Southeast Shakeout earthquake drill took place across California on October 18, 2012, involving millions of participants from schools and corporations like Walmart and Bank of America. The safety procedure "drop, cover, and hold on" is compared to the 1951 "Duck and Cover" civil defense film featuring Bert the Turtle. Skepticism is expressed regarding the effectiveness of these drills during major seismic events.
FEMA for Kids, Disaster Preparedness Games
The FEMA for Kids website is analyzed for its use of games and cartoons to teach children about disasters. The hosts compare these modern efforts to the "duck and cover" drills of the 1950s, suggesting they serve to make the public more docile. The site features characters like Herman the Hermit Crab to explain complex safety concepts to a young audience.
