This Fresh Air interview with Clay Risen discusses his book, "Red Scare, Blacklists, McCarthyism, and the Making of Modern America," exploring the post-WWII anti-communist fervor in the US. The conversation analyzes the cultural and political factors fueling this period, including the backlash against the New Deal and the Cold War's impact. Risen details the loyalty oaths, Hollywood blacklists, and McCarthy's tactics, highlighting the chilling effect on free speech and government service. The interview draws parallels between the Red Scare and contemporary political dynamics, noting the persistence of conspiratorial thinking and the use of accusations to silence dissent. A key example is the creation of the informal Hollywood blacklist through publications like "Red Channels," which targeted individuals based on flimsy evidence.
