A Decade Of Fear Analysis

Sam Roberts, a correspondent for the New York Times, author of A Decade of Fear, published on March 15, 2010, addresses the topic of McCarthyism by providing his audience with the effects McCarthyism had on Americans and explanations of how it was viewed by different kinds of people. Roberts supported his article with direct quotes from influential people during that time period and facts explaining, in great detail, how McCarthyism led to the distrust between Americans.
Sam Roberts described how McCarthy led through the fear he acquired from his followers. At first, he received no recognition for speeches he had given before he went over the topic of the State Department being infested with Communists. Roberts quoted one of McCarthy’s claims
Many Hollywood actors, directors, and producers were asked to provide the House Un-American Activities Committee with names of people tied to the Communist Party. Some who didn’t cooperate, were blacklisted, and therefore were unable to work for a long period of time. Some of those who didn’t cooperate with the investigating committees or were accused of being Communists and for that reason, persecuted, were: Arthur Miller, Charlie Chaplin, Paul Robeson, and many other hundreds of people. Many people who did fall into McCarthy’s trap would accuse innocent people of being Communists, in order to save themselves from any possible feelings of prejudice from others. Although McCarthy gained many followers whom he led as a “witch hunter” and not through integrity, he also had others view him as someone who caused alarm with his popularity and accusations. Edward R. Murrow said “The actions of junior Senator from Wisconsin have caused alarm and dismay amongst our allies abroad, and given comfort to our enemies”. Joseph McCarthy did not only have an effect on Americans but also to America's enemies. McCarthy turned Americans against each other through McCarthyism and caused many to have drastic changes in their lifestyle, just as a means of gaining popularity from people. Several Americans didn’t have trust for anyone, other than McCarthy, the one who should’ve not