‘Reconstruction’ of US Cultural Development within the Soviet Press during the ‘Thaw’ Period

Abstract

The authors reveal the peculiarities of the Soviet press coverage of the issues related to culture and education in the United States during the “Thaw” period. Both qualitative and quantitative analysis of the domestic press materials of the period under review showed that the rhetoric used in relation to the US cultural development share many similarities with post-war rhetoric. In their opinion, this fact is explained by the ideological confrontation of the two systems, between - the “American dream” and the “Soviet way of life,” which excluded the possibility of peaceful coexistence. The materials on the culture issue were intended, on the one hand, to demonstrate the rapid decline of art and education in the United States, and, on the other hand, the impossibility of cooperation in that area. The authors also demonstrate that the positive aspects of American art were simultaneously sharply criticized. However, despite the continuity, the press of the “thaw” period had a number of unique features. It was distinguished by greater objectivity as well as reasoning, and on reliance of facts. In addition, presented information became more meaningful and was accompanied by photographic materials. The press published statements by American politicians, public figures and ordinary Americans, which made the publications more interesting for the reader.

Keywords

• agitprop
• anti-american propaganda
• cold war
• post-war periodicals 1956-1964
• soviet-american relations
• nikita khrushchev