Episode 49 – Pop Culture That Depicts a Naive and Dated Fear of Soviet Russia
Richard Manfredi 
Remember back when we spent every waking moment worried that the Soviet Union would invade the United States or decide to launch a nuclear attack since those dirty Commies couldn’t handle being on the same planet with BLAZING AMERICAN FREEDOM? Man, it sure is good that we don’t have to worry about THAT anymore!
We look back at the past – or prepare for the future – by remembering some pieces of pop culture that showed just how frightened or confused we were about the Soviets through the 1980s. So slam some vodka, put on a fuzzy hat and get ready for a pre-Perestroika madness.
And remember: in Russia podcast downloads YOU!
SHOW NOTES
Joint Pick
Ivan Drago, “Rocky IV”
Michael’s Picks
Yakov Smirnoff
“Worker and Parasite” cartoon from “The Simpsons”
Superman: Red Son
- The Soviet Superman: Red Son – Today I Found Out
Richard’s Picks
“Russians” by Sting
- Sting: “Russians” – The Pop History Dig
WWF Wrestler Nikolai Volkoff (or any “Russian” wrestler in the 1980s)
- Where Are They Now? WWF Superstars – Mental Floss
“Ninotchka”
- Ninotchka (1939) – AMC Filmsite
Jeff’s Pick
The Russian Imposter on “Gilligan’s Island”
