Charles Spencer Chaplin was born in London, England, on April 16th, 1889. His father was a multitalented vocalist and actor; and his mother, known under the stage name of Lily Harley, was a stunning actress and singer, who gained a reputation for her work in the light opera field. Charlie was left on his own resources before he reached the age of 10 as the early death of his father and the following mental illness of his mother made it necessary for Charlie and his brother, Sydney, to cope with life for themselves. Having inherited unique talents from their parents, the youngsters took to the stage as the best opportunity to start a career. Charlie made his professional debut as a member of a juvenile group called “The Eight Lancashire Lads” and quickly won popularity as an exceptional tap dancer.
Chaplin was determined to make it in show business himself, and in 1897, using his mother's contacts landed with a clog-dancing troupe named the Eight Lancashire Lads. It was a short stint, and not a terribly profitable one, forcing the go-getter Chaplin to make ends meet any way he could. Chaplin made his acting debut as a pageboy in a production of Sherlock Holmes. From there he toured with a vaudeville outfit named Casey's Court Circus and in 1908 teamed up with the Fred Karno pantomime troupe, where Chaplin became one of its stars as the Drunk in the comedic sketch A Night in an English Music Hall. Consecutively, he started to grow his career through films such as The Kid (1921), The Gold Rush (1925), The Circus (1928), The Great Dictator (1940), Monsieur Verdoux (1947) and etc.
According to the McCarthy role-play simulation hearings, the experience was absolutely remarkable and it was definitely a lifetime opportunity. The moment when I was called in for the interrogation, it felt as if the world fell on me. Clenched fists. Eyes shut. The adrenaline flew over my veins like a carp through the river but still couldn’t move a single muscle. The absolute horror completely paralyzed me, and the more I thought about the escape plan, or simply moving a bit, the more I felt discouraged and utterly horrified. Curiosity was the main idea that came to mind. Wanting to know more about the whole concept of communism during the cold war among Americans. Digging out whatever was necessary to defend myself which includes Charlie’s achievements and films.
Previously, I was accused of both directing and producing Monsieur Verdoux (1947) which involves the idea of supporting communism. Charlie was also found to have Basically, the film criticizes capitalism and encourages mass killing through war. Therefore, I did not know how to refute the key point and instead I contradicted my own point by explaining further on “criticizing communism”. I should’ve went on arguing about the purpose of such films was ultimately to make profits out of it. Another key point was also brought on was Charlie’s appearances at the communist fronts such as the National Council for American-Soviet Friendship and the Russian War Relief. Regarding this point, I would’ve convinced everyone the fact that my production house was financially supported by Communist Party. Thus, in order to avoid causing a conflict between the ties with the Communist Party, Charlie had no choice but to just be present at those communist fronts as a token of appreciation. Without the communist party, huge movies would not have been produced at the very end. Charlie will not have earned the Academy Honorary Award, New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actor, Academy Award for Best Original Music Score and the countless number of achievements. All these wouldn’t have been possible to take place.
Besides, I have also applied the state of being a blur and indecisive when the interrogation took place. Thus, McCarthy & the committee chairs may assume that it’s normal for any accused to be restless and irritated. In the meantime, I have practiced self-soothing by inhaling slowly. Bringing a friendly mindfulness toward the sensations in my body that are getting activated. Tried to hang on to the feelings gently and casually. Speaking every word slowly while flipping my notes recorded in a book to track down convincing points by any means necessary. I even took it easy as I know myself better than anyone else does. Those were mainly the techniques which I think it’s useful yet effective to gain justice out of the false accusations.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t a success as I seldom enter debates. I was disappointed at first after being blamed for becoming a communist. This is because I did numerous amount of research but didn’t understand how to exploit the resources that are already in my hands. Therefore, being falsely accused of being communist. There is also a lack of debating training. In my opinion, I personally think the lecturer, Dr. Kit should teach us the correct techniques of debating.
Personally, I should have considered joining the Model United Nation (MUN) more often to learn the proper and effective techniques of debating. Model United Nations (MUN) is an academic simulation which includes its rules, procedures, and workflow between international delegations, Executive Board and International Press while incorporating qualified, upper-crust parliamentary debaters from various academic backgrounds, undergraduate or even postgraduate. Furthermore, MUN has indirectly taught the participants to write, debate an argument, as well as to speak in public. As for those benefits, this may help to harnesses my knowledge of US History to its fullest potential.
In addition, I should consult a lawyer (proper key points to defend) in advance prior to the McCarthy role-play simulation hearings. In this way, I may be able to find more suitable evidence to dispute against McCarthy’s false accusations. Incorporating the expected counters and evidence that may might most likely to happen. It all starts with a solid foundation of preparation. “He who fails to plan is planning to fail” – Sir Winston Churchill.
In conclusion, I definitely learned to argue logically with a valid reason. To have sufficient evidence to back up my points. Making notes of the important key points to focus on. Highlight and underline keywords which are very persuasive thus, the chances of missing out the crucial factors are minimal. In this way, one can stand strong on the key points and not be easily influenced by McCarthy’s false accusations. In addition, I feel that there should be an assistant to act as a paralegal to help defend the accused. At least the accused may gain some confidence to work smarter in the future if he or she encounters such debates. However, the main objectives of this role-play simulation are still to explore and experience the paranoia of the Cold War among Americans. Ultimately, I would have to thank you, Dr Kit, for putting this effort into arranging the role-play simulation, probably cracking your head and having sleepless nights beforehand. As a student, this is definitely an opportunity for me to realize my strength and weaknesses studying US History II.