Operation Correction: A Rebuttal to Propaganda

"Operation Correction" is a documentary produced by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Northern California in response to the anti-communist propaganda film "Operation Abolition," which was commissioned by the U.S. government. This excerpt specifically addresses the events of the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) hearings held in San Francisco in May 1960.

Historical Context: The HUAC hearings in San Francisco were notoriously contentious, culminating in what was described as a "riot" at City Hall, where police used fire hoses on protesters, many of whom were students opposing the committee's activities. "Operation Abolition" portrayed these events as being orchestrated by communists to disrupt the hearings.
ACLU's Response: In "Operation Correction," the ACLU reuses footage from "Operation Abolition" but overlays it with a new soundtrack providing a narrative that corrects the record. This new audio track explains the context of the protests, emphasizing that they were largely peaceful demonstrations against the HUAC's perceived violation of civil liberties, particularly the rights to free speech and assembly.
Educational Intent: The purpose of "Operation Correction" was to counter the government's narrative by providing an alternative perspective based on facts, eyewitness accounts, and a defense of constitutional rights. It aims to educate viewers on the reality of the situation, highlighting the misuse of propaganda to sway public opinion against civil rights activists and protesters.
Impact and Legacy: This film not only served as a contemporary rebuttal but also as an educational tool that has been used to discuss civil liberties, the First Amendment, and the tactics used in political propaganda. It stands as an important piece of historical documentation regarding the civil rights movements of the 1960s and the broader struggle against McCarthyism and the Red Scare.

This excerpt from "Operation Correction" is a crucial piece for understanding how narratives around civil rights and political activism were shaped and contested during a pivotal time in American history.