In the Clutches of Fear
A Journey into the American Reality
A show by Egon Koch
The changes that were much implored on September 11 did not occur, neither in terms of world policies nor in the U.S. itself. The Bush Administration still tries to solve problems with force. Domestically, the Administration instituted an anti-terror program that brings with it massive infringements on civil liberties. In terms of foreign policy, the Bush doctrine is — since the beginning of the war in Iraq — the pre-emptive strike, even without a UN mandate.
Such a position of using force has its roots in the history of the U.S. Ever since they settled the big country, the Anglos, marked by a deep-seated Puritanism, have strived for wealth—and the use of force has always gone hand in hand.
Two-and-a-half years after the terror attacks, a hint of dictatorship wafts across the U.S. The "Land of the Free" is in danger of becoming a police state. The population’s everyday life is governed by fear anyhow—fear of violence, of weapons, of failure, of poverty, of African Americans. Racism still is the largest problem in the U.S. Fleeing reality and consuming more and more serve as a means to deal with this fear. Basically, everything in the U.S. revolves around money.
By examining the various aspects of the phenomenon "fear," the author gives us an insight into the only remaining superpower in the world.
Directed by: Egon Koch
The German version was produced by: Saarländischer Rundfunk Saarbrücken, 2004
The German version was aired on: Saturday, Feb. 7, 2004, 09:04 – 10.00 AM, SR 2 Kultur Radio
Sunday, Aug. 29, 11.05 – 12.00 AM and Monday, Aug. 30. 2004, 8.05 – 9.00 PM, WDR 5
Friday, Oct. 22. 2004, 8.00 – 9.00 PM and Sunday, Okt. 24. 2004, 3.00 – 4.00 PM, DRS 2
Piece Description
In the Clutches of Fear A Journey into the American Reality A show by Egon Koch The changes that were much implored on September 11 did not occur, neither in terms of world policies nor in the U.S. itself. The Bush Administration still tries to solve problems with force. Domestically, the Administration instituted an anti-terror program that brings with it massive infringements on civil liberties. In terms of foreign policy, the Bush doctrine is — since the beginning of the war in Iraq — the pre-emptive strike, even without a UN mandate. Such a position of using force has its roots in the history of the U.S. Ever since they settled the big country, the Anglos, marked by a deep-seated Puritanism, have strived for wealth—and the use of force has always gone hand in hand. Two-and-a-half years after the terror attacks, a hint of dictatorship wafts across the U.S. The "Land of the Free" is in danger of becoming a police state. The population’s everyday life is governed by fear anyhow—fear of violence, of weapons, of failure, of poverty, of African Americans. Racism still is the largest problem in the U.S. Fleeing reality and consuming more and more serve as a means to deal with this fear. Basically, everything in the U.S. revolves around money. By examining the various aspects of the phenomenon "fear," the author gives us an insight into the only remaining superpower in the world. Directed by: Egon Koch The German version was produced by: Saarländischer Rundfunk Saarbrücken, 2004 The German version was aired on: Saturday, Feb. 7, 2004, 09:04 – 10.00 AM, SR 2 Kultur Radio Sunday, Aug. 29, 11.05 – 12.00 AM and Monday, Aug. 30. 2004, 8.05 – 9.00 PM, WDR 5 Friday, Oct. 22. 2004, 8.00 – 9.00 PM and Sunday, Okt. 24. 2004, 3.00 – 4.00 PM, DRS 2
2 Comments
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Review of In the Clutches of Fear - A Journey into the American RealitI enjoyed listening to the different observations and reflections of the mostly male voices in this piece. Of course, I happen to agree with much of what’s being said about America’s country’s warring, controlling nature, including the culture’s insatiable need to consume and then some. Thoughtful quotes from Norman Mailer, Mark Hertsgaard and Allen Ginsberg frame a series of voices, some of color, whose interesting insights and reactions provide food for thought, especially if you see the world differently than the speakers in this piece. Fear is always worth examining since it’s at the heart of so many of our actions, and this is indeed a nuanced journey into the topic. That there’s no attempt at balance is somewhat of a relief given the narrowing definition of what it means to be patriotic these days. This would be perfect Sunday or evening programming. |
Broadcast History
The German version was produced by: Saarländischer Rundfunk Saarbrücken, 2004
The German version was aired on: Saturday, Feb. 7, 2004, 09:04 – 10.00 AM, SR 2 Kultur Radio
Sunday, Aug. 29, 11.05 – 12.00 AM and Monday, Aug. 30. 2004, 8.05 – 9.00 PM, WDR 5
Friday, Oct. 22. 2004, 8.00 – 9.00 PM and Sunday, Okt. 24. 2004, 3.00 – 4.00 PM, DRS 2
Transcript
In the Clutches of Fear
A Journey into the American Reality
A Show
by
Egon Koch
Translation
Birgit Buss
Cast
Narrator
Commentator
Duration: 55 minutes
Production:
German Version
Saarländischer Rundfunk, 2004
English Version
Tonkopf, Hamburg, 2004
2
Music 1: Jimi Hendrix – Star-Spangled Banner (0´20´´)
(LP “Live at Woodstock” From the beginning to 44 seconds)
O-sound 1: Raymond Federman (English with a French accent)
America was invented by Walt Disney, because people make no distinction. (…) The movie was so much better then the real thing. This sums up America. (0´36´´)
Announcement:
In the Clutches of Fear
A Journey into the American Reality
A Show by Egon Koch
Atmo 1: car traffic, train whistle (0´10´´)
Cars driving by, several train whistles, cars driving by, one train
whistle, cars driving by ... (Total Duration: 4´15´´)
Directions: Atmo 1 under...
Read the full transcript
Musical Works
Music 1: Jimi Hendrix – Star-Spangled Banner (0´20´´)
(LP “Live at Woodstock” From the beginning to 44 seconds)
Music 2: Jimi Hendrix – Star-Spangled Banner (0´20´´)
(LP “Corner Stones” from 9 seconds to 55 seconds)
Music 3: Navajo Clarence Clearwater – Honour Song with Amazing Grace (Total Duration: 5´49´´)
Music 4: Wu-Tang Clan – The W (Rap Music) (0´25´´)
Music 5: Jimi Hendrix – Star Spangled Banner (0´15´´)
(LP “Live in Woodstock”; from 1´46´´ to 2´20´´)
Music 6: Jimi Hendrix – Star Spangled Banner (0´10´´)
(LP “Live in Woodstock”; from 3´10´´ to the End)
Additional Files
- Interview Bill Cherry (InterviewBillCherry.doc)
- Interview David Edwards (InterviewDavidEdwards.doc)
- Gun Ownership (Arizona7071.jpg)
- Savage (Savage.jpg)





Ron Ray
Posted on September 18, 2007 at 09:23 AM | Permalink
Review of In the Clutches of Fear - A Journey into the American Reality
This report, like so many others lately, take advantage of America's hard times to slander and try to degrade the true American experience.
I say to these people and all who feel that America is such a "terrible place".... Go to another country and live there!
We don't need anybody here that doesn't agree with freedom and patriotism. We don't need anyone that slanders our great country, only to take advantage of its opportunities!
Have you ever noticed how the slime of humanity hurries to kick the ones that fall?... Spit on the needy, while praising the dictators? ... Well, that's what THIS is about.... UNGRATEFUL POLITICAL BASHING!