ia_2009_c_maddie

=C. Evaluation of Sources (250-400 words) Tips]=

The values of this source can be examined through its origins and purpose. In terms of the values of its origins, the creator of this episode, Oliver Postgate, lived through the cold war showing that his opinion is valid and contributes to the idea of cold war mentalities, ‘unwanted articles littler the orbits of the earth’. The values of the purpose of this source, is that “The Clangers” purpose was to provide entertainment and moral education for children, Postgate gave these children an interpretation of space which they could familiarise with, ‘this small cloud covered planet is our earth’.
 * __Source 1: "The Clangers" series 1 dvd (episode 2: The visitor)__**

The limitations of this source can be explored through its origins and purpose. The limitations of its origins is that Oliver Postgate was an anti-nuclear campaigner which would indicate he was against the cold war. His negative view of the Space Race, ‘expensive rubbish’ is what we would expect to find, thus, the source isn’t completely reliable. In terms of its purpose, it can be seen as to persuade, for younger minds but also for the adults who watched this programme with their children. Judging by Postgate’s views it is again what we expected, thus, we can’t trust it.


 * Source 2: Interview about cold war mentalities**

The values of this source can be seen through its origins and purpose. In terms of its origin, the source is an interview with someone who was born during WWII so they lived through the cold war and the Falklands war. This is indicated as a value because the source can reflect cold war mentalities, ‘didn’t think nuclear war wouldn’t happen’. In terms of purpose the value of the source would be that the view of war not being likely, ‘I still don’t think that Nuclear war will happen though’ goes against what is expected of the source’s left wing beliefs so it can be concluded that their purpose is to inform rather than persuade. The limits of this source, in terms of origins can be seen as the source is British and holds a British point of view. It would have been more useful to interview someone who lived in either the USA or the Russia at the time due to Britain not being a superpower. Secondly, the source was too young to have to participate in the National service (unlike his brother) which would have meant his views could have been slightly different, ‘nuclear weapons were too powerful and were really used as a deterrent’. In terms of purpose, the limits are that judging by their political beliefs on the left wing, would indicate persuasion.