Not only does Dick’s story reference nuclear warfare, it also sheds some light on its potential negative effects to our population and planet. Many citizens during the 1950’s did not understand the hazards nuclear warfare could cause. This is in part due to a lack of research and medical technology during the time period, but also because of the government’s attempt to cover up nuclear radiation’s adverse affects. America’s use of nuclear weapons was direly important to the containment of Russian communism and nuclear warfare, therefore the U.S. government simply could not afford to have the general public in opposition to the increased weapons production.
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Although not everyone was oblivious to the harsh reality, and amongst those citizens who recognized the downfalls of radiation early on was author Philip K. Dick. He first alludes to this point within the story by discussing the affects radiation has on humans. When Nasha asks the captain what he thinks about the nuclear radiation spotted on the planet he responds, "Bad. No life could possibly exist (Dick)."
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During the Cold War prior to 1963, Russia, the United States and other countries were responsible for close to 500 trials of nuclear bombs and warheads. During these trials, contaminated gases and particles were dispersed throughout the Earth’s atmosphere.
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When humans are exposed to this radiation, it has been found to cause an increased risk of cancer, negatively affect reproduction, increase birth defects and cause sickness to the immune system. While the factual recognition of nuclear radiation’s harmfulness was not realized until some years after the release of The Gun, Dick assumptions of the technologies’ potential danger proves his insightfulness and its influence on his writing. (The Costs) (Radioactive) (Cantwell)
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