Final answer:
Politics played a significant role in 1940s Hollywood, with films promoting American values during World War II and the HUAC leading to the Hollywood blacklist. Today's Hollywood is influenced by modern issues of diversity and representation, and politics are often discussed openly through social media.
Step-by-step explanation:
The influence of politics in 1940s Hollywood was significant, largely due to the backdrop of World War II and the onset of the Cold War. During the 1940s, there was a close intertwining of Hollywood cinema with war propaganda. The government utilized films to promote American values and the war effort, leading to a surge in patriotic themes.
Following the war, the political landscape shifted, and the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) began investigations into Hollywood, suspecting that the film industry was a hotbed for Communist sympathizers. This led to the infamous Hollywood blacklist, where many in the industry were barred from work based on their alleged political beliefs or associations.
Comparatively, the influence of politics on Hollywood today, while still present, is different in nature. Modern issues such as diversity, representation, and political correctness play a large role, with both filmmakers and audiences being more vocal about their political and social views.
Moreover, the rise of social media has amplified the ability of Hollywood personalities to influence political opinions. While Hollywood continues to reflect and shape societal values, the explicit nature of political coercion and control seen in the 1940s is generally not present in today's industry.