Final answer:
Arnold's question about what to do in the event of nuclear war is driven by fear of the unknown consequences. This reflects the broader public's fear during the 1950s, with governments distributing survival guides to prepare citizens and reduce panic while subtly acknowledging the potential severity of a nuclear event.
Step-by-step explanation:
Arnold asks, "What do you do when the world has declared nuclear war on you?" on page 32 likely due to fear of the unknown consequences of such a war. During the 1950s, the threat of nuclear war was a significant concern, and governments took steps to educate their citizens on survival strategies, including publishing pamphlets like "A Guide for Surviving Nuclear War." These efforts to prepare the public could lead to increased anxiety about the future, economic uncertainty, and a decrease in savings due to fear of imminent disaster. The creation of educational materials and films, such as the one depicting how to "Duck and Cover," conveyed a message that a nuclear attack could potentially be survivable, which might have been an attempt to mitigate panic and provide a semblance of control to the public. Furthermore, the discussion of topics such as mutual assured destruction and the publication of safety pamphlets raises questions about the effectiveness of such strategies and their impact on the psyche of a nation under the specter of nuclear conflict.