Being a spy

Please watch this video about the disguises that spies used during the Cold War. Write a response answering the following questions:

1. Were you surprised by any of the techniques or stories Jonna Mendez mentions in the video?
2. Do you think you would be a good spy? Why or why not?

Being a spy might seem like a modern and fancy job, because we’ve seen many James Bond movies. For example, the spy can disappear into his disguises among a group of people, and get rid of his enemies easily. However, I am not surprised by the techniques that were shown in the video, such as wearing a costume or a mask. In fact, spies have existed along with human history. For example, in the past, when soldiers were being sent to enemy countries, they would pretend to be someone unremarkable like a farmer or business person. They would collect information and send it back to their homeland via secret channels.

I don’t think I would be a good spy. Because just/only wearing a costume or a mask will not make you a successful spy. It requires not only sophisticated technique and dedicated training, but also profound knowledge to act and behave like someone else. In addition, spies are patriotic, and they are always prepared to die for their countries. They would sacrifice themselves by swallowing a cyanide pill once they had been caught. Also, they must suffer enormous pressure when they’re sent to an isolated place. They have to keep their secret, because they would never know who their friends are as an undercover agent.