Uncovering the Truth Behind “Oppenheimer” and the High Costs of Atomic Testing

“Oppenheimer”, a film that has made almost $1 billion and has won the prestigious title of Best Picture, has come under fire for glossing over the devastating effects of nuclear bomb testing on real-life individuals. The omission of the long-lasting radiation exposure and subsequent cancer cases endured by generations of New Mexico locals following the July 1945 test has raised concerns about the accuracy and portrayal of historical events in the movie.

Wesley Burris, one of the victims of the atomic testing, shared his experience with TMZ, shedding light on the health repercussions his family faced as a result of the nuclear bomb test. The detonation, which took place when Wesley was just 5 years old, left him and his family grappling with skin cancer, radiation cancer, breast cancer, leukemia, and ultimately, death from cancer. Despite these tragic outcomes, Wesley does not hold any ill will towards the filmmakers or cast of “Oppenheimer”, as he believes they were likely unaware of the true extent of the suffering experienced by the victims.

While Wesley may have forgiven the oversight in the film, Tina Cordova, co-founder of the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium, takes a harsher stance. She emphasizes that the impact of the atomic testing in New Mexico has been intentionally ignored, both in the film and in government compensation programs. Tina’s own family, who lived just 15 miles from the blast, continues to feel the effects of the testing, highlighting the ongoing struggle faced by residents in the area.

As “Oppenheimer” garners praise for its technical and artistic achievements, it is crucial to remember the untold stories of those affected by the atomic testing. Wesley and Tina, along with thousands of others in New Mexico, urge the U.S. government to acknowledge their plight and provide the necessary support and recognition for the sacrifices made in the name of nuclear weapons testing.

Overall, “Oppenheimer” serves as a reminder of the complex and often tragic consequences of scientific advancements and the importance of acknowledging and learning from the past to ensure a better future for all.