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'How Superman Defeated the Ku Klux Klan' on AHC
Posted on 7/30/15 at 10:11 pm
Posted on 7/30/15 at 10:11 pm
quote:
In the 1940s, The Adventures of Superman was a radio sensation. Kids across the country huddled around their sets as the Man of Steel leapt off the page and over the airwaves. Although Superman had been fighting crime in print since 1938, the weekly audio episodes fleshed out his storyline even further. It was on the radio that Superman first faced kryptonite, met Daily Planet reporter Jimmy Olsen, and became associated with "truth, justice, and the American way." So, it's no wonder that when a young writer and activist named Stetson Kennedy decided to expose the secrets of the Ku Klux Klan, he looked to a certain superhero for inspiration.
In the post-World War II era, the Klan experienced a huge resurgence. Its membership was skyrocketing, and its political influence was increasing, so Kennedy went undercover to infiltrate the group. By regularly attending meetings, he became privy to the organization's secrets. But when he took the information to local authorities, they had little interest in using it. The Klan had become so powerful and intimidating that police were hesitant to build a case against them.
Struggling to make use of his findings, Kennedy approached the writers of the Superman radio serial. It was perfect timing. With the war over and the Nazis no longer a threat, the producers were looking for a new villain for Superman to fight. The KKK was a great fit for the role.
In a 16-episode series titled "Clan of the Fiery Cross," the writers pitted the Man of Steel against the men in white hoods.
As the storyline progressed, the shows exposed many of the KKK's most guarded secrets. By revealing everything from code words to rituals, the program completely stripped the Klan of its mystique. Within two weeks of the broadcast, KKK recruitment was down to zero. And by 1948, people were showing up to Klan rallies just to mock them.
Video from AHC
mental_floss article
Anyone heard this story before?
This post was edited on 7/30/15 at 10:17 pm
Posted on 7/30/15 at 10:23 pm to chinese58
Watched that program recently and thought it was very interesting. I had never heard the story before either.
Posted on 7/30/15 at 10:38 pm to BamaSaint
Me either. Saw a couple of minutes of it halfway in and set the DVR to record it when it shows again at 1:00 am tonight. Next time it airs after that is on 8/09 at 11:00 am.
Posted on 7/31/15 at 1:24 am to chinese58
This American Life did a show on it ten or fifteen years ago. You can still find it on their website.
Posted on 7/31/15 at 6:46 am to chinese58
quote:
By revealing everything from code words to rituals, the program completely stripped the Klan of its mystique. Within two weeks of the broadcast, KKK recruitment was down to zero. And by 1948, people were showing up to Klan rallies just to mock them.
Posted on 7/31/15 at 7:55 am to chinese58
Batman exposed NAMBLA when he took on Robin as a ward in the comics.
Posted on 7/31/15 at 8:34 am to chinese58
I remember seeing this on Drunk History.
Posted on 7/31/15 at 9:01 am to itawambadog
The radio show portrayed the KKK as a money grab. The "hate" was a front to fleece members for dues and fees.
The segment from This American Life from 2005 is available for listening HERE.
quote:
The climax of the four weeks of Superman broadcasts comes in this scene that is pure poetic license on the part of the Superman writers. Basically, the racist uncle in the story evades capture by Superman and seeks refuge with the imperial head of the clan, who-- in this radio world Ku Klux Klan-- sees the Clan only as a money-making scheme, nothing more-- just a way to get suckers to pay dues and buy robes.
Segret Wilson
Come now, Riggs. Is it possible that you really believe all that stuff about getting rid of the foreigners? That "one race, one religion, one color" hokum?
Matt Riggs
Hokum? Why, it's the absolute truth. We've got to save America from foreign elements.
Segret Wilson
Well, I'll be-- I thought you had brains, Riggs. But you've become drunk on the slop we put up for the suckers.
Matt Riggs
Suckers? Who are you calling--
Segret Wilson
Our members, Riggs. The poor fish who want to hate and blame somebody else for their failures in life. The saps who believe drivel such as, a man is a dangerous enemy because he goes to a different church. The little nobodies who want to believe some other race is inferior so they can feel superior. The jerks who go for that "100% American" rot.
Matt Riggs
Rot? You mean you don't believe?
Segret Wilson
Of course not. You must know there is no such thing as what we call 100% American. Everyone here except the Indians is descended from foreigners.
Matt Riggs
Why, blast you, Wilson. You sound like a dirty foreigner yourself.
Segret Wilson
I'm running a business, Riggs. And so are you. We deal in one of the oldest and most profitable commodities on Earth. Hate.
The segment from This American Life from 2005 is available for listening HERE.
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