Deep Dive
Why did U.S. senators in the 1950s start an investigation into comic books?
Senators were concerned about the rising crime rates among young Americans and believed comic books were influencing children to commit crimes, labeling it the 'fifth horseman of doom.'
What were some examples of children committing crimes influenced by comic books in the 1950s?
Two fifth graders in Oklahoma City stole and successfully flew a plane after reading a comic book, and a 13-year-old in Florida robbed six houses and left notes saying 'The Phantom Strikes Again,' inspired by a comic book.
What was the 'Comics Code' and why was it created?
The Comics Code was a set of self-regulatory rules created by the comics industry in 1954 to appease public concerns and avoid government censorship. It aimed to prevent the portrayal of crime in a way that could inspire imitation.
Who was Frederick Wertham and what were his views on comic books?
Frederick Wertham was a psychiatrist who believed comic books were highly influential in promoting violence and deviant behavior among children. He published 'Seduction of the Innocent' to highlight these concerns.
How did the comic book industry change after the Senate hearings in 1954?
The industry underwent significant self-regulation, adopting the Comics Code to restrict content that could be seen as promoting crime, violence, or deviant behavior. This led to a decline in the variety and complexity of comic book stories.
What were some of the specific rules in the Comics Code?
Rules included not presenting crime in a way that created sympathy for criminals, ensuring good always triumphed over evil, banning the words horror and terror in titles, and restricting the portrayal of female characters to be more realistic.
How did the Comics Code impact the representation of minorities in comic books?
The Comics Code indirectly led to the near disappearance of people of color from comic books, as any depiction that could be seen as ridiculing or attacking racial groups was prohibited.
What was the impact of the Senate hearings on the comic book industry's sales and diversity?
The hearings led to a decline in the number of comic book publishers, from 15 to just a few, and a significant reduction in the diversity of content available to readers.
How did the public react to the Senate hearings and Frederick Wertham's claims?
The public was divided, with some supporting Wertham's views and participating in comic book burnings, while others, particularly children, wrote letters to the Senate defending their love for comic books and arguing against censorship.
What was the role of comic book ads in the Senate's investigation?
The Senate was concerned that ads in comic books were promoting dangerous items like switchblade knives, which they believed could contribute to juvenile delinquency.
- Two fifth graders in Oklahoma City stole and flew a plane after reading a comic book.
- Six houses in Florida were robbed by a 13-year-old boy who was inspired by a comic book.
- Juvenile crime rates more than doubled between 1948 and 1956.
Shownotes Transcript