Comics as a Moral panic
Introduction to Moral Panics
- Reflection on attire for lecture (DC comic suit)
- Moral panics in the United States
- Definition of moral panic: exaggerated fear about an issue rather than a factual representation of it.
Historical Context
Post World War II America
- Series of moral panics following World War II
- Focus on the perception of juvenile delinquency
- Examination of issues such as minor criminality and homelessness
- Politicians use these concerns for political gain
Case Study: Brooklyn Thrill Killers
Inciting Incident
- Four young individuals (18, 17, 17, and 15 years old) engaging in violence against homeless people:
- Initial intention to “help” authorities
- Escalation to violence: physical assault and murder
- Specific actions taken:
- Beating a homeless person to death
- Throwing another homeless person into the East River resulting in drowning
Political and Societal Response
- Arrest and interviews of the teenagers lead to alarming statements echoing political rhetoric
- Admission of beliefs about homeless individuals being social parasites, emphasizing societal breakdown
- Use of violence legitimized by perceived societal threats
Blame Shift to Comic Books
- During the trials, the focus shifted to the influence of comic books rather than the violent rhetoric from politicians
- Connection between the thrill killers’ statements and their exposure to comic book culture
Frederick Wortham's Claims
- Psychiatrist Frederick Wortham publishes The Seduction of the Innocent arguing comic books’ harmful effects on youth
- Allegations include:
- Comic books are direct causes of criminal behavior and moral decline
- Specific controversial claims about popular characters:
- Batman and Robin promoting homosexuality
- Superman as un-American and fascist
- Wonder Woman promoting bondage
- Wonder Woman's creator, William Marston, invented the lie detector and had ties to bondage culture
- Assertions of Wonder Woman as a symbol of lesbianism based on strength and independence
Public Reaction and Censorship
Comic Book Burnings
- Communities organizing comic book burnings throughout the 1950s
- Influence of public sentiment leading to censorship and regulation discussions
- Political groups using comic books as a scapegoat to push for regulations
Congressional Hearings
- Hearings held by Congress about the perceived threats posed by comic books leading to the comics industry regulation
- Wortham's testimony against comics contrasted with William Gaines’ defense of the genre
- Established in 1954 by the comic book industry to self-regulate
- Key policies:
- Crime must be shown as sordid and unpleasant, with no justifications allowed
- Law enforcement figures must always be shown positively, disallowing any depiction of corruption
- Prohibition of horror elements: ghouls, cannibals, torture, and nudity
Changes and Erosion of Censorship
1970s Relaxation of Standards
- Gradual loosening of censorship allowing for nuance in depictions of crime and authority
- Emergence of sympathetic portrayals of criminals and flaws in authoritative figures
- Increasing complexity allowed in narrative portrayals of addiction and morality
End of the Comics Code Authority
- By 2010, most comic publishers ceased adhering to the Comics Code Authority standards
- Trigger event: Marvel's unintentional bypassing of the authority with X-Force
- Shift towards direct distribution to shops, rendering the Comics Code Authority defunct
- 2011, the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund resurrects the logo for advocacy purposes
Conclusion
- Reflection on the significance of comic books in societal discourse
- Personal enjoyment of comic books and their cultural impact
- Closing thought on the journey of comic book regulation and its social implications.