Criminal Podcast Episode Summary: "For the Sake of American Youth"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Criminal
• Host: Phoebe Judge
• Network: Vox Media Podcast Network
• Episode Title: For the Sake of American Youth
• Release Date: November 22, 2024

Introduction

In the episode "For the Sake of American Youth," hosted by Phoebe Judge, Criminal delves into the intricate relationship between comic books and juvenile delinquency in mid-20th century America. This exploration centers on Frederick Wertham, a psychiatrist whose controversial stance on comics significantly impacted the industry and American youth culture.

The Rise of Youth Crime and Comics Influence

The episode opens by recounting alarming statistics from the late 1940s to the mid-1950s, highlighting a dramatic increase in juvenile crime rates. Senator Estes Kefauver labeled this surge as the "fifth Horseman of Doom," prompting governmental scrutiny into potential societal influences on youth behavior.

At [01:18], Judge narrates the story of two Oklahoma City fifth graders, Jimmy Boddard (11) and Ronnie Peterson (12), who vanished and were later found piloting a stolen plane. Their astonishing feat of landing the aircraft, despite lacking formal training, raised suspicions that their actions were inspired by comic book heroes, as admitted by the boys themselves.

Frederick Wertham's Role and Claims

Frederick Wertham, a prominent psychiatrist, emerges as a central figure in this narrative. At [05:25], Wertham expresses concern over the increasing number of crimes committed by youths, attributing this trend to the violent and morally ambiguous content of comic books. He asserts, "The increase in craven crime committed by young Americans is rising at a frightening pace... More and more of our children are committing more serious crimes." ([05:39])

The 1954 Senate Hearings

The episode details the 1954 Senate hearings led by Senator Kefauver, aimed at investigating the alleged negative impact of comic books on American youth. Wertham served as the star witness, presenting comic book excerpts that depicted extreme violence, sexual content, and racial stereotypes.

At [26:16], Wertham testifies, describing graphic scenes from comics to illustrate his points. For instance, he critiques a comic titled "Frisco, Mary Concerns," which portrays a young woman controlling an underworld gang and committing murder, only to face a tragic end. Wertham contends that such narratives glamorize criminal behavior and erode moral values among young readers.

Public Backlash and Comic Book Burnings

The revelations from the hearings ignited public outrage, leading to widespread comic book burnings orchestrated by churches, schools, and community groups. These events symbolized a societal attempt to purge perceived corrupting influences from youth culture.

Prominent in the episode is the vehement opposition Wertham faced. At [16:05], Josh Levy, a historian, challenges Wertham's assertions, stating, "No child has ever said to me as an excuse, I did this because I read it in a comic book. I had to figure that out." ([16:18]). This skepticism underscores the debate over culpability and influence.

Implementation of the Comics Code

In response to the hearings and public pressure, the comics industry established the Comics Code Authority (CCA) in 1954. The CCA imposed strict guidelines to sanitize comic book content, ensuring that crime was never portrayed sympathetically and that moral lessons were clearly conveyed. For example, one of the code's rules stated, "Crime shall never be presented in such a way as to create sympathy for the criminal..."

Saladin Ahmed, a contemporary comic writer featured in the episode, explains the Code's restrictive nature: "Crime shall never be presented in such a way as to create sympathy for the criminal, to promote distrust of the forces of law and justice, or to inspire others with a desire to imitate criminals." ([33:36]). This regulation fundamentally altered the landscape of comic book storytelling.

Long-term Impact and Decline of the Code

The Comics Code remained a dominant force in the industry for decades, stifling creative expression and leading to the decline of many publishers who could not comply with its stringent rules. Over time, however, attitudes towards censorship shifted, and the Code's influence waned.

By the 1990s, the Code was losing its authority as publishers began to challenge and eventually abandon its guidelines. As Saladin Ahmed notes, "By the 90s, people didn't care very much about the comics code... It sort of died a slow death by that point." ([38:52]). The Code was officially dissolved in 2011, marking the end of an era of self-censorship in the comics industry.

Current Perspectives

The episode features insights from Saladin Ahmed, who discusses the lingering effects of the Comics Code and current standards within major comic book publishers. Despite the Code's demise, modern comics still navigate content guidelines to balance creative freedom with audience appropriateness.

Ahmed reflects on childhood perceptions, stating, "I didn't think they'd be up to snuff for them." ([40:24]), emphasizing the evolving standards in storytelling and representation.

Conclusion

"For the Sake of American Youth" offers a comprehensive examination of Frederick Wertham's influence on the comic book industry and American youth. Through historical recounting and expert interviews, the episode highlights the complex interplay between media, societal values, and legislative action. It underscores the lasting legacy of the Comics Code and its role in shaping modern storytelling conventions within the genre.

Notable Quotes

• Frederick Wertham ([05:39]): "The increase in craven crime committed by young Americans is rising at a frightening pace... More and more of our children are committing more serious crimes."

• Josh Levy ([16:18]): "No child has ever said to me as an excuse, I did this because I read it in a comic book. I had to figure that out."

• Saladin Ahmed ([33:36]): "Crime shall never be presented in such a way as to create sympathy for the criminal, to promote distrust of the forces of law and justice, or to inspire others with a desire to imitate criminals."

• Saladin Ahmed ([38:52]): "By the 90s, people didn't care very much about the comics code... It sort of died a slow death by that point."

• Saladin Ahmed ([40:24]): "I didn't think they'd be up to snuff for them."

This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the power media holds in shaping societal norms and behaviors, and the delicate balance between regulation and creative freedom. It provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of a pivotal moment in American cultural history.