If the post World War 2 era brought about changing attitudes in society, it also brought out the nagging suspicion that something evil was just around the corner. Development and use of the Atomic Bomb certainly had something to do with it. So did the beginnings of the Cold War and the fear of Communist influence. The straight-laced moral fibre that served as the foundation for American society throughout the early decades of the 20th century was starting to fray around the edges.
But above everything, we were scared and we were convinced life as we knew it would end under a mushroom shaped cloud.
America was looking for escape, and Americas youth were looking at not-quite the life their parents had.
Escape took on many shapes and forms, but with kids it took the shape of Comic Books.
Bright colors and thin plots Comic Books, especially horror comics, captured the imaginations and dimes of Americas youth, turning a small traditional amusement since the 12th century into a multi-million dollar industry.
And the elders took notice. These comic books displayed a plethora of ghouls, monsters, maniacs and creatures on their covers – one seemingly more heinous than the other. So along with fears of Communist infiltration now came fears that Americas Youth were being brainwashed and that somewhere in the bowels of Marvel Comics offices was a cabal of Communist operatives pledged to subvert children’s minds.
So the wave of protest began – calls for censorship and the burning of Comic Books – complaints to local officials and Senators that something had to be done. The topic of conversation amounted to much hand-wringing over the evils of indoctrinated young minds and discussions on what should be done.
This roundtable discussion, under the title What Should Be Done About Comic Books – was given on November 11, 1946 at the University of Illinois. It’s not clear if this was done for a radio broadcast or was a recorded record of what College campuses were up to in 1946. As with most discussions, this was tantamount to a debate; the pro-comic book and the anti-comic book factions. Something of a stretch, comparing Tales Of The Crypt to Shakespeare but anything for arguments sake.
In the end, a set of standards was adopted, known as The Comics Code Authority, which the Comic Book industry imposed on itself and which did much to tone down the gore.
It was a different world in 1946.
Here is that discussion “What Should Be Done About Comic Books?” as it was heard on November 11, 1946.
