Fandom Presents: Superman vs. the KKK

Fandom Presents: Superman vs. the KKK

Nearly eight decades ago, The Adventures of Superman radio show pitted the Man of Steel against the forces of hate and white supremacy while exposing the inner workings of the Ku Klux Klan. Now, Fandom is releasing a new five-part serial podcast, looking at the creation and historical significance of Superman vs.The KKK. The podcast--which is partially inspired by author Rick Bowers’ book, Superman vs. The Ku Klux Klan--chronicles the way that the 1946 storyline, “Clan of the Fiery Cross” confronted the entangled history of the KKK in American life, and disavowed the reality of its racist violence; offering a new, powerful version of “The American Way” that would last for generations. The podcast explores the inception and rise in popularity of both Superman and the Klan, how they each used the tools of the media to brand and sell their version of what it means to be “100% American,” and how the two became intertwined in this iconic story arc. In this series, we discover how the clash between these two versions of “The American Way”--and the ensuing battle for the heart’s of the United States citizens--developed, and why that fight has never been more relevant. It's a fascinating exploration for anyone who is a fan of the Man of Steel, comic-book culture, and the complexities of American history. Executive producer Roth Cornet hosts the podcast alongside celebrated journalist, writer, and podcaster Marc Bernardin. “This story is an incredible mix of journalism, brand activism, and the power of pop culture to change the world,” said Cornet. “We live in an era where fans identify themselves by the things they love, so there is incredible power in harnessing this passion to make an impact.” Even after 80 years, Superman remains a stalwart fixture at the forefront of pop culture as we await DC studios newest iteration of the iconic hero. Whether another version of Superman can ever again cross from his fictional universe to impact ours, remains to be seen

Episodes

September 6, 2024 2 mins
Discover the surprising origins of the world's first Superhero, and how, in many ways, he was always on an inevitable collision course with America's most insidious vision of itself.
Mark as Played
Discover the surprising origins of the world's first Superhero, and how, in many ways, he was always on an inevitable collision course with America's most insidious vision of itself.

___________
This podcast was hosted by Marc Bernardin and Roth Cornet.

Created and Executive Produced
Roth Cornet 

Executive Producers
Max Dionne and Michael Chiang

Producers and Writers:
Nancy Rosenbaum
Loretta Williams
Teru Brach
Michelle Dunn
Eileen Guo
Billy Pa...
Mark as Played
September 6, 2024 55 mins
The original KKK lay fallow and in decline when it was rebranded and monetized hate with so much success that it made what would be hundreds of millions of dollars in today's terms. All the while, they dangerously, violently, changed American life. This is how they did it.

____________

This podcast was hosted by Marc Bernardin and Roth Cornet.

Created and Executive Produced
Roth Cornet 

Executive Producers
Max Dionne and Michael Chiang

Pr...
Mark as Played
September 6, 2024 58 mins
Superman's catch phrase became "Truth, Justice, and The American Way," but in reality, Superman's American Way was a part of a much bigger national campaign that was crafted and marketed utilizing the tools of the media - just like the KKK's version of America. Discover who was behind the creation of this set of ideals, how Superman became a face of it, and why.

______________

This podcast was hosted by Marc Bernardin and Roth Cornet...
Mark as Played
September 6, 2024 70 mins
It's all been building to this, but as Superman goes up against the Klan, will audiences listen? And what will that mean for the real people struggling to find their own American Dream in a world in the midst of remaking itself?

_____________

This podcast was hosted by Marc Bernardin and Roth Cornet.

Created and Executive Produced
Roth Cornet 

Executive Producers
Max Dionne and Michael Chiang

Producers and Writers:
Nancy Rosenbaum
Loretta W...
Mark as Played
September 6, 2024 102 mins
We enter the modern era, and look at the state of superheroes and the rise of white supremacy today, and ask ourselves: Is there any such thing as The American Way anymore? And if so, whose America is it?

______________

This podcast was hosted by Marc Bernardin and Roth Cornet.

Created and Executive Produced
Roth Cornet 

Executive Producers
Max Dionne and Michael Chiang

Producers and Writers:
Nancy Rosenbaum
Loretta Williams
Teru Brach
Michel...
Mark as Played

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