Ep 4. How Superman Defeated the KKK

How Superman Defeated the KKK is the fourth episode of AHC Presents, a historical documentary television series that explores untold stories of fascinating people, events, and artifacts from the past. In this episode, viewers are taken back to the 1940s, when Superman, the world-famous comic book superhero, took on a real-life enemy: the Ku Klux Klan (KKK).

Narrated by Judy Greer, How Superman Defeated the KKK tells the inspiring and little-known story of how a group of humble activists and writers joined forces with Superman's creators to expose and discredit the KKK, a white supremacist terrorist group that had infiltrated all aspects of American society, from politics to law enforcement.

The episode begins by contextualizing the early 20th century in the US and the rise of the KKK, a group that used fear tactics, lynchings, and cross burning to terrorize African Americans, Jews, Catholics, and anyone who opposed their hateful agenda. It then introduces the Superman comic book series, which had become a pop culture phenomenon by the mid-1940s, thanks to its gripping stories, colorful artwork, and message of hope and justice.

The focus then shifts to Stetson Kennedy, a young activist who had infiltrated the KKK and gathered a wealth of information about their rituals, secret codes, and inner workings. Kennedy saw the need to expose the KKK's evil deeds to the public but realized that no one would take him seriously if he simply published his notes. Instead, he came up with a brilliant plan: he would contact the writers of the Superman comic book series and ask them to use their platform to spread the message of anti-Klan resistance.

The writers, including the legendary Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, were receptive to Kennedy's idea and soon began crafting a series of Superman stories that pitted the Man of Steel against the KKK. The stories depicted the KKK as a cowardly, ignorant, and racist organization, worthy of contempt and ridicule rather than fear. They also revealed some of the KKK's secrets, such as their secret code words ("fiery cross," "robe," "klonvocation"), which helped law enforcement and the public to identify and combat the Klan's activities.

The episode showcases some of the most iconic and powerful images from these Superman-KKK stories, such as Superman whipping off the hood of a Klansman and shaming him in front of his fellow bigots, or Superman overpowering a KKK rally and using their own propaganda against them. These stories were not only entertaining but also educational, as they encouraged readers to stand up for what is right and to reject hate and prejudice in all its forms.

As the Superman-KKK stories gained national attention, the KKK faced a dilemma: they could either ignore the comic book series and risk losing their mystique and power, or they could publicly condemn it and risk looking foolish and hypocritical. Ultimately, the KKK chose the latter option and attacked Superman as a "Jew-Communist" plot to destroy American values and morals. However, their accusations only backfired, as it made them appear even more paranoid and delusional.

In the end, the Superman-KKK stories helped to demystify and delegitimize the KKK, a group that had been a prominent force in American society for decades. They also inspired countless readers, young and old, to reject bigotry and to stand up for justice, just like Superman did.

Overall, How Superman Defeated the KKK is an illuminating and uplifting episode that sheds new light on a dark chapter of American history and celebrates the power of fiction to inspire social change.