DOCSLIB.ORG

The American Legion Public Relations Toolkit

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The American Legion Public Relations Toolkit The American Legion PUBLIC TheRELATIONS American Legion TOOLKIT Produced by the National Public Relations Commission of The American Legion THE AMERICAN LEGION PUBLIC RELATIONS TOOLKIT Handymen are known for the old adage, “Be sure you use the right tool for the right job.” The text you are now reading is part of a system of public relations tools designed to give you a complete kit of easy to use media products that can be tailored to promote your American Legion post, unit or squadron activities throughout the year. Whether you are reading this in a book, on the Internet or from a compact disk or flash drive in your computer, this toolkit will arm you with the print, PowerPoint, Internet, video and audio products to get the job done with confidence in today’s high-technology media world. Best of all, this all-mode system utilizes the KISS principle for ease of use. It has been designed to give you the tools you need to be successful with the easiest possible methodology. From writing a news release to planning a major community event, this PR Toolkit will help you get the job done. THE AMERICAN LEGION | PUBLIC RELATIONS TOOLKIT TABLE OF CONTENTS THE AMERICAN LEGION NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE ADDRESS | 700 N PENNSYLVANIA STREET INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46204 PHONE NUMBER | 317-630-1253 E-mail | [email protected] THE AMERICAN LEGION | PUBLIC RELATIONS TOOLKIT SECTION ONE The Changing Media World …and how to engage it with your post public relations plan THE AMERICAN LEGION | PUBLIC RELATIONS TOOLKIT SECTION ONE | THE CHANGING MEDIA WORLD ust as the invention of the transistor began the space age rush to Developing a communications/public relations plan that addresses microchip processor computers that get smaller and more power- the use of today’s media technologies is the first step in successfully fulJ every day, the explosion of the Internet has had a profound effect on reaching the target audience(s) needed in your community. the way Americans get their news and information. But while the tools have, and continue, to change dramatically, the ba- In the late 1990’s, the Internet and websites were considered by sic techniques of communications and public relations remain the same. some to be just “fads.” Today, due mainly to the exponential growth of the Internet, the communications paradigm has shifted and creat- What is Public Relations? ed new digital information sharing technologies that are dominating As the term implies, public relations (PR) requires that you relate the way people can - and must - be reached. Many daily newspapers to the public in some manner. The question is, “What is a ‘public’ and across the country have literally “folded,” or given way to all electron- how do we relate to it?” Several ‘publics’ require our attention as Ameri- ic versions. As a result, many journalists are now doing double and can Legion public relations practitioners. These include but are not triple duty. Reaching out to them in pitching story ideas requires a limited to: whole new approach - and toolkit of ready materials - to compete for • Our members their attention and time. • The media An entire new genre of social media has sprung up, leaving those • Local and national elected officials and decision-makers public relations practitioners who have not embraced their use, in the • Local community members dust. Television stations have cut back staff, including reporters and • The public photographers, requiring many to become “one-man-bands,” reporting and shooting the video themselves. Radio stations are moving to more You can narrow it further to specific target audiences, such as partici- “syndicated” programming, requiring fewer staff and live shows. Satel- pants in The American Legion programs and recipients of our support lite radio offerings have increased dramatically, reaching national audi- and charitable contributions. ences while offering little to no local access opportunities. HOW you relate to the public depends on which public it is and At the same time, Internet technologies offer limitless access to both what your message is. general and targeted audiences. Harnessing these new opportunities is In a nutshell, public relations is primarily about IMAGE. And every critical to a healthy and effective communications outreach for Ameri- member of The American Legion plays a role in communicating our can Legion family activities both at home and abroad. image to the various publics to which we relate. The positive and nega- tive things seen and heard at every level of the organization affect peo- THE AMERICAN LEGION | PUBLIC RELATIONS TOOLKIT SECTION ONE | THE CHANGING MEDIA WORLD ples’ perceptions of what The American Legion is and what we stand programs are conducted. In other local communities, members of The for. Perception is reality for most people. American Legion are champions of social issues and pillars of the com- The familiarity and reputation of its name are two of the greatest munity. Still others may view an American Legion post as a watering assets of any product or organization. In modern advertising terms, hole for older veterans without offering much for younger Iraq-Afghan- it’s called “branding.” It’s the first thing you think of when you hear a istan veterans or their families. Each public’s perception is its reality. name. For instance, what is the first thing you think of when you hear the word “Lexus”? Do you immediately think of luxury and quality? Responsibilities of a Post PR Officer How about “McDonald’s” or “Hyundai”? Now apply the same exercise Public relations representatives might have any number of titles in cor- to “The American Legion.” Just remember that your perception will be porate and government circles. Public affairs, communications, publicity, different than anyone else’s, because your image of a product or organi- marketing, media relations, new media and several other like titles may be zation is based on your experiences and knowledge. used. As discussed here, all these roles are combined into your job descrip- An organization’s image is based on the character, integrity and total tion as public relations officer or chairperson for your post or department. performance of the organization. It consists of every contact the orga- In many ways, the public relations function is the most important nization has with its various publics. It is a composite of: function at any level of The American Legion. It is our job to inform, • The organization’s history in dealing with people enlighten, persuade and convince our many publics of our beliefs, • Internal attitude toward members events and goals. • External attitude toward community responsibility and involve- The first responsibility should be to determine your image in your ment community, if you don’t already know. And you should constantly re- • News releases, interviews and other dealings with the media view your organization’s standing on the image meter. Ask media repre- sentatives how they perceive your organization when you talk to them. • Internal and external publications Talk to your community leaders and to your post’s neighbors. Talk to • Institutional advertising your members – not just those who are always there to help, but the What is the image of The American Legion today? It depends on members who seldom show up for meetings or events. Find out why which public you ask. To the media in general, we are the largest vet- they don’t show up so you can begin to change their perceptions about erans organization in the nation and are considered to be a reliable the post and get them involved. source of information relating to veterans issues. In some local com- munities, The American Legion has no image because no community Your primary responsibility now will be to alter or maintain the im- age of your post and/or The American Legion and to communicate THE AMERICAN LEGION | PUBLIC RELATIONS TOOLKIT SECTION ONE | THE CHANGING MEDIA WORLD your various messages to each of your many publics. Based on your The Military Public Relations Model knowledge of what your image is, you can better focus your message(s) For years, the United States military has successfully utilized a three- to achieve your goals, whether it is to garner support for a veterans is- tiered public affairs (relations) paradigm. From the Pentagon down to sue or convince members to support a post function. the post/fort/base level, military public affairs offices divided the PR Good public relations begins with the post commander establishing mission into three separate, but related, functions: policies and practices that are ethical, honest and in keeping with the Media Relations public interest. Then the PR officer can take those policies and practic- es to the public for acclaim, understanding and, if need be, for clarifying Outreach to the general public is crucial to the success of any corpo- any misconceptions. rate or private entity. While there are varied ways to disseminate in- formation, the media offer the best way to reach the largest number of The post PR officer is expected to provide four basic services: people with your information. Advice and Counsel Why won’t your local newspaper run your story about this week- The PR officer should advise post officers of the PR impact policy end’s fish fry? What is that TV reporter doing inside your post at the decisions will have on the media, on the community and on members. bar with a photographer interviewing your members? How did that Communications Service story get printed without me (or the post commander) knowing any- The process of letting the members and the public know about thing about it? events and policies via newsletters, booklets, speeches, news media, Effective media relations mean that you and the various media in good citizenship, examples and other means.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Bios of RED SPRING Curating the End of the World Contributors
    Bios of RED SPRING Curating the End of the World Contributors RED SPRING is dedicated to living legend, Algernon Miller, a Father of Afrofuturist Art. Ekpe Abioto Ekpe (pronounced “eck-pay), a “musical philanthropist” and artistic director of GENIUS UNLIMITED, who specializes in children’s music and cultural entertainment. Since his career began in 1974, his motivational learning workshops on self-esteem, creative thinking, conflict resolution, drug prevention, and gang awareness have been well received by students, teachers, and administrators. As a musician, producer, recording artist, songwriter and arts educator, he plays African instruments such as the djembe drum, kalimba (thumb piano), shekere, and others, flute and saxophone. He gives entertaining and educational performances at schools, churches, festivals, colleges and universities, and is currently promoting his two CD’s entitled, “I AM A GENIUS” and “THE SPIRIT OF AFRICAN MUSIC.” His interactive music video “DON’T TOUCH A GUN” has been recognized and used as an effective means of keeping guns out of the hands of children. He is a part of The African Jazz Ensemble, a 10-piece band made up of some of Memphis' finest musicians. They've played together for over 40 years, and members have toured the world with Michael Jackson, Al Green, BB King, Eric Clapton, the Dells, Luther Allison, and Rufus and Carla Thomas. They formed the African Jazz Ensemble as a way to incorporate African influences into more traditional jazz, soul and R&B. Linda D. Addison is one of the most honored speculative poets of all time. Over the course of more than 300 published poems, stories and articles, Addison has been awarded the Horror Writer Association’s Bram Stoker Award six times.
    [Show full text]
  • The American Legion Monthly [Volume 4, No. 1 (January 1928)]
    HughWalpole - Samuel Scoville,Jr. ^ Rupert Hughes -HughWiley ^ For ^Distinguished Service O INCE the beginning of time, distinguished serv- ice among fighting men has been rewarded with highly coveted medals and decorations. Hundreds of Americans were decorated for distinguished service during the Great War, not as an obligation, but as a privilege. The past year your Commander and Adjutant have given freely of their time in unselfish service. PAST OFFICER'S WATCH Surely theirs has been a distinguished service which Green Gold Filled Case, 15 or 17 Jewel Elgin Movement your Post should deem a privilege to recognize. A unique line of Past Officers' insignia has been provided for the ever increasing number of Posts which annually decorate their retiring Commander and Adjutant. The wide price range and great variety—rings, watches, badges, charms and buttons PAST OFFICER'S RING —makes selection easy. Solid 10 or 14 Karat Green Gold with Hand-Carved Sides Your copy of the Emblem Catalog, which not only describes the complete line of Past Officers' insignia, but scores of other attractive emblem com- binations, is ready to mail. Write for it today. It's free to Legionnaires—and no obligation. Above-PAST OFFICER S BUTTON Solid 10 or 14 Karat Green Gold THE AMERICAN LEGION Emblem Division Below-PAST OFFICER'S CHARM Solid 10 or 14 Karat Green Gold INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA THE AMERICAN LEGION NAME. Emblem Division INDIANAPOLIS, IND. STREET. kJMuU this Please rush my free copy of the . STATE- Emblem Catalog describing the CITY- Coupon past officers' regalia and other em- blem combinations. POST N0._ DEPT.
    [Show full text]
  • Is Battleworld! Charles Xavier Is Dead, and to The
    THE MULTIVERSE WAS DESTROYED…ALL THAT REMAINS…IS BATTLEWORLD! CHARLES XAVIER IS DEAD, AND TO THE PUBLIC, MAGNETO APPEARS TO CARRY ON HIS FELLOW MUTANT’S LIFEWORK: HEADING BOTH THE ATOM INSTITUTE--A SCHOOL FOR EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN, HUMANS AND MUTANTS ALIKE--AND THE NEW X-MEN TEAM. BUT MAGNETO HAS BEEN HIDING AN OBJECT OF INCREDIBLE POWER: A PHOENIX EGG CONTAINING UNTOLD AMOUNTS OF PSYCHIC ENERGY. DISTURBED BY THIS NEWS, CYCLOPS, EMMA FROST, XORN AND WOLVERINE RAIDED THE ATOM INSTITUTE. IN THE ENSUING CHAOS, MAGNETO KILLED QUENTIN QUIRE, XORN VANISHED IN A FLASH OF LIGHT, MAGNETO HIMSELF WAS KILLED--AND THEN THINGS GOT WEIRD. AN ARMY OF BEASTS, FROM ALL OVER BATTLEWORLD, ATTACKED THE INSTITUTE UNDER ORDERS THAT SEEMED TO COME FROM THE PHOENIX EGG ITSELF. THE X-MEN, OLD AND NEW, INCLUDING THE REAL HANK McCOY, RALLIED TO FIGHT THE LEGION OF BEASTS. THERE WERE CASUALTIES. STEPFORD CUCKOO ESME WAS KILLED IN THE ALTERCATION. JUST AS ALL HOPE SEEMED LOST, QUENTIN QUIRE’S DEAD BODY ROSE WITH THE MIND OF CHARLES XAVIER AND HE RALLIED HIS X-MEN. AFTER STERILIZING THE SUBLIME INFECTION WITH HIS VAST MENTAL POWER, XAVIER ANNOUNCED THAT THE BATTLE HAD ONLY BEGUN! THE PHOENIX EGG HAS HATCHED! THE X-MEN’S FINAL FOE HAS EMERGED! E IS FOR EXTINCTION No. 4, November 2015. Published Monthly by MARVEL WORLDWIDE, INC., a subsidiary of MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT, LLC. OFFICE OF PUBLICATION: 135 West 50th Street, New York, NY 10020. BULK MAIL POSTAGE PAID AT NEW YORK, NY AND AT ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. © 2015 MARVEL No similarity between any of the names, characters, persons, and/or institutions in this magazine with those of any living or dead person or institution is intended, and any such similarity which may exist is purely coincidental.
    [Show full text]
  • Lenovo Legion Tower 5 (26L, 5)Hardware Maintenance Manual About This Manual
    Lenovo Legion Tower 5 (26L, 5) Hardware Maintenance Manual First Edition (August 2020) © Copyright Lenovo 2020. LIMITED AND RESTRICTED RIGHTS NOTICE: If data or software is delivered pursuant to a General Services Administration “GSA” contract, use, reproduction, or disclosure is subject to restrictions set forth in Contract No. GS- 35F-05925. Contents About this manual . iii Chapter 6. Troubleshooting, diagnostics, and recovery . 47 Chapter 1. Important safety Basic procedure for resolving computer information. 1 problems . 47 General safety . 1 Troubleshooting . 47 Electrical safety . 2 Startup problems . 48 Safety inspection guide . 3 Audio problems . 49 Handling electrostatic discharge-sensitive Network problems . 50 devices . 4 Performance problems . 52 Grounding requirements . 4 Storage drive problems . 53 Safety notices (multi-lingual translations) . 4 CD or DVD problems . 53 Serial connector problems . 54 Chapter 2. Important service USB device problems . 54 information. 27 Software problems. 55 Strategy for replacing FRUs . 27 Diagnostics . 55 Strategy for replacing a hard disk drive or a solid-state drive . 27 UEFI diagnostic program . 55 Important notice for replacing a system Lenovo Vantage . 56 board . 27 Recovery . 56 How to use error codes . 27 Restore system files and settings to an earlier Strategy for replacing FRUs for CTO, special-bid, point . 56 and standard models. 28 Restore your files from a backup . 56 Product definition . 28 Reset your computer . 56 FRU identification . 28 Use advanced options . 57 Windows automatic recovery. 57 Chapter 3. Product overview . 29 Create and use a recovery USB device . 57 Front . 29 Create and use a recovery USB device . 58 Top . 30 Update the device driver .
    [Show full text]
  • Lethal Legion
    Lethal Legion Attuma PL12 Abilities Strength 12, Stamina 12, Agility 4, Dexterity 2, Fighting 9, Intellect 2, Awareness 2, Presence 2 Powers Atlantean Physiology: Immunity 4 (aging, cold, drowning, pressure); Movement 1 (Environmental Adaptation—Aquatic); Senses 1 (Low-Light Vision); Swimming 7 (60mph) • 14 points Invulnerability: Impervious Toughness 12 • 12 points Equipment Sword: Strength-based Damage 3, Improved Critical • 4 points Advantages All-Out Attack, Equipment, Favored Environment (Underwater), Languages (English, base: Atlantean), Leadership, Power Attack Skills Expertise: Atlantean Lore 6 (+8), Expertise: Military 12 (+14), Intimidation 12 (+14), Perception 6 (+8), Ranged Combat: Trident 6 (+8) Offense Initiative +4 Sword +9, Close, Damage 15, Threat 19-20 Unarmed +9, Close, Damage 12 Defense Dodge 10, Parry 12 Toughness 12, Fortitude 12, Will 10 Power Points Abilities 90 + Powers 26 + Advantages 5 + Skills 18 + Defenses 17 = Total 157 Complications Dehydration: Out of water, Attuma becomes impaired and loses his Invulnerability. Extended absence from water reduces him to disabled, and incapacitated. He is only reduced to dying with a complete lack of water. Heat-based attacks can speed this process. Immersion in water - immediately removes all such conditions. Imperius Rex!: Namor is arrogant, overconfident, and an elitist. Obsession: Ruling Atlantis. Real Name: Attuma Black Talon PL10 Abilities Strength 2, Stamina 2, Agility 2, Dexterity 2, Fighting 5, Intellect 2, Awareness 3, Presence 3 Powers Command Undead: Hearing
    [Show full text]
  • (“Spider-Man”) Cr
    PRIVILEGED ATTORNEY-CLIENT COMMUNICATION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED LICENSE AGREEMENT (“SPIDER-MAN”) CREATIVE ISSUES This memo summarizes certain terms of the Second Amended and Restated License Agreement (“Spider-Man”) between SPE and Marvel, effective September 15, 2011 (the “Agreement”). 1. CHARACTERS AND OTHER CREATIVE ELEMENTS: a. Exclusive to SPE: . The “Spider-Man” character, “Peter Parker” and essentially all existing and future alternate versions, iterations, and alter egos of the “Spider- Man” character. All fictional characters, places structures, businesses, groups, or other entities or elements (collectively, “Creative Elements”) that are listed on the attached Schedule 6. All existing (as of 9/15/11) characters and other Creative Elements that are “Primarily Associated With” Spider-Man but were “Inadvertently Omitted” from Schedule 6. The Agreement contains detailed definitions of these terms, but they basically conform to common-sense meanings. If SPE and Marvel cannot agree as to whether a character or other creative element is Primarily Associated With Spider-Man and/or were Inadvertently Omitted, the matter will be determined by expedited arbitration. All newly created (after 9/15/11) characters and other Creative Elements that first appear in a work that is titled or branded with “Spider-Man” or in which “Spider-Man” is the main protagonist (but not including any team- up work featuring both Spider-Man and another major Marvel character that isn’t part of the Spider-Man Property). The origin story, secret identities, alter egos, powers, costumes, equipment, and other elements of, or associated with, Spider-Man and the other Creative Elements covered above. The story lines of individual Marvel comic books and other works in which Spider-Man or other characters granted to SPE appear, subject to Marvel confirming ownership.
    [Show full text]
  • FOX Sets Premiere Date for Final Season of Legion
    FOX sets premiere date for final season of Legion The third and final season of Legion will have a same-day-as-US debut in Hong Kong and South East Asia. HONG KONG, MAY 31, 2019 – Asia’s premier entertainment channel, FOX, today, announces the return of Legion for its third and final season. The mind-bending drama from Noah Hawley is premiering on Tuesday, June 25 at 9.50 PM (Hong Kong), 8.50 PM (Jakarta/Vietnam) – a same-day-as-US debut, which viewers in Asia can catch on FOX and video-streaming service FOX+. Based on the Marvel Comics by Chris Claremont and Bill Sienkiewicz, Legion follows the story of “David Haller” (Dan Stevens), a man who believed himself to be schizophrenic only to discover that he is the most powerful mutant the world has ever seen. From childhood, David shuffled from one psychiatric institution to the next until, in his early 30s, he met and fell in love with a beautiful and troubled fellow patient named “Syd Barrett” (Rachel Keller). After Syd and David shared a startling encounter, he was forced to confront the shocking reality that the voices he hears and the visions he sees are actually real. With the help of Syd and a team of specialists who also possess unique and extraordinary gifts – “Ptonomy Wallace” (Jeremie Harris), “Kerry Loudermilk” (Amber Midthunder) and “Cary Loudermilk” (Bill Irwin) – David unlocked a deeply suppressed truth: he had been haunted his entire life by a malicious parasite of unimaginable power. Known as “The Shadow King,” this malevolent creature appeared in the form of David’s friend “Lenny Busker” (Aubrey Plaza), but was actually an ancient being named “Amahl Farouk” (Navid Negahban).
    [Show full text]
  • The Misunderstood Philosophy of Thomas Paine
    THE MISUNDERSTOOD PHILOSOPHY OF THOMAS PAINE A Thesis Presented to The Graduate Faculty of The University of Akron In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of History Jason Kinsel December, 2015 THE MISUNDERSTOOD PHILOSOPHY OF THOMAS PAINE Jason Kinsel Thesis Approved: Accepted: ______________________________ _____________________________ Advisor Dean of the College Dr. Walter Hixson Dr. Chand Midha ______________________________ ______________________________ Faculty Reader Dean of the Graduate School Dr. Martino-Trutor Dr. Chand Midha ______________________________ ______________________________ Department Chair Date Dr. Martin Wainwright ii ABSTRACT The name Thomas Paine is often associated with his political pamphlet Common Sense. The importance of “Common Sense” in regards to the American Revolution has been researched and debated by historians, political scientists, and literary scholars. While they acknowledge that Paine’s ideas and writing style helped to popularize the idea of separation from Great Britain in 1776, a thorough analysis of the entirety of Paine’s philosophy has yet to be completed. Modern scholars have had great difficulty with categorizing works such as, The Rights of Man, Agrarian Justice, and Paine’s Dissertation on First Principles of Government. Ultimately, these scholars feel most comfortable with associating Paine with the English philosopher John Locke. This thesis will show that Paine developed a unique political philosophy that is not only different from Locke’s in style, but fundamentally opposed to the system of government designed by Locke in his Second Treatise of Government. Furthermore, I will provide evidence that Paine’s contemporary’s in the American Colonies and Great Britain vehemently denied that Paine’s ideas resembled those of Locke in any way.
    [Show full text]
  • Encyclopaedia of Superheroes Pdf, Epub, Ebook
    ENCYCLOPAEDIA OF SUPERHEROES PDF, EPUB, EBOOK Jeff Rovin | 450 pages | 26 Nov 1987 | Facts on File Inc | 9780816013562 | English | New York, United States Encyclopaedia of Superheroes PDF Book The complex characters and mature story line were unlike anything previously seen in the superhero genre. Despite being covered in blue fur and resembling a ferocious beast, Hank possesses an astounding intellect and a superb wit. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Superheroes Quiz. Error rating book. He is currently helping run the Jean Grey School, while also serving with the Avengers. After a failed mission left him encased in ice for decades, he was found and revived by the Avengers, later joining their ranks and eventually becoming the team's leader. There are outfitters and simulators. The latest in a long line of warriors who wielded the power, Danny Rand is the immortal Iron Fist: protector of the mystical city of K'un Lun. Garth is the twin brother of fellow Legionnaire Lightning Lass, and the younger brother of Lightning Lord. Brendan rated it it was amazing May 16, International Priority Shipping. Any international shipping and import charges are paid in part to Pitney Bowes Inc. This will likely increase the time it takes for your changes to go live. John rated it really liked it Oct 29, Using a winged costume and his remarkable combat prowess and avian telepathy, he became the Falcon - defender of Harlem. Add to Watchlist Unwatch. Karate Kid, also known as Val Armorr, has mastered every single form of unarmed combat in the 30th Century. By the time you get to the final section, we're sure you'll be as surprised as we were to discover the astonishing scale of the astounding subculture of superheroes.
    [Show full text]
  • Age of Apocalypse Event Book
    Earth-295 is a reality that was accidentally created by Legion, son of X-Men leader Professor Charles Xavier and Israeli diplomat Gabrielle Haller. Legion believed that the only way to bring peace to humans and mutants was to kill Magneto before he could incite the anti-mutant movement. He traveled back to a time when Xavier and Magneto both lived in Israel and were working at a hospital, taking the X-Men Storm, Iceman, Bishop, and Psylocke back with him. Legion tried to stab Magneto with a psi-blade, but Xavier shielded Magneto and was killed instead. By killing his own father, Legion made his own existence impossible. The M'Kraan Crystal resolved the paradox by restructuring reality. All the X-Men vanished from that reality, and a new reality came into existence. Bishop, already displaced in time, remained; but the chronal backlash fractured his mind. He wandered Earth for the next twenty years. The Rise of Apocalypse The clash of so many powerful mutants awoke the Celestially-empowered mutant Apocalypse years before he woke in the timeline of Earth-616. Apocalypse believed in natural selection, the "survival of the fittest". By his reasoning, super- powered beings deserved to run the world. When he saw such beings in action twenty years early, he set off to an early start on his campaign for world domination. Without heroes such as the Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, and the Avengers, there was no one to stop him. The only opposition was Magneto, who took up Xavier's cause and brought together the X-Men.
    [Show full text]
  • The Neurotic Superhero
    THE NEUROTIC SUPERHERO From Comic Book to Catharsis There’s a historical pattern around the popularity of the superhero—he or she is most needed during dark times in the real world. In Captain America: The First Avenger, when Steve Rogers/Captain America (Chris Evans) visits the US troops to boost morale, it’s more than mere fiction; it’s art imitating life. Sales of comic books actually increased during the Second World War. Service men and women needed such stories of bravery and triumph as an inspiration, to which they could also escape. Comics were portable, easy to share and inexpensive. The Golden Age of Comics began during the Great Depression, and it’s perhaps no coincidence that the game-changing movie for our current generation of superheroes, Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight, was released in 2008—the same year that saw the worst global economic crisis since the 1930s. We needed a hero; 2008 also happened to be the year that President Obama was first elected into office. The Dark Knight paved the way for the superhero shows and movies we’re still watching, a decade later. Of course, it wasn’t the first edgy, darker iteration of !1 the comic book superhero—Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man series and Tim Burton’s version of Batman had started to push the boundaries, together with the X-Men franchise, which focuses on the persecution and genocide of minority “mutant” superheroes. But it is Nolan’s Bruce Wayne/Batman (Christian Bale) who crosses that line: he’s not just heroic but deeply flawed.
    [Show full text]
  • [] SCHEER: Good Morning, Ladies and Gentlemen. Welcome to George W. Norris Legislative Chamber for the Fifty-First Day of the On
    Transcript Prepared By the Clerk of the Legislature Transcriber's Office Floor Debate April 02, 2019 [] SCHEER: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to George W. Norris Legislative Chamber for the fifty-first day of the One Hundred Sixth Legislature, First Session. Our chaplain today is Senator Williams. Would you please rise. WILLIAMS: (Prayer offered.) SCHEER: Thank you, Senator Williams. I call to order the fifty-first day of the One Hundred Sixth Legislature, First Session. Senators, would you please record your presence. Roll call. Mr. Clerk, please record. CLERK: I have a quorum present, Mr. President. SCHEER: Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Any corrections for the Journal? CLERK: I have no corrections. SCHEER: Are there any messages, reports, or announcements? CLERK: Just one item, Mr. President. The Committee on Agriculture, chaired by Senator Halloran, reports LB657 to General File with committee amendments attached. That's all that I have. SCHEER: Thank you, Mr. Clerk. The first item. While the Legislature is in session and capable of transacting business, I propose to sign and here do sign LR49, LR50, LR51, LR52, LR53, LR54, LR55, LR56, and LR58. Mr. Clerk, first item. CLERK: Mr. President, confirmation reports: the first by the Education Committee involves three appointments to the Nebraska Educational Telecommunications Commission. SCHEER: Senator Groene, as Chair, you're welcome to open. GROENE: Thank you, Mr. President. These appointments are to the Nebraska Educational Telecommunications Commission, NETC, commonly known as NET. NETC was established in 1963 for the Educational Television Act. The purpose of the commissions are to promote and establish NET facilities, provide NET programs, and operate educational and public radio and 1 Transcript Prepared By the Clerk of the Legislature Transcriber's Office Floor Debate April 02, 2019 TV networks.
    [Show full text]