University of Kansas Explores Superman’s 1946 Battle with the KKK to Counter Modern Conspiracy Theories

In 1946, a radio serial featuring the iconic hero Superman confronted one of America’s most infamous hate groups: the Ku Klux Klan. The University of Kansas’ associate teaching professor, Colin McRoberts, has turned this historical episode into a case study on how media can dismantle harmful narratives. The chapter, “A Symbol for Hope: Superman’s Battle with the KKK as a Model for Effective Cultural Engagement with Conspiracy Theories,” appears in the McFarland‑published collection The Lizard People Don’t Want You to Read This: Essays on Conspiracy Theory in Popular Culture. The analysis offers concrete strategies for today’s media professionals, educators, and policy makers.

How a 1946 Radio Serial Offers Lessons for Today

The original serial did more than entertain; it exposed the Klan’s motives—xenophobia, hate, and a “know‑nothing” worldview—while simultaneously revealing the organization’s financial underpinnings. By turning the Klan’s own rhetoric against it, the story turned a powerful symbol of fear into a cautionary tale. McRoberts argues that modern media can emulate this approach when confronting contemporary conspiracy theories such as anti‑vaccine misinformation, antisemitic tropes, or the January 6 narrative.

Identifying the Core of a Conspiracy Narrative

Conspiracy theories often hinge on an unseen, malevolent force. The KKK serial made that force visible by exposing the group’s internal hierarchy and financial motives. In the same way, journalists and educators can demystify modern conspiracies by tracing their origins, funding sources, and the real-world impact on victims.

Using Storytelling to Undermine Harmful Ideologies

Superman’s story did not glorify the Klan; it highlighted its hypocrisy and silliness. The result was a shift in public perception that weakened the group’s influence. Media today can adopt a similar narrative strategy—focusing on victims, exposing inconsistencies, and presenting factual counter‑arguments—without sensationalizing the conspirators.

Practical Steps for Media Practitioners and Educators

McRoberts outlines a three‑step framework that can be applied across platforms:

• Research Thoroughly: Verify claims, trace funding, and consult primary sources.
• Frame the Narrative: Center the story on real people affected by the conspiracy, not on the conspirators themselves.
• Disseminate Widely: Use multiple channels—social media, podcasts, academic journals—to reach fragmented audiences.

These steps echo the serial’s success: a clear, evidence‑based message delivered through a popular medium.

Addressing Media Fragmentation

McRoberts notes that today’s media landscape is highly fragmented, making it harder for a single narrative to dominate public opinion. However, by collaborating across disciplines—journalism, public health, law, and cultural studies—professionals can create a unified front that amplifies accurate information.

Implications for the University of Kansas and Beyond

For KU, this research underscores the value of interdisciplinary study. Students in the business school, media studies program, and law department can draw on McRoberts’ findings to develop courses that teach critical media literacy and ethical storytelling. The chapter also serves as a resource for faculty seeking to engage students in real‑world problem solving.

Opportunities for Students and Scholars

Graduate students can explore the intersection of popular culture and social movements, while undergraduates might analyze how media narratives shape public perception. Faculty can incorporate the chapter into curricula on media ethics, public policy, or cultural engagement.

Next Steps for Readers

To deepen your understanding of how media can counter conspiracy theories, consider the following actions:

• Read the full chapter on McFarland & Company and examine the detailed analysis of the 1946 serial.
• Explore KU’s media studies and business programs to see how the university incorporates critical media analysis into its curriculum.
• Schedule a campus visit to meet faculty and learn about research opportunities in cultural engagement.
• Contact the University of Kansas Office of Communications for more information on upcoming seminars and workshops related to media literacy.

By applying the lessons from Superman’s historic battle, media professionals and scholars can develop more effective strategies to confront the dangerous narratives that shape our society today.