Working Paper: CEPR ID: DP18207
Authors: Alex Armand; Paul Atwell; Joseph Flavian Gomes; Yannik Schenk
Abstract: We document the influence of media narratives in counteracting racial prejudice by exploring the emergence of socially inclusive narratives in post-WWII U.S. media. We exploit an unprecedented experiment that created exogenous exposure to these narratives: in 1946, amid widespread racial divisions, the popular children’s radio series The Adventures of Superman suddenly decided to promote equality by reframing its fictional stories. We find that exposure to these narratives significantly contributed to the advancement of civil rights in subsequent decades. Specifically, we uncover increased support for civil rights and civil rights organizations, deeper racial assimilation, and more progressive political positions.
Keywords: mass media; radio; segregation; ku klux klan; superman; intolerance; civil rights; racism
JEL Codes: D7; D83; J15; L82; N32; Z18
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| Higher exposure to Superman broadcasts (I19) | Decrease in support for KKK-affiliated political candidates (K16) |
| Higher exposure to Superman broadcasts (I19) | Decrease in support for opponents of civil rights (K16) |
| Higher exposure to Superman broadcasts (I19) | Decrease in presence of active KKK branches (J79) |
| Higher exposure to Superman broadcasts (I19) | Increase in civil rights organizations (L39) |
| Higher exposure to Superman broadcasts (I19) | Improved access to non-discriminatory services for African Americans (I24) |
| Exposure to Superman broadcasts during youth (I19) | More progressive attitudes towards civil rights (J79) |
| More progressive attitudes towards civil rights (J79) | Decrease in likelihood to participate in the Vietnam War (H56) |