Dr. Jason Barr, FHSU History M.A. student, joins Hollie Marquess to discuss the 1958 Federal Switchblade Ban. Jason explores the cultural setting of the 1940s and 50s, including perceptions of race and juvenile delinquency, that led to Public Law 85-623. Jason also discusses popular media like films, novels, and magazine articles that led to ideas about who was using switchblades and how, creating a frenzy about teen gangs in the era.
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Selected Bibliography:
Athanas, Verne. “Switchblade.” Saturday Evening Post. 1958, 231 (10), 24–50. https://search-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.fhsu.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=19537375&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
Crowther, Bosley. “The Screen: ‘Blackboard Jungle:’ Delinquency Shown in Powerful Film.” New York Times, March 21, 1955, 21. https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1955/03/21/93731664.html.
“It’s Time to Disarm Switch-Blade-Toting Juvenile Hoodlums.” July 12, 1958. Saturday Evening Post. 231 (2), 10. https://search-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.fhsu.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ulh&AN=19533675&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
Wertham, Fredric. Seduction of the Innocent: The Influence of Comic Books on Today’s Youth. New York: Rinehart and Company, 1955.
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Victor E. History 