The Sociologist's Dojo Podcast: Episode 54: Militarism in Comics with Dr. Hattie Earle

Episode 54: Militarism in Comics with Dr. Hattie Earle

Jun 27, 2025

On this month's episode of The Sociologist's Dojo Podcast, Dr. Hattie Earle, Senior Lecturer in English and Creattive Writing at Sheffield Hallam University and the author of the new book: Silence in the Quagmire: The Vietnam War in U.S. Comics joins the host for a frank discussion of Militarism in Comics. Discussion topics include: The importance of comics as a medium, the racialization of "the enemy other", and why Frank Castle, and those that emulate him, are simply...the worst. Enjoy!

Production Notes:

Intro: 0:00-2:10

The Basics of Dr. Earle 2:11-31:42

Dr. Earle "stans" for early Simpsons episodes
Keeping the Acadfemic at bay when consuming Pop Culture
'An Evangelist of Comics'
Introducing Dr. Earle's book (8:58-16:52)
The Soft Power of Comics and the Hard Power of Foreign Policy
Relationship between WWII and Vietnam in Comics
Reluctance to discuss My Lai

Historical Context 31:43-79:06

Comics being used differently in different conflicts
Comics impact on the Anti-War movement
Historical Revisionism and relitigation of war through comics
Comics as Manufacturing Consent
Propaganda shaping public consciousness
The Importance of the internet on Anti-War movements

Social Analysis 79:07-113:24

The construction of "The Enemy Image" and its racialized "othering"
Superhero comics embodying American Experiences (Immigration, Foreign Policy, Tragedy)
Discussing Frank Castle: The Punisher
The Gender Politics of Militarism and Comics

Outtro: 113:25-116-10

Dr. Earle's Social Media
Coming up on the Blog and Podcast
Next Episode: Summer Movie Recap: (August 2025)

*All Audio Clips used under Fair Use*

Links