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

• Silence in the Quagmire: The Vietnam War in US Comics by Dr. Hattie Earle
• Police, 'The Punisher' and Performative Masculinity- The Sociologist's Dojo
• The Curious Case of Elon Musk and Tony Stark- The Sociologist's Dojo
• Yellow: Race in America Beyond Black and White by Frank H. Wu
• YellowFace Documentary
• War, Politics and Superheroes by Marc DiPaolo
• Eddie Adams: Saigon Execution
• International Noise Conspiracy: "Capitalism Stole My Virginity"

On This month's episode of The Sociologist's Dojo Podcast, Dr. Ted Preston Philosophy Professor at Rio Hondo College and the Host conclude their two-part discussion on John Rambo and The Rambo Franchise.

Listen to Part I

Here in Part II

The Host and Dr. Preston conclude their discussion on "The politics of The Rambo Franchise" asking the question "What makes Rambo, Rambo?" Before diving into the masculine representation of the iconic character, then looking into the franchise's legacy and its overall cultural relevance. Enjoy!

Production Notes:

Intro: 0:00-2:55

• "Previously on The Sociologist's Dojo Podcast

The Politics of the Rambo Franchise Part II (2:56-33:18)

• Rambo I-V "Becoming Less Rambo"
• Rambo is Presented as always right
• Shifting to the political right
• Stallone and Reagan (Rambo III)
• The political messages of Last Blood
• Political Co-opting of "the Rambo image"
• Response to Pop Culture shifting to the left
• Rambo as "Militainment"

Social Analysis 33:19-89:54

• Rewatches and Niostalgia
• Dr. Preston's perfect pitch for Rambo: Last Blood/New Blood
• The Sociologist's Dojo's review of Last Blood
• John Rambo as a cultural icon
• Rambo and Masculinity (a political Strongman)
• Aging and Legacy

Outtro: 89:55-96:46

• Film Franchise Rankings and Thoughts on a possible "Rambo: New Blood" film.
• Dr. Preston's Next Episode
• Upcoming Episodes and Essays

Links

• The Last Action Heroes by Nick de Semlyen
• Regan and Rambo article LA Times (1985)
• Rambo Politics from Regan to Trump by Bonnie Honig
• First Blood by David Morrel
• How Slyvester Stalone's Rrambo became a symbol for Right Wing Politics- Esquire

On this month's episode of The Sociologist's Dojo Podcast, return guest Dr. Ted Preston, Professor of Philosophy at Rio Hondo College and the host begin their two part discussion of John Rambo and The Rambo franchise.

Here in Part 1, we first get an update on Dr. Preston's research before diving into the films. This first half focuses on their discussion of the basics of the films, franchise trivia and the first bit of historical relevance for the character and the series. The episode asks the question about what makes an 80's action film, how Rambo fits that criteria, and provides the opening discussion of the politics of Rambo on screen.

Enjoy!

Production Notes:

Intro: 0:00-310

• An Episode in Two Parts

Update on Dr. Preston's Research 3:11-6:21

• Cato and Neurodivergence

Basics of the Franchise 6:22-28:49

• Second Disclaimer and References Used
• Structure of the Episode

Basics:

• Inception (David Morrel's original book)
• Calarco Pictures Rights and Adaptation

Synopsis of the Series:

• Changes from the Text
• Trajectory of the films and Popularity of the Series
• Trivia

Historical Context 28:50-82:51

• Dr. Preston and the Host's experiences with the character and the franchise.
• 80's Toy Tie-ins
• What makes an 80's action film?
• Stallone and Schwarzenegger Feud
• Rambo and Cultural Lag
• The Politics of The Rambo Franchise (Part 1)

Links

• The Last Action Heroes by Nick de Semlyen
• Regan and Rambo article LA Times (1985)
• Rambo Politics from Regan to Trump by Bonnie Honig
• First Blood by David Morrel
• How Slyvester Stalone's Rrambo became a symbol for Right Wing Politics- Esquire

All Clips were used under fair Use