It’s time for another thematic episode, and this time we brought along the requestor himself, Matt, as a guest! How does anonymity impact our dealings with each other? Is our world more like DC or Marvel? And how will the COVID-19 pandemic affect all of it? These topics and more in this episode – listen now!

SHOW NOTES:

• Intro
• • First episode where the Patron is a guest! Welcome to Matt!
  • Shoutout to Nooks & Crannies – Matty & Evan talk about the politics of everyday life, and all the little things that go along with it (NSFW) – https://nooksandcrannies.podbean.com/
  • New t-shirt design coming soon! We promise!
  • MH Avengers recording sesh next week, so new episode coming there
• Background (07:00)

• • Secret identities in fiction existed before comic books – the Scarlet Pimpernel and Zorro both predate comics
  • First comic book character with secret identity was the Phantom, who was before Superman, the most famous alter ego in comics
  • Most superheroes had secret identities for decades – Fantastic Four were the first mainstream heroes to be “out and proud”
  • Since then, much has been discussed about whether secret identities are needed or worthy – big stories about heroes “coming out” include Peter Parker in Civil War, and Superman: The Truth by BMB
  • Secret identities are defended as a way to allow the hero to have a private life, as well as protect their loved ones – but it also creates the scenario where they are living a “double life” that they have to hide, creating strain on the hero
• Issues
• • Are alter egos, or anonymity in general, a psychologically healthy thing?
  • Real life corollary – downside to anonymity allows for things like doxxing, harassment, swatting, etc. (24:20)
  • People in dangerous positions can’t always be public with their social media posts (39:00)
• Break (51:19)
• • Plugs for Parent Quest, Inner Demons, and Chris Claremont 
• Treatment (53:02)
• • In-universe/out of universe –  Technology has accelerated this, but the scenario has existed for quite some time
• Ending 
• • Next episodes: Shredder, MH Avengers: Age of Access (Pt. 2), Dick Grayson, Laura Kinney

References:

• Blazing Saddles – “My mind is a raging torrent…” – Anthony (06:50)
• Swatting – Anthony (26:30)
• Fake pizza orders for first responders – Anthony (28:04)
• Federalist Papers/Publius – Anthony (39:45)
• Alice Sheldon and Mary Ann Evans – Matt (41:53)
• TV Tropes – Clark Kenting – Doc (48:20)
• Crank Yankers – Karl Malone Beanie Babies – Anthony (54:50)
• Seismic noise reduced because of lockdown – Anthony (68:55)

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