Teaching Democracy Through Adventure Stories
by David Krell
david@davidkrell.com
George W. Trendle was the guiding force behind the creation, foundation, and maintenance of The Lone Ranger franchise from its inception in 1933 to its sale to oilman Jack Wrather in 1954.
Trendle embraced the power of broadcasting. More than a technology to inform, entertain, and advertise, broadcasting proved its power to instruct, according to Trendle. Given Trendle's full name of George Washington Trendle, the subject of democracy is a logical subject of interest.
On May 1, 1951, Trendle issued a press release entitled Teaching Democracy Through Adventure Stories. The byline reads: by George W. Trendle, President of Trendle-Campbell Enterprises, Inc., and creator of The Lone Ranger. Trendle explains the character's appeal, influence, and symbolism concerning Democracy.
Here is the text of the press release:
After eighteen years of continuous broadcasting and other associated activities, even the most cautious critics are beginning to admit that The Lone Ranger is here to stay.
I must admit, however, that back in 1933 I did not foresee the long life of my mythical creation, nor did I reckon on the tremendous influence The Lone Ranger would come to have in teaching youngsters the ideals of Democracy, tolerance, good citizenship and respect for law and order.
As he has continued to be the hero and idol in the eyes, minds and hearts of boys and girls all over the world, I have been asked many times the whys and wherefores which keep The Lone Ranger a perennial.
His popularity, his constant recognition and endorsement by parents, teachers, women's clubs and other civic groups, I am convinced can be greatly attributed to the fact that he is the embodiment of all desirable virtues and that his character is a composite of all men who uphold the laws of God and Man. He is not just a swash-buckling, radio cowboy actor in a program designed solely for entertainment. In fact, he is not a cowboy. This anonymous idol is a Texas Ranger. Children respect and admire him. They emulate him in word and deed. If The Lone Ranger says it and does it, it's alright. In his speech and actions he has always been careful to safeguard this responsibility. Through his Safety Clubs and public services in behalf of the war effort, The Lone Ranger has been a great teacher of obedience, tolerance, self-discipline and good citizenship.
Through his thrilling adventures, devoid of gory murders, children and grown-ups, too (55% of his audience) have come to have a better appreciation of the courage and determination of the early pioneers who endured all manner of hardship in opening up our great Southwest and who fought to give us our great American Heritage of opportunity, security and freedom. In many ways, The Lone Ranger has taught the real meaning of the word, Democracy.