S4E77 - Issue 77 - Secret Identities

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: IntroFirst 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 thereBackground (07:00) Secret identities in fiction existed before comic books - the Scarlet Pimpernel and Zorro both predate comicsFirst comic book character with secret identity was the Phantom, who was before Superman, the most famous alter ego in comicsMost 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 BMBSecret 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 heroIssuesAre 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 timeEnding 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) Apple Podcasts: here Google Play: here Stitcher: here TuneIn: here iHeartRadio: here Spotify: hereTwitterFacebookE-mailPatreonTeePublicDiscord