A Role Model With A Mask and Gun

If I was asked what I had for breakfast twenty-four hours ago, I might not remember. And if you asked me why I couldn’t remember, I might respond, “Remember what?” Perhaps it can be chalked up to my advancing age, or evidence of a deteriorating brain due to lobe calcification. But even if both are true, how come I can still clearly recall where I was every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday night at 7:30 pm, over sixty years ago?

The reason is because I was sitting in front of the radio listening to my favorite broadcast, “The Lone Ranger.” First aired in February of 1933, this legendary program was an integral part of the life of every American kid who had a radio in those days. And from the moment the William Tell Overture opened the program behind the stirring command, “Hi-yo, Silver! Away!” we sat transfixed for almost thirty minutes until our masked hero completed his tri-nightly fight to insure truth, justice, and the American way, then rode off into the sunset with his Indian companion, Tonto.

Looking back, I think the most unique thing about this childhood phenomenon, was that it was created to be more than mere entertainment. Skillfully crafted by writer Fran Striker and radio station owner George W. Trendle, great care was given to insure that its hero was always a positive role model to every kid who listened. The Lone Ranger, then, always shined as a paragon of virtue and morality in both word and deed. And this was no accident, for his character was purposely structured to embody a written creed in which his creator deeply believed. Here it is:

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Lone Ranger Creed by Fran Striker

"I believe……

That to have a friend,
a man must be one.

That all men are created equal
and that everyone has within himself
the power to make this a better world.

That God put the firewood there
but that every man
must gather and light it himself.

In being prepared
physically, mentally, and morally
to fight when necessary
for that which is right.

That a man should make the most
of what equipment he has.

That 'This government,
of the people, by the people
and for the people'
shall live always.

That men should live by
the rule of what is best
for the greatest number.

That sooner or later...
somewhere...somehow...
we must settle with the world
and make payment for what we have taken.

That all things change but truth,
and that truth alone, lives on forever.

I believe in my Creator, my country, and my fellow man."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Beyond this creed, each story plot was laced with strict guidelines that made the Lone Ranger a hero worth emulating. Seemingly inconsequential when viewed separately, together they created a moral blueprint to which impressionable young minds could relate. For example, the masked man was never seen drinking alcohol, or hanging around in unseemly places like frontier saloons. He also never smoked, or was rude or unkind to even the outlaws with whom he had to deal. And when he spoke, his grammar and syntax was always perfect, and not a word of slang did you ever hear leave his mouth.

And there were additional guidelines as to how the Lone Ranger would comport himself. Though he captured outlaws using force, it was never with an excessive amount, or with gratuitous violence. And when he had to use his firearm, he never shot with the intent to kill. Instead, he usually disarmed the bad guys by skillfully shooting the gun from their hands, or by nicking them and causing them to give up. He also was never portrayed as a superhero who could overcome unrealistic odds. And while he fought diligently to seek justice for the “little guy,” he always did so to "level the playing field," and make the western expansion of this country accessible to every man, despite his station in life.

Even story villains had specific character guidelines on the Lone Ranger Program. Each was portrayed as a generic American without racial stereotype. This was purposely done to avoid minority groups from criticizing that they were being singled out in a negative way. And the names of criminals were usually left as nicknames, thus avoiding the chance that full names could be mistakenly associated with any race or ethnic group. Beyond that, those on the wrong side of the law were never portrayed in positions of wealth and power. In other words, it was clear to every young listener, that crime did NOT pay.

After many years as a radio favorite, the Lone Ranger Program finally moved to television on September 15, 1949. With Clayton Moore as the Lone Ranger, and Jay Silverheels as Tonto, the program cultivated a new generation of dedicated fans until its final airing in 1957. Then, thanks to re-runs, the masked man and his Indian companion continued fighting injustice on children’s TV screens all over the world, right into the new millennium.

Yes, while I might not remember what I ate yesterday, I can definitely recall that time long ago, when a masked man riding a horse named Silver and wearing a gun belt that held shiny silver bullets, rode into my kitchen each week and convinced me that being a “good guy” was really cool. And contrary to what the world often said, HE was all the proof I needed, that good guys were definitely not meant to finish last.


Note: You can listen to the stirring radio intro of the Lone Ranger program, by copying the following web address into your browser, and clicking on the “Play Intro” tab on the main page. (http://www.originaloldradio.com/lone_ranger.html ) Enjoy !!