Bad Language, Naked Ladies, and Other Threats to the Nation

This book investigates the role of comic books in shaping post-revolutionary Mexico's state and society, revealing complex dynamics of censorship and cultural nationalism.

In Bad Language, Naked Ladies, and Other Threats to the Nation, Anne Rubenstein explores the significant impact of comic books on the formation of a stable, legitimate state in post-revolutionary Mexico. Through a detailed examination of the interactions between the Mexican government and its civil society from the 1930s to the 1970s, the book delves into how these popular yet controversial publications shaped cultural nationalism and influenced social change. Rubenstein highlights the role of comic books as not merely entertainment, but as a reflection of societal values and tensions of the time.

The narrative further investigates the politics of censorship that arose in response to the perceived threats posed by comic books. The Mexican government established a censorship office, responding to conservative protests against the supposed immorality of these publications. While the office had limited impact on the actual content, it effectively redirected conservative anger towards the media instead of government policies. This dynamic reveals the complex relationship between state control and cultural production in Mexico.

Bad Language, Naked Ladies, and Other Threats to the Nation is an insightful resource for anyone interested in Mexican history, Latin American studies, cultural studies, and popular culture. Rubenstein’s work encourages readers to reconsider the role of media in shaping political narratives and cultural identity, suggesting that negotiation over cultural issues played a crucial role in maintaining political stability in a rapidly changing society.