Behind the Bastards Soldier of Fortune: The Deadliest Magazine Ever (with David X. Cohen)
Mar 20, 2020
David X. Cohen, renowned for his work on The Simpsons and Futurama, joins the conversation to delve into the controversial legacy of Soldier of Fortune magazine. They analyze its reckless impact on journalism and society, with anecdotes from Robert K. Brown's military aspirations. Topics include the transformation of war journalism, the turbulent history of Rhodesia, and the ethically questionable advertising practices of the magazine. With humor interspersed, they also touch on mental health and light-hearted moments like makeshift tennis games with bagels.
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Unusual Warfare Techniques Featured
- Soldier of Fortune included unusual articles like underwater knife fighting techniques.
- These catered to extreme scenarios mercenaries might face, highlighting the magazine's unique content.
Rhodesia's Racist Portrayal
- Rhodesia was a white supremacist state opposing black voting rights.
- Soldier of Fortune portrayed this racist regime positively, ignoring the oppression.
High Desertion and Death Rates
- Many Americans who joined Rhodesian army via Soldier of Fortune ads deserted quickly.
- Those who stayed often died, underscoring the harsh reality behind the mercenary dream.
