Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford Cautionary Tales Presents: Getting out of Dodge from Revisionist History
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Sep 19, 2023 
Malcolm Gladwell, bestselling author and journalist, dives into the cultural impact of the long-running TV show Gunsmoke. He argues that its portrayals of heroism and violence may have influenced Supreme Court justices on gun rights. Gladwell draws intriguing parallels between the law enforcement realities of 1870s Dodge City and modern firearm laws, questioning how media shapes perceptions of safety and self-defense. Through a blend of historical anecdotes and contemporary implications, he explores the complexities of gun culture.
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Gunsmoke's Subversion
- John Meston, co-creator of Gunsmoke, despised traditional western heroes.
- He aimed to subvert them with Matt Dillon, a flawed but compelling marshal.
Westerns' Influence
- Westerns, like Gunsmoke, heavily influenced American views on guns and violence.
- The lack of moral ambiguity and focus on gunfights shaped a generation's perception of the Old West.
Alito's Hypothetical
- Justice Alito questioned New York's gun law during oral arguments, citing concerns for workers' self-defense.
- He used a hypothetical scenario of people working late and commuting home through high-crime areas.