Creed of the Lone Ranger

RonJ

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I found this on Wikipedia and thought some might find it interesting.
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In every incarnation of the character to date, the Lone Ranger has conducted himself by a strict moral code. This code was put in place by Fran Striker at the inception of the character. Actors Clayton Moore and Jay Silverheels, taking their positions as role models to children very seriously, also tried their best to live by this creed.

"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.

In my Creator, my country, my fellow man."

In addition, in order to ensure that their character remain constant and true to their theory, Fran Striker and George W. Trendle drew up these guidelines and list of rules which embody who and what the Lone Ranger is and why he has remained a hero and a legend:

The Lone Ranger is never seen without his mask or a disguise.
With emphasis on logic, The Lone Ranger is never captured or held for any length of time by lawmen, avoiding his being unmasked.
At all times, The Lone Ranger uses perfect grammar and precise speech completely devoid of slang and colloquial phrases.
When he has to use guns, The Lone Ranger never shoots to kill, but rather only to disarm his opponent as painlessly as possible.
Logically, too, The Lone Ranger never wins against hopeless odds; i.e., he is never seen escaping from a barrage of bullets merely by riding into the horizon.
Even though The Lone Ranger offers his aid to individuals or small groups, the ultimate objective of his story is to imply that their benefit is only a by-product of a greater achievement -- the development of the West or our Country. His adversaries are usually groups whose power is such that large areas are at stake.
All adversaries are American to avoid criticism from minority groups.
Names of unsympathetic characters are carefully chosen, avoiding the use of two names as much as possible to avoid even further vicarious association. More often than not, a single nickname is selected.
The Lone Ranger does not drink or smoke, and saloon scenes are usually interpreted as cafes with waiters and food instead of bartenders and liquor.
 
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The last time I listened to a Lone Ranger program was on satellite radio about a year ago. He and the sheriff and another person had captured a bad guy and were questioning him. The bg refused to talk. The LR promptly shoved the bg into a small room and closed the door. Then, behind the closed door, he beat the living crap out of the guy. When they came out, the bg was ready to talk.

I was astonished by the whole thing!
 
Ah! I forgot to mention that this code of conduct was written by the television writers.
I was struck by the contrast in ethics between then and now on TV.
 
It was aimed at a juvenile audience after all.
One friend who is a movie buff says the John Ford westerns usually treated the Indians sympathetically.
Part of the reason the Lone Ranger wore a mask was so he could operate undercover. I recall one episode where he goes into town disguised as an eccentric old miner-even changes his voice. While there he bumps into the sheriff. Later as the Lone Ranger he meets the sheriff and tells him they have met already.
When the sheriff says they haven't the Lone Ranger does the miner's voice and some of his
mannerisms.
 
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