The Realist (magazine)
The Realist was a magazine known for its provocative and satirical approach to social and political issues, often advocating for controversial and unpopular causes. Founded and edited by Paul Krassner, the publication was a platform for discussions on topics such as abortion rights, sexual liberation, and religious skepticism, while also opposing American military policies during the Cold War. The magazine gained notoriety for championing figures like comedian Lenny Bruce and activist Madalyn Murray O'Hair, reflecting its commitment to challenging societal norms.
One of the most infamous issues was published in May 1967, which included a satirical piece titled "The Parts Left out of the Kennedy Book," along with a provocative centerfold called "The Disneyland Memorial Orgy." These features led to attempts to censor the magazine due to allegations of obscenity. Despite facing legal challenges and social backlash, The Realist achieved significant circulation, with its most controversial issue selling 100,000 copies. The magazine's unique blend of humor and social critique made it a notable part of the countercultural movement in America during the 1960s.
Subject Terms
The Realist (magazine)
Type of work: Magazine
Published: 1958-1974
Editor: Paul Krassner (1932- )
Subject matter: Social and political satire
Significance:The Realist challenged prevailing standards of decency and conventional thought during the late 1950’s and 1960’s and occasionally brought calls for censorship
The Realist advocated unpopular and controversial causes, often expressing its views in uninhibited and biting satire. The magazine supported abortion rights, sexual liberation, and religious skepticism, and it opposed American Cold War military policies. The Realist also championed controversial individuals, such as comedian Lenny Bruce and atheist Madalyn Murray.
Efforts were made to censor the May, 1967, Realist for alleged obscenity. The issue published “The Parts Left out of the Kennedy Book,” a literary hoax written by editor Paul Krassner that purported to publish sections of William Manchester’s new book, The Death of a President, which had been deleted by the publisher. It included a scene on the flight to Washington from Dallas after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, in which the president’s widow observed the new president, Lyndon Johnson, engaging in a sexual act with the dead president. The same issue contained a centerfold entitled “The Disneyland Memorial Orgy,” which depicted familiar Walt Disney characters in various sexual positions, enjoying the new freedom allowed by the recent death of their creator. Although the magazine’s Baltimore, Maryland, distributor removed the Disney centerfold, and charges of distributing obscene material (later dropped) were brought against the magazine’s Chicago distributor, attempts to prevent circulation of the issue failed. The most provocative issue of The Realist sold 100,000 copies.