Managing Collaboration in the Thirty Years War: Culture, Politics and the Influence of Donald Wildmon

Abstract: In the analysis of America's cultural and political wars of the late twentieth century, no comprehensive analysis exists of the actions and issues of Donald Wildmon and the American Family Association. Wildmon came to public attention in the 1970s as a critic of “offensive” television programs and has since remained a key player in the Religious Right. This paper will provide an overview of the development of Wildmon's influence—specifically focusing on early consumer boycotts, his war on pornography and the NEA, his political influence among other Religious Right groups, and the growth of his reach.