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HahnLauraK1999 mab.pdf (6.04 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

A Generic Analysis of the Rhetoric of Humorous Incivility in Popular Culture

Hahn, Laura K.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1391683148

Abstract Details

1999, Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, Journalism and Communication.
This research examines the rhetoric of humorous incivility as it is enacted in popular culture, specifically in the television programs, Seinfeld and Beavis and Butt- Head, and the radio and television program, The Howard Stern Show. The purpose is to identify, describe, and understand the features and functions of a rhetoric of humorous incivility. The method of genre criticism is used to identify and explain the rhetorical situation, the substantive and stylistic features, and the organizing principle of each show. The analysis of the shows suggests humorous incivility may function in two ways for audiences. The shows may be read as both civil and uncivil, depending on the frame from which the audience views them--closed to the perspectives of the other in a self-focus or open to such perspectives in an other focus. When the self-focused topics of sex, family, technology, and bodily functions receive the focus of attention, they may be read within the civil frame—as open, playful, and innovative. When viewed from this perspective, the shows fall into categories at the civil end of the continuum because the characters handle these topics in a manner that appears open or unrestricted. When viewed from the perspective of other-focused topics, however, they appear closed to the possibility of allowing external influences to have an impact.
Sonja K. Foss (Advisor)
Mary Garrett (Committee Member)
Dale Brashers (Committee Member)
204 p.
Journalism

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Hahn, L. K. (1999). A Generic Analysis of the Rhetoric of Humorous Incivility in Popular Culture [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1391683148

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Hahn, Laura. A Generic Analysis of the Rhetoric of Humorous Incivility in Popular Culture. 1999. Ohio State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1391683148.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Hahn, Laura. "A Generic Analysis of the Rhetoric of Humorous Incivility in Popular Culture." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University, 1999. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1391683148

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1391683148
316
© 1999, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.
Release 3.2.12