Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Award Date

2017

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Communication Studies and Theatre

First Advisor

Rebecca A. Kuehl

Keywords

agency, celebrity, citizenship, feminism, politics, rhetoric

Abstract

Satire and politics are typically considered masculine fields within the societal constructs of the United States. Wanda Sykes and Cecily Strong both navigate these male-dominated worlds with their addresses at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. This analysis views these addresses through three rhetorical lenses: feminist standpoint theory, rhetorical citizenship, and rhetorical and political agency. This study explores the way women’s issues in society exposed to various audiences through Sykes’ and Strong’s satirical addresses. Communication scholars have not previously considered both of these addresses; this analysis furthers our understanding of feminist viewpoints being shared to audiences and encouraging audiences to take civic action on issues facing today’s American society.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Political satire, American.
Women comedians.
United States -- Politics and government -- 2009-2017 -- Humor.
Sykes, Wanda, 1964-
Strong, Cecily.

Description

Includes bibliographical references (pages 116-135)

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

142

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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Rights Statement

In Copyright