Abstract

Until the late 1960s, serious scholarship involving the impact of popular music as political expression was lacking. Studies in rhetorical criticism tended to focus upon speeches, essays, and historical documents. Yet in the 1970s, protest songs were given more attention by scholars. However, this trend was not continued into the 2000s. By analyzing the ideological themes within the lyrics, this thesis examined the rhetorical function of protest songs performed during the 2000s. Functions identified include: historicizing a truth, using music and lyrics as a buffer to challenge a power structure, empowering the listener to overcome adversity, communicating a message to solidify members of a social movement, and encouraging societal change.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Protest songs--United States--21st century--History and criticism; Music and rhetoric; Rhetorical criticism

Publication Date

12-12-2013

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Communication and Media Technologies (MS)

Department, Program, or Center

Department of Communication (CLA)

Advisor

Patrick Scanlon

Advisor/Committee Member

Kelly Norris Martin

Advisor/Committee Member

Babak Elahi

Comments

Physical copy available from RIT's Wallace Library at M1977.P75 Q84 2013

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

COMMTCH-MS

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