Masters Theses

Date of Award

6-1984

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Communication

Major Professor

Michael Singletary

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis was to study the history of editorial cartooning; to present a brief biography of Mike Peters, cartoonist of the Dayton Daily News; and to conduct a content analysis of Peters' cartoons across a 14-year period.

This thesis emphasized that editorial cartoonists have played a special role in American journalism. They are at their best when they are in disharmony with the establishment, and they are regularly allowed to go beyond the accepted borders of their profession with little concern for legal reaction. This might seem ideal: freedom with minimal risk--but the cartoonist is often misunderstood by editors and readers. His intended message is often confused. A study of Mike Peters reflected the persona and the working habits of a cartoonist, and an analysis of his drawings reflected his tastes. This thesis contributed to a greater understanding of how the cartoonist functioned in society and what themes he was most likely to address. There has been a shortage of research on editorial cartooning; this thesis represented one step in giving the profession the attention it deserves.

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