Date of Award
5-2013
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Legacy Department
Communication, Technology, and Society
Committee Chair/Advisor
Scott, Travers
Committee Member
Kendall , Brenden
Committee Member
Mazer , Joseph
Abstract
This thesis analyzes the relationship between organizational apologia and the participatory cultures constructed around new media. Using The Pennsylvania State University sex abuse scandal as a case study, the current research highlights the significant role online communities play in the image repair process of an organization accused of wrongdoing. The current study is an attempt to bridge the gap between organizational apologia and participatory culture by offering a multimethodological approach to an analysis of the Penn State crisis. Five specific events in the crisis are examined across three levels. First, a rhetorical criticism of the Penn State response to the event offers insight into the role of organizational apologia. Second, textual analysis of Internet memes in response to the Penn State message sheds light on the impact the self-defense has on its intended audience. Finally, virtual ethnography provides significant perspective on the impact of participatory culture in a crisis scenario. In all, this analysis identifies key concerns around and related to organizational apologia, audience reception, and participatory culture in hypermediated contexts.
Recommended Citation
Boatwright, Brandon, "Official and Viral Apologia: Participatory Culture and the Penn State Scandal" (2013). All Theses. 1580.
https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/all_theses/1580