Abstract

The power of Egyptian political cartoonists is immense. By means of their simple drawings, cartoonists can reach the mind of the people in less time than the political leader does via speeches. They have usually found ways to circumvent the censorship, which has been strict over different periods of time, and put forward their criticism. This study looks at the role of political cartoons in depicting major events, developments, and trends (e/d/ts) in Egypt. Through a series of Delphi questionnaires, these e/d/ts were determined by 23 political cartoonists, who also recorded their perspective regarding the impact of cartoons on the e/d/ts of the past beginning with 1900, then of the present, and finally of the future. In general, the cartoonists were enthusiastic about listing the e/d/ts of the past and of the present and the impact of the cartoons on them. However, they became pessimistic when asked to anticipate future e/d/ts and the possible impact of political cartoons. Cartoons have played a major role in shaping public opinion, reflecting public feelings, and releasing tension. They have provided a sense of immediacy and have effectively depicted the major e/d/ts. This study demonstrates that modern Egyptian history can be traced and be studied through political cartoons.

School

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Department

Journalism & Mass Communication Department

Degree Name

MA in Journalism & Mass Communication

Date of Award

2-1-2005

Online Submission Date

1-1-2004

First Advisor

Ralph Berenger

Committee Member 1

Ralph Berenger

Committee Member 2

Kevin Keenan

Committee Member 3

Emad Shahin

Document Type

Thesis

Extent

240 leaves

Library of Congress Subject Heading 1

Political cartoons.

Rights

The American University in Cairo grants authors of theses and dissertations a maximum embargo period of two years from the date of submission, upon request. After the embargo elapses, these documents are made available publicly. If you are the author of this thesis or dissertation, and would like to request an exceptional extension of the embargo period, please write to thesisadmin@aucegypt.edu

Call Number

Thesis 2004/56

Location

mmbk

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