hyoo'mer

• Main Author: Cardoza, Janice
• Format: Others
• Published: VCU Scholars Compass 2003
• Subjects: humor; racism; social commentary; genetic superiority; irony; satire; sarcasm; advertising; Art and Design; Arts and Humanities
• Online Access: http://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd_retro/1; http://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1000&context=etd_retro

There are many forms of humor. Irreverent, dark, and black humor have been used throughout history for social commentary. Irony, parody, sarcasm, and satire can break through preconceived notions, barriers and the tensions we experience when confronted with uncomfortable issues such as bigotry, elitism, and genetic superiority. Humor provides an opportunity for a release of tension giving way to a more receptive audience and a more effective message. My thesis is an exploration of the use of irreverent, dark, annd black humor as vehicles for effective social commentary in communication design.