(70) The Limbaugh Effect: How a Talk Radio Personality Affected the Public Perception of Feminism in the 1980s and 1990s

My project examines the relationship between media and public perception using Rush Limbaugh as a case study. Limbaugh used his platform as a talk radio personality to publicly defame feminists and feminism on many occasions.... [ view full abstract ]

My project examines the relationship between media and public perception using Rush Limbaugh as a case study. Limbaugh used his platform as a talk radio personality to publicly defame feminists and feminism on many occasions. I theorize that Limbaugh's position in the public eye and his millions of daily listeners gave him the power to have a tangible effect on the public perception of feminism and affect their pursuit of equality. I support my theory with examples of Limbaugh's negative rhetoric about feminism from various media appearances he did and from his own television show.