Brian T. Kaylor

Investigating Personality and Viewing-Motivation Correlates of Reality Television Exposure

This study investigated the personality and viewing-motivation correlates of reality television exposure. Results from a survey of 592 undergraduates showed that extroversion negatively predicted reality television exposure, whereas neuroticism was not associated with it. Both instrumental (social interaction, information, and arousal) and ritualized (relaxation, pass time, entertainment, and companionship) viewing motivations positively predicted exposure to reality television. A two-stage model by which personality traits contributed to viewing motivations, which, in turn, contributed to the selection of reality television, was tested and offered an adequate fit to the data. Implications for uses and gratifications research are discussed.

Gracious submission: the Southern Baptist Convention's press portrayals of women

Among recent controversies surrounding the Southern Baptist Convention, the largest Protestant denomination, have been statements on the role of women in society. With the 2004 election the SBC gained political influence due to its role in the re-election of President George W. Bush and ratification of 13 state constitutional amendments banning same-sex marriage. This study examines the portrayals of women by the SBCs Baptist Press during the six-month period surrounding the 2004 election in order to determine how this religiously and politically powerful group depicts women and their role in the family, church, and society.

Cartoonish Claims: Editorial Cartoon Depictions of Religion

During the 2006 controversy surrounding the Danish cartoons mocking Muhammad and Muslims, many conservative Christians claimed that the media were harsher on Christians than Muslims. This study explores those claims by analyzing how religion and religious individuals are depicted in editorial cartoons. This study offers insights into differences in the treatment of various religions, as well as the topics in which religious individuals are discussed and the reasons religious individuals are mocked in the cartoons. Implications address the partially inaccurate claims by conservative Christians concerning media attention and the impact the editorial cartoon portrayals may have on the religions involved.

No Jack Kennedy: Mitt Romney's “Faith in America” Speech and the Changing Religious-Political Environment

In December of 2007, Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney traveled to Texas to give an address on religion and politics. The speech was heralded by many as Romneys “JFK moment.” This study explores the campaign religion speeches of Kennedy and Romney by considering various issues concerning context, audience, and content of the two speeches. Guiding this analysis is Roderick Harts work on the civil-religious contract and Kenneth Burkes work on dramatistic analysis, which are utilized to demonstrate that—despite the medias proclamations—Romneys speech represented a stark shift from Kennedys rhetorical approach. Implications are drawn concerning the differences between the two speeches and an understanding of the confessional political style guiding the intersection of religion and politics today.

Sheep Without a Shepherd (but With an Archbishop): Foucault's Pastoral Power and the Denying of Communion

In 2003 and 2004, Raymond Burke went from being a little known bishop in Wisconsin to one of the most controversial figures in the Catholic Church. Burke created controversy by saying he would deny communion to Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry and other pro-choice Catholic politicians, and for denying communion to Polish Catholic parishioners who refused to cede control of church assets. This study explores Burkes rhetoric in these two unique and important conflicts in light of Michel Foucaults work on pastoral power to analyze the usage of the shepherd concept, its limits, and implications for power within church organizations.

A Burkean Poetic Frames Analysis of the 2004 Presidential Ads

While numerous studies have examined the frequency of attack ads in presidential elections, this study measures the level of severity of the attacks. Using Burkes poetic frames as a foundation, this content analytical study examines the 2004 presidential ads. The negativity level of the ads is explored with comparisons made between those by the candidates and the organizations, differences in ads by medium (television, radio, and Internet), and differences in three time periods of the election (pre-conventions, between conventions, and post-conventions). Finally, implications are addressed concerning Burkean frames, 527 groups, and the Internet.

A New Law: The Covenant Speech of Barbara Jordan

When Barbara Jordan stepped to the podium at the 1976 Democratic National Convention, she made history as the first African American keynote speaker at a major political partys nominating convention. Rather than giving a traditional keynote address, Jordan played the part of an Old Testament prophet with a new commandment to give to the people. This study analyzes Jordans address as a modern covenant speech to better understand her speech and this new rhetorical form. As utilized by Jordan, this unique type of prophetic discourse includes the praising of a blessed people, the giving of a new command, and the calling on the people to obey. Implications concerning Jordans address and the covenant speech rhetorical form are discussed.

Just a Little Talk With Jesus: The Portrayal of Jesus in NBC's The Book of Daniel

NBCs short-lived show The Book of Daniel sparked intense controversy and outrage among many Christians. Much of the criticism centered on the shows portrayal of Jesus. However, the shows creators contended that it was a reverent depiction. This study analyzes the Jesus character in the show and argues that despite the criticism it was actually a positive depiction of Jesus. Four roles of Jesus in the show are explored: moral conscience, advice-giver, comforter, and inspiration. Implications discussed deal with the cultural battle over how Jesus is depicted and insights this analysis of The Book of Daniel offers for that debate.