College
Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences
Date of Last Revision
2024-01-17 07:07:10
Major
Communication
Honors Course
COMM 485
Number of Credits
3
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Date of Expected Graduation
Winter 2023
Abstract
With the growing tension in the political climate of the United States, political figures often use apologia in their attempt to repair a damaged image due to their mistakes or wrongdoings. This project reviews several scholars’ image repair typologies and strategies, applying them to the case of Craig Shubert, former mayor of Hudson, Ohio. While the specific image repair strategies employed can vary from one case to another, Shubert’s use of evasion of responsibility and reducing offensiveness proved to be ineffective and resulted in his resignation before completing his term at the end of 2023. Although it is recommended to use more than one type of apologia when addressing damage to one’s image, each political figure needs to carefully assess their specific situation and audience to determine the most suitable types. The implications of political figures’ use of apologia for repairing and restoring their damaged public images are discussed in this study.
Research Sponsor
Dr. Yang Lin
First Reader
Dr. Julia Spiker
Second Reader
Dr. Rhiannon Kallis
Honors Faculty Advisor
Dr. Kathleen Clark
Proprietary and/or Confidential Information
No
Recommended Citation
Raineri, Alexis, "(Un)successful Use of Apologia: A Case Study of Mayor Shubert's Resignation" (2023). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 1771.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/1771