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Propaganda

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Propaganda by Edward Bernays Book Review
“We are governed, our minds molded, our tastes formed, our ideas suggested, largely by men we have never heard of. This is a logical result of the way in which our democratic society is organized. Vast numbers of human beings must cooperate in this manner if they are to live together as a smoothly functioning society” stated Bernays (p.37). Whether I believe this statement of organized propaganda to be true or not, I do accept that our society today is influenced on a daily basis through all facets of media and leadership through manipulation (both ethical and unethical).
The main point Edward Bernays effectively brings to our attention is that fact that propaganda is an evolving code of ethics and practice and invisible leaders control the public mind and how it is influenced by the leaders “who seek to create public acceptance for a particular idea or commodity” (p. 44-45).
Edward Bernays provides the reader with many subject topics, in particular business and political leadership, to support his arguments. He makes clear points and provides countless examples how businesses understand the valuable uses of propaganda to promote ideas and products while politicians have a hard time recognizing what the public wants and the valuable use of “dramatic” propaganda in order to connect to the audience. The politician, according to Bernays, should determine his objectives, clearly promote his objectives to the public, follow a strict budget, and appeal to the emotions of the public to run a successful campaign. Again, Bernays provides great examples for how businesses successfully accomplish each of the steps listed above.
While reading Propaganda, I noticed Bernays’ continuous use of using the terms propaganda and public relations as if the two nouns meant the same. Public relations, as defined by Merriam-Webster Online

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