What about Advertising, PR, and Propaganda?

Blurry lines between advertising, public relations, and propaganda present challenges for both media consumers and creators

This week, we explore the similarities and differences between advertising, public relations, and propaganda. We’re reading Chapter 5 in Media Literacy in Action and we get an introduction to one of the most important grandfathers of media literacy, Roland Barthes. These persuasive genres are at the heart of contemporary society today.

By looking at the topic of children and advertising, we can see how cultural values shape the ways that advertising is regulated in countries around the world.

Of course, in the study of contemporary propaganda, we see how it can be found in news and journalism, advertising and marketing, government and politics, entertainment, activism — and even education. Propaganda activates people’s emotions and simplifies information in ways that can lead people to bypass critical thinking. We consider the reasons for the blurring of journalism and public relations by exploring the topic of astroturfing, is the creation of “fake” grass roots support for an issue or cause. By masking the sponsors of a message or organization to make it appear as though it originates from and is supported by grassroots participants, public relations professionals tap into people’s tendency to accept the wisdom of crowds.