Eight Stories About Propaganda from the Century of Spin

I've numerous times labeled the 20th century as "The Century of Spin." When we look back we see not only events, but the battles to explain or interpret the meaning of these events. For example, we've seen the government's transparent and not-so-transparent efforts to sell the public to favor participation in foreign wars. 

Having spent 30 years of my career in public relations (as part of a career in marketing), I've had a front row seat on how influence works and the role of media in shaping public opinion. What surprises me is how readily the public seems to swallow one-sided interpretations of events that are clearly complex and nuanced. 

I find it striking that what seems obvious to one appears odious to another. Then again, that is the world we live in. 

Here are links to eight blogposts related to the issue of propaganda. My aim is to help us became more discerning news consumers.

PROPAGANDA LINKS

Propaganda Revisited

Crowds On Demand: Believe Nothing You Hear, and Only One Half That You See

He Who Controls the Narrative Controls the People

Is the U.S. Media a Mouthpiece for the State? Stephen Kinzer Argues "Yes"

The Purpose of Propaganda: Social Engineering

Torches of Freedom: The Use of Propaganda to Get More Women Using Tobacco

PR & Propaganda

Bertrand Russell's Free Thought and Official Propaganda Has Much to Say about the Current State of Cancel Culture