How to (Patriotically) Control the World

1. How to (Patriotically) Control the World Advertising and Public Relations in Postwar America

2. Advertising: A Brief History • goal of advertising is to “inform and often – but not necessarily always – to persuade” • Has been around ever since people had products to sell • Made its big mark after the turn of the century • Advertising Council grew out of meetings from November of 1941 • During World War II, advertising shifted away from selling product and was directed at convincing the public to help out in the war effort

3. Advertising in the ‘50s • Postwar changes advertising from wartime propaganda to corporate capitalist expansion • Labor saving themes prevalent in advertising • Advertising fueled revival of domesticity in postwar time • Focused on domestic based consumption • Rise of television

4. Advertising’s Use of Scientific Research • The American economic system was seen as a “deusex machina” which erases many of society’s ills • Interest in motivational research • Power of suggestion to the public

5. Advertising’s impact on individuals • Advertisers start playing into the psychology of people • Construction of identity based on material goods • Need to keep up “with the Joneses”

6. Mid ‘50s Critics of Advertising • Advertisers becoming viewed as master manipulators • Cultural critics afraid of mass uprising • Subliminal messaging • concerns about the emerging role of television broadcasting • “The bland leading the bland” • Founding of Mad Magazine(1952) • Consumer culture ties people to working long hours

7. Public Relations: The Art of Spin • “Our plan is frankly, and openly, on behalf of business concerns and public institutions to supply the press and public of the United States prompt and accurate information concerning subjects which it is of value and interest to the public to know about” Ivy Lee • The Image Man: Puppet Master or Good Will Ambassador?