How to (Patriotically) Control the

World Advertising and Public Relations in Postwar America

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

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

Advertising’s Use of Scientific Research The American economic

system was seen as a “deus ex machina” which erases many of society’s ills

Interest in motivational research

Power of suggestion to the public

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”

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

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?