Summary Of Edward Bernays 'Propaganda'

Introduction by Joy:

At the onset of the First World War, Edward Bernays, in his publication, Crystallizing Public Opinion, had delved into the concept of formulating methods of influencing the masses. Soon after this discovery, he started correlating mass interests with minority interests of a client. He realized, merely grabbing the attention of masses was not enough. Public relations should focus on meeting the demands of the crowd.

Bernays in his book, Propaganda, spoke of underrepresented ideas, services and products and the sections of the society they could cater to. It would eventually touch upon how minority viewpoints could stir up a movement in the society and how these ideas, products and services could capitalize from them. Although it was a controversial standpoint, but an essential one, nonetheless. …show more content…
Smoking in public as a sign of independence. This was an outright example of how Bernays had understood his audience and aimed propaganda appropriately. It gave an idea of Bernays’ targeted approach and was a seed for planning any public relations plan further on. Bernays stressed on the difference between propaganda and impropaganda, and how the former was pro-social, and encouraged for