Propaganda vs Public Relations
Propaganda deliberately persuades people to think and behave in a desired manner. Public relations enhances the relationship between an organization and the public. Both propaganda and public relations aim to influence public opinion. However, propaganda uses bias, misinformation, and fear to influence the public’s attitude toward an ideal or cause. Public relations uses facts and logic to spread information between an organisation and the public.
While their definitions are similar, the difference between propaganda and public relations lies in their relationship to truth. Propaganda typically has a negative connotation, using false information or twisting facts to damage an opposing cause or individual. Public relations maintains a focus on ethical standards in order to build trust between an organization and its stakeholders.
Origins of Public Relations
The practice of public relations has its origins in war propaganda. Edward Bernays, known as the father of public relations, realised that propaganda could be used for peace as well as war when he returned stateside after World War I. However, propaganda had become associated with enemy forces, so Bernays rebranded it as “public relations” to give it an appealing American identity.
Purpose and Standards
The main purpose of both propaganda and public relations is to influence perceptions and generate a desired response from the public, such as buying a product or holding a positive view of a brand. While they share this strategic objective, ethical public relations relies on truth and transparency to build goodwill, while propaganda relies on deception and manipulation.