Politics and Civil Society
In Propaganda (1928), Bernays argued that the manipulation of public opinion was a necessary part of democracy. In public relations, lobby groups are created to influence government policy, corporate policy, or public opinion, typically in a way that benefits the sponsoring organization.
When a lobby group hides its true purpose and support base, it is known as a front group. Front groups are a form of astroturfing, because they intend to sway the public or the government without disclosing their financial connection to corporate or political interests. They create a fake grass-roots movement by giving the appearance of a trusted organization that serves the public, when they actually serve their sponsors.
Read more about this topic: Public Relations, Ethics
Famous quotes containing the words politics, civil and/or society:
“Writing is the continuation of politics by other means.”
—Philippe Sollers (b. 1936)
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“The woman who does her job for society inside the four walls of her home must not be considered by her husband or anyone else an economic dependent, reaching out her hands in mendicant fashion for financial help.”
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