Iron Fists

I'm currently writing an essay about how the public relations industry and mass consumerism is used to influence propaganda and public opinion through advertising and design.

My source material dates back to the early 1920's when Freud's nephew, Edward Bernays coined the term 'public relations' and created techniques for business that would subconsciously influence public desire.

I am reading Steven Heller's 'Iron Fists : branding of the 20th century totalitarian state' as Bernays's methods somewhat resemble powers of suggestion used by Hitler, government officials such as Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan; not to mention the more recent political campaign of President Obama.

If anyone has any source information (books, articles, documentaries, blogs) they think would be benficial then please let me know, especially in the area of Barack Obamas campaign strategies.

I have a quote from Hellers book that I would like people to pass comment on. Do you agree or disagree and why?

"Modern totalitarian states market themselves both to reinforce their power over a captive populace obliged to consume the dominant ideology and to extend the reach of that ideology to the hold-outs, the not yet captive, and the next generation. Corporate branding, on the other hand, is ostensibly a benign practice, intended to convince consumers to make informed choices."

Please visit my blog to leave comments...
http://jenniebennett.blogspot.com/

Thank you!