PR propaganda?

One of the first questions we are asked in class as PR students is: How do you define Public Relations?

When I was asked this question in my first PR class as a Sophomore, I was extremely dissapointed in myself that I didn't know the answer. I chose PR as my major...PR is going to be my future...I should know what it entails.

Our textbook defines Public Relations as: "The art or science of establishing and promoting a favorable relationship with the public."

This sounds positive, right? Establishing a "favorable relationship" has to be a good thing...But now, in my last year of studies, I have come to second guess that definition and question the motives behind large Public Relations firms.

Is Public Relations simply ruthless propaganda used to make money for other large companies and to monopolize our economy? PR firms are sendng complicated messages to people through media every day, and those people are rarely questioning where that information is coming from. The audiences are too blinded by the brands, logos and celebrities, which are the face of the message, to question the authenticity of the infomation.

So is this manipulation? Just like any power or skill, Public Relations can be used for good or bad. We choose where we want to put our skills to use. The information I've learned in my classes, the talented PR professionals I have met and my short experience doing PR for a non-profit, have convinced me that my skills will not go to waste.



So, how would you define Public Relations?