Social Psychology – Spin Doctoring Essay Example

organizations and environmentalists communicate their global warming message through various channels, such as YouTube, television, and print media. Among these, Al Gore’s book and movie titled "An Inconvenient Truth" gained the most popularity and created a buzz among people. Despite this, Myers (2008, p. 242) points out that our contact with people, rather than the media, has the greatest influence on us. The target audience for the global warming message is the 18 to 29-year-old age group, who are generally more concerned about global warming and consider it an underestimated problem (Saad, 2009).

According to Myers (2008, p.245), people's perspective on global warming is likely to remain the same due to the significant impact that early adult experiences have on individual beliefs. The concept of environmental damage caused by global warming can lead to positive thoughts since it portrays an individual as someone who is actively making a positive impact on the world. Overall, the efforts to raise awareness on global warming employ a combination of central and peripheral routes of persuasion, based on factual information, personal involvement, and reliance on authority and social influence.

2. The tobacco industry is a prime example of the use of impression management. Despite undeniable proof that smoking leads to lung cancer, they continue to present themselves in a positive light, showcasing their supposed good qualities and efforts towards public welfare. Philip Morris USA (PM USA) is a maker of popular cigarette brands like Marlboro and Marlboro Snus. Upon accessing their website, it is apparent that they are actively engaging in impression management to combat negative attention. Their Responsibility section highlights their supposed dedication to reducing underage tobacco use and

support of cessation programs.

The given commitments by Philip Morris USA appear doubtful to me. Their business is reliant on smokers and reducing the number of underage tobacco users may not be realistic as they will eventually become adults. Additionally, their statement "As the manufacturer of a product intended for adults who smoke, PM USA has an important role to play in helping to prevent kids from smoking or using other tobacco products." seems contradictory. On their website, PM USA asserts their dedication to investing in society by resolving pertinent issues that pertain to their business. They concentrate on programs like Positive Youth Development and Environment with a particular emphasis on cigarette butt litter prevention.

Despite their impressive use of impression management techniques, the declining smoking rates and negative public opinion towards smoking cannot be denied. The company still involves its employees with an Employee Community Fund. As Laney Davis said, "Facts are facts - and no amount of spinning will alter those facts." (Dean, 1999)3.

The distinction between spin doctoring and propaganda can be explored by analyzing their distinctions, particularly in the context of WMDs. Spin doctoring is a public relations tactic that highlights specific aspects while disregarding others that may contradict the intended message. On the other hand, propaganda aims to deceive and manipulate people into accepting a particular belief as true. The case of WMDs serves as an example of how fear was employed to spin intelligence reports on Iraq's possession of such weapons. This was doable because Americans were still recovering from the 9/11 attacks and desired revenge; therefore, the Bush Administration exploited this sentiment by highlighting Iraq's ownership of WMDs and framing war

with Saddam Hussein as vital for national security.

Under the Bush administration, promoting American patriotism and freedom while condemning Saddam Hussein's regime and tactics was a priority. This message was widely discussed by the media, often focusing on weapons of mass destruction. Despite no evidence being found, Saddam Hussein was ultimately ousted from power and executed.

Former President Bush has expressed regret about the intelligence failure in Iraq, which happened almost seven years after Americans were deployed there. In an interview with ABC News, he stated that "The biggest regret of all the presidency has to have been the intelligence failure in Iraq," (NewsMax.com, 2008). Although he regrets it, his honesty is appreciated.