How Propaganda Created American Consumerism

Propaganda has played a pivotal role in shaping modern consumerism, specifically in regards to American consumerism. The sophisticated use of propaganda, particularly the strategies developed by Edward Bernays, transformed consumer behavior and established a culture of overconsumption. Bernays, often called the “father of public relations,“ pioneered techniques that manipulated public opinion through media, ultimately manufacturing consent for products and services that fueled the rise of hyper-consumerism. At its core, propaganda functions by appealing to human emotions, desires, and insecurities. Edward Bernays understood this and harnessed it to promote products in a way that made them appear not only desirable but essential to the consumer’s identity and status. His work was rooted in the concept of manufacturing consent, where people were subconsciously led to believe that purchasing certain goods was a matter of personal choice, when in fact their preferences were carefully shaped b