The Misperceptions of Public Relations

I have always had a hard time explaining the term “Public Relations” to friends and family. They did not understand its importance or necessity in corporate life. Shannon Bowen's article, I Thought It Would Be More Glamorous , opened my eyes to the fact that misconceptions were not uncommon and they are still something we are fighting today. The Bowen articles have added fuel to the fire that drives me to study Public Relations. My list of goals for the profession has not been thwarted and I plan to join the fight against the lies and misconceptions that Public Relations has been given.


In high school I had a friend named Emily. She was going to Chapel Hill after graduation for Public Relations. She wanted to study P.R. under the impression that she would end up in a similar situation as Samantha from Sex and the City, a popular HBO show. I will not lie, I also had some of the same sentiments toward the profession. I did not idolize a fictional character but I knew that I wanted to work with people in a unconventional setting. My goal has always been not to live behind a cubicle for the rest of my life. I thought P.R. would be the best career choice for that goal.


As a freshman here at UNC Charlotte I was told about Public Relations Student Society of America. This was my first indication that Public Relations was much more than a superficial profession. The managerial and organizational roles of P.R. made the major that much more enticing. There is no doubt in my mind that this is the right major for my future. What is most surprising are the misconceptions of the field and how common they are.


After reading both Bowen Articles I was inspired by the actions and reactions of Public Relations Practitioners and their efforts to correct an opinion that is widely believed. I agree with the actions being taken thus far, educating people from at the earliest possible opportunity is a great way to begin turning the tide in favor of P.R. The strong code of ethics embedded in P.R. professionals also helps with its negative image. In an effort to correct the misconceptions I believe that making the presence of the code of ethics adhered to by people in Public Relations more publicly known would be another way to try and drown out the negative cogitations. Until I began the Principles of Public Relations class I did not know they existed or that they were as strong and disciplined as they are.


Shannon Bowen truly opened my eyes to what Public Relations truly is and what it is, stereotyped to be. The more I learn of the profession and its responsibilities, the more certain I am that this is the profession best suited for me. I hope to join fellow Public Relations Practitioners in their effort to wipe out misconceptions of P.R. With the Code of Ethics followed and made more public my hope is that maybe one day the word “spin” will be referenced to nothing more than a child’s table-top toy.