The man who made women smoke

‘Torches of Freedom’ & shaping minds                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 October 17, 2024 Greetings Everyday Spy, Politicians aren't the only ones trying to shape your reality. A few days ago, I told you about a language trick Trump and Harris use to sway voters. But there is an [entire playbook of persuasion]( that politicians use – and it’s nothing new. PR firms and ad agencies wrote the persuasion playbook decades ago. In the early 1900s, businesses learned that shaping consumer mindsets was key to profits. The focus shifted from product features to desired lifestyles. One man is credited with introducing advertising as we know it today. Edward Bernays was the nephew of Sigmund Freud and the Godfather of modern public relations. Bernays first made his name working with the U.S government. He helped bolster American opinion to back U.S. entry into World War I. After the war, the private sector took note of Benays – it was time to put him on their payroll. In 1929, Bernays pulled off a PR stunt that would alter the course of history. His client, American Tobacco Company, aimed to normalize women smoking publicly, which was taboo at the time. The ATC saw women as an untapped market. Bernays created the women’s "Torches of Freedom" campaign. On Easter Sunday, 1929, Bernays had a group of young women light up cigarettes during New York's Easter Parade. He made sure the press was there to capture the moment. The campaign linked cigarettes to women's equality and empowerment. 'Torches of Freedom' tapped into their desire for liberation and progress. Overnight, cigarettes became a symbol of women's emancipation. The stunt worked brilliantly. Smoking rates among women skyrocketed. Bernays had turned consumerism into a political statement. This wasn't just clever marketing. It was social engineering on a massive scale. Bernays had tapped into deep-seated desires and fears, reshaping public opinion to serve corporate interests. The "Torches of Freedom" campaign still echoes today: - In Big Pharma TV commercials showing people singing and dancing - When a politician tells you how great life will be if they’re elected - In social media influencers peddling their ‘lifestyle brands’ Understanding these tactics is your first line of defense. In today's world of influencers, political persuasion, and viral marketing, Bernays' techniques are more relevant than ever. They're just harder to spot. Knowledge is power. And in the war for your mind, it's your best weapon. Godspeed, #EverydaySpy P.S. Your mind is too valuable to be anyone's marketing playground. [Decoding Debates unveils the top tricks politicians, advertisers, and influencers use to shape your opinion]( – just be sure to use this info ethically yourself! [fb]( [tw]( [ig]( [yt]( Update your email preferences or unsubscribe [here]( © 2024 EverydaySpy Promotions 411 Walnut St. #20309 Green Cove Springs, FL 32043, United States of America [Terms of Service](