Conle-Wilson+Film-Fieldnote+Entry+2

The argument of //Toxic Sludge is Good For You// was that public relations in the hands of big corporations and wealthy individuals can be used to manipulate public opinion and hide valuable information that can protect lives and the environment. This movie gives examples of good public relations like libraries, hospitals, etc but primarily focuses on instances where bad public relations are used to manipulate the public’s opinion and information on things. Examples given to support this argument is provided through professionals’ opinions from various backgrounds. An example I found most compelling was the example of Local News using video news releases instead of actual news that is from the area. A video news release is made in a PR agency and tends to be used in various local news stations because it is cheap news even though it may not be a new story or affect that area. This film also describes selling wars to the public, the flaws in Exxon Spill’s PR, and food disparagement laws.
 * Kiani Conley-Wilson **
 * Toxic Sludge is Good For You - Fieldnotes **
 * 1. What is the argument of //Toxic Sludge is Good for You//, and what examples are given to support it? **

Commercial public relations has likely shaped the thinking of K-12 students we will work with becaue they interact with Disney owned by ABC, Nickeleon, and Cartoon Network every day. Not only do these channels promote their own products, toys, and apps but other things that other organizations and corporations. Companies that produce sportswear like Nike and Adidas create ads that include successful athletes and teams so kids will associate with them easily. Many K-12 students in the United States today are likely to take as given and “natural” being getting bombarded by media every day. Many children in America today have grown up with technology being in their hands essentially from birth. They see having unlimited access to data, wifi, and electricity as a norm. They see Disney movies as inspiration and get to interact with the characters on various levels being apps, games, and other places where these characters are seen.
 * 2. Describe how commercial public relations has likely shaped the thinking of k-12 students we will work with. What are many k-12 students in the US today likely to take as given and “natural”? (** this is a hard question that we will return to throughout the semester ** ) **

**3. What is "greenwashing" and what examples do you find particularly provocative?** “Greenwashing” is the labeling and advertising a producer makes informing their customers that their product or service is environmentally friendly even though it may be not be. Labels can be misleading or flat out lies about a goods and products that, in reality, are hazardous to people and the environment. Greenwashing includes advertising on television, billboards, or other forms of media that states that a company may be doing “green” things that are helping the environment. I find the examples of vague claims of companies particularly provocative such as “Rainforest Approved” or appropriating wildlife for a logo. In the film I found it appalling that Exxon’s PR firm thought the only flaw in the response to their big spill, that had a severe impact on the environment, is that the CEO did not give the appearance of caring. I would image the issue would be that Exxon did not care that their spill impacted the world but rather cared how the public looked at them. I find it shocking, but not surprising, that PR firms, especially for oil companies, are not concerned about health but image. In the film “Greenwashers” if found the employee of Terrachoice compelling. He explained how people need to be conscious of what they are buying or else they may be tricked into buying something that doesn’t actually harm the earth. This man also explained that American consumption is not sustainable, in other words it would take five to eight more Earths to provide the resources needed for everyone currently on the world to live like Americans do. I believe this is important to know regarding the complexities of greenwashing and resources because it puts consumerism into perspective.

** 4. How could we teach middle school students about greenwashing, and propaganda more generally? Suggest a specific exercise. ** We could teach middle school students about greenwashing and propaganda more generally by having children bring in products, point out products (in the classroom), and give example of ads that portray something as environmentally friendly or “green”. Prior to this gathering it would be idea to explain that greenwashing can be propaganda and even ads are propaganda. Explaining to them that ads teach them something: to consumer and buy a product. Having a vote to see which students think this product is good or telling the truth then testing if it is will be a good exercise. After they have identified an object or brand they can do some simple research to see if it is true or not. The overarching goal of teaching about propaganda/greenwashing for me is to let children realize this is something that affects their everyday lives. I also hope they understand the lesson of gray areas, that these things not as good or bad but as tools many businesses and people use to get their point across will be a useful skill that will last a lifetime.

** 5. Consider how we should – and maybe should not – use public relations strategies in planning for a community Earth Day event at RPI. Suggest specific ways that we could follow the suggestions listed below (from Wilcox, Dennis L, et al. Public Relations Strategies and Tactics, 4th ed. (New York: HarperCollins), 1995, p. 300, referenced in the study guide for //Toxic Sludge is Good for You//). Also discuss public relations strategies that are //not// appropriate for use by educators, researchers and/or civic activists. **

We should use public relations strategies in planning for a community Earth Day event at RPI to get the word out I think it would be useful to use outlets, images, and text to promote something that might have a positive impact on the campus. I believe tying in news events could compelling people to come to this event, celebrating a holiday, and making a trip or a tour could all be good ways to interact with the campus. Although I believe we should some aspects of this tool I do not think we should manipulate people into attending or giving them false interest in the event. Discussing public relations strategies that are not appropriate for use by educators, researchers and/or civic activists are things like manipulating people for their own gain or not providing them with incorrect information regarding an event. However, in just about every lower level history class this has been done to students even through high school. I find this inappropriate for educators because their purpose is to provide students with information, facts, and critical skills needed to succeed in the future. Activists, researchers, and educators should not use scare tactics to get their point across however keeping students, peers, and contemporaries informed about disasters and potential disasters is extremely important.