Reading Questions
Ewen, PR

Chap. 14

  1. Ewen argues that during the great depression, "the long-term balance of power seemed to be shifting. . . away from businesses" (p. 292). What does he mean by this, and what evidence does he support the claim with?
  2. What effect did this "crisis of legitimacy" (p. 292) have on business leaders' attitudes toward PR, and in turn on the PR industry, its strategies and its practices? What examples does Ewen give?
  3. What is NAM, how did it change in the '30s, and why is it significant in a history of PR, in Ewen's view?
  4. What was "the campaign for the "American Way" (p. 304)? What were its objectives and strategies to influence the middle class?
  5. In what ways was the1939 World's Fair comparable to a medieval carnival, according to Ewen?
  6. What were the themes adopted by business exhibitors at the fair?