Robert Jackall, professor of sociology at Williams College, chronicles the rise of advertising and public relations in his new book "Image Makers: Advertising, Public Relations, and the Ethos of Advocacy." The book was co-written with Janice M. Hirota, an independent anthropologist. In it, the pair trace the trajectory from First World War propaganda to today's more self-aware sloganeering.
Jackall and Hirota explore the fashioning of the apparatus of advocacy through the stories of two organizations, the Committee on Public Information, which sold the Great War to the American public and the idea of America to the world, and the Advertising Council, which since the Second World War has been the main coordinator of public service advertising.
They then turn to the career of William Bernbach, the adman's adman, who reinvented advertising and grappled creatively with the profound skepticism of a propaganda-weary mid-century public.
The authors argue that the tools-in-trade and habits of mind of professional "image makers" have migrated into every corner of modern society. Advocacy is now a vocation for many, and American society abounds as well with "technicians in moral outrage," including street-smart impresarios, secular preachers of every stripe, and bombastic talk-radio hosts.
"Image Makers" closes with a discussion of the discernment of representations in a society increasingly characterized by "make-believe worlds" constructed by both professional and vocational advocates. The authors ask: In a world of endlessly shifting patterns of conflicting representations and claims, in what and in whom do people choose to put their trust and why?
Jackall is a sociologist of work, occupations, professions, and large organizations. This book is his first full-length foray into advertising and public relations. His earlier works include "Wild Cowboys: Urban Marauders & the Forces of Order" (1997), a first-hand account of the travails of New York City police detectives and prosecutors on the track of a murderous drug gang; and "Moral Mazes: The World of Corporate Managers" (1988), a study of corporate executives' ethical dilemmas. "Moral Mazes" was named the 1999 Book of the Year by the Social Issues in Management division of the Academy of Management, an annual award given to books judged to have significantly influenced other works in the field over a period of years.
Jackall, Class of 1956 Professor of Sociology and Social Thought, has taught at Williams since 1976. After receiving a B.A. in sociology in 1963 from Fordham University, Jackall earned a Ph.L. in philosophy from Fordham the following year. In 1976, he received his Ph.D. in sociology from the Graduate Faculty of Political and Social Science at the New School for Social Research.
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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.
In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.
Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear.
The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.
"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."
Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.
In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.
The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.
"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.
The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.
In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.
"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
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