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"Public Relations" is one of those funny phrases that has very little to do with what it really means. At sixty thousand feet, it's about influencing opinion, which (at that altitude) doesn't sound all that bad. But when it gets down into the bushes, it starts to become a bit less innocuous, and more unsavory.
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For example, when you watch a political ad and listen to a smarmy voice malign another politician, you know exactly what's going on, and it's not pretty. Still, at least you have your radar spinning, and can take the statements for what they're worth, which is not expected to be much. But how about messages that are delivered in sheep's clothing, in other contexts, where you don't expect to be listening to a paid political announcement, and therefore won't necessarily recognize what you're listening to for what it is? Here's where the fun comes in (I use the word "fun" in the darkest and most cynical fashion), because in order for messaging to be effective, it must be consistent. And if it is consistent, it can be spotted.
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'Here's where the fun comes in (I use the word "fun" in the darkest and most cynical fashion), because in order for messaging to be effective, it must be consistent. And if it is consistent, it can be spotted. But once you learn how to spot it, you enter into a disquieting science fiction world where ostensibly innocent, normal people are suddenly revealed to be "them" - but only you can see them.'
The trouble with being the 800 lb. gorilla is that it becomes easier to see where your droppings are left. Mr. Updegrove appears to be prepared to point out the piles so more people will recognize these before getting any splattered on themselves. Kudos for this effort!
(P.S.: There is a 1954 sci-fi movie titled "Them!" about mutant, giant ants, but while reading Mr. Updegrove's article, I was reminded of a 1988 sci-fi movie titled "They Live". In that latter movie, the 'hero' discovers some special sunglasses which allows him to "see the world as it really is" -- http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096256/plotsummary ).