Who are the Public? Public Sphere, Opinions, Moods & History

Summary

The concept of 'the public' has evolved significantly, especially since the French Revolution, transitioning from a nebulous mass of subjects to an influential entity in democracy. This transformation was shaped by thinkers like Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and Tocqueville, who explored public opinion's pressures and implications. The rise of mass consumerism and polling in the 20th century further complicated this idea, turning public sentiment into a commodity often manipulated by political and commercial interests. Ultimately, the video emphasizes the importance of critically engaging with the term 'the public,' urging viewers to recognize its complexities and implications in contemporary discourse.

Takeaways

• 😀 The term 'public' is often perceived as a nebulous mass of differing opinions, shaped by various societal influences.
• 🗳️ The concept of 'the public' emerged during the French Revolution as democracy gained traction, replacing the king as the legitimate authority.
• 📚 Influential thinkers like Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau shaped the understanding of public opinion, often reflecting the views of educated elites.
• 📊 The emergence of mass consumer society and universal suffrage in the 20th century changed how politicians and businesses sought to understand and appeal to 'the public.'
• 📰 Polling and statistics became essential tools for businesses and politicians to gauge public opinion, leading to the rise of companies like Gallup.
• 💰 The profitability of polling influenced how questions were framed and the outcomes of surveys, raising concerns about manipulation.
• 👥 Critics argue that polling can distort public opinion rather than reflect it, creating a 'mythical' average person rather than representing diverse views.
• 🌀 Public mood can influence political dynamics, with shared atmospheres shaping collective feelings towards events or issues.
• 📸 Before polling, other mediums like literature and art contributed to the public's image, suggesting a multifaceted understanding of 'the public.'
• ❓ The script concludes by urging critical thinking about the term 'the public,' emphasizing that it often doesn't represent genuine collective sentiment.

Q & A

What is the concept of 'the public' as discussed in the transcript?

'The public' is portrayed as a nebulous idea or symbol rather than a tangible entity, with its meaning varying historically and contextually.

When did the concept of the public emerge, according to the transcript?

The concept of the public began to emerge around the time of the French Revolution, coinciding with the rise of democracy in Europe and America.

How did philosophers like Hobbes and Locke contribute to the understanding of the public?

Hobbes viewed the public as a mass driven by passions requiring strong authority, while Locke emphasized the influence of public opinion on moral judgment.

What did Rousseau and Tocqueville say about public opinion?

Rousseau believed citizens should conform to the general will of the people, while Tocqueville noted that public opinion in America held more power than that of kings or presidents.

What changes occurred in the understanding of the public by the mid-20th century?

The universal suffrage became more common, and mass consumer society transformed how businesses and politicians approached public opinion, leading to a focus on appealing to the average person.

What role did polling play in shaping public opinion?

Polling became a tool for businesses and politicians to gauge and influence public opinion, with criticisms arising about its potential to manipulate rather than reflect true sentiments.

How do public moods differ from individual emotions?

Public moods are described as collective atmospheres that can influence societal outcomes, differing from individual emotions, which are often directed at specific issues.

What is meant by the term 'the average person' in the context of public opinion?

The average person is a constructed idea that emerges from statistical analyses and polling, often representing a mythical entity rather than distinct individuals.

What caution does the transcript suggest regarding the use of the term 'the public'?

It emphasizes the need to be critical of how 'the public' is represented, as it can often be a rhetorical tool used to support specific agendas.

How did the transcript suggest the relationship between advertising and public perception?

Advertising agencies began to influence public opinion through polling, shaping perceptions by deciding which questions to ask and how to interpret results.