After telling someone you work in public relations, many times you hear “Oh, you’re a PR girl…”, said with a slight tone of judgement. While every industry has its stereotypes, PR girls seem to hear it the most. One of our jobs is to squash rumors, so find out for yourself whether or not the stereotypes are true…
Stereotype: PR girls are work-a-holics.
True – We have to be! We’re extremely motivated and constantly on call for our clients.
Stereotype: PR girls always wear black.
True & False – We wear black at events because we’re supposed to be behind the scenes. At the office, we’re full of color!
Stereotype: PR girls always walk around in heels like they own the world.
False – We wear heels when we want to, but flats are our go-to for comfort so we can run around easily and conquer the world.
Stereotype: All PR girls do is throw parties.
False – We do so much more than that. Events are maybe only 5% – if that.
Stereotype: PR girls live life like Samantha Jones.
False – Very false. Though we all wish we could afford a studio apartment in the Meatpacking District and meet up with friends every morning.
Stereotype: PR girls get a ton of free stuff.
True & False – We get to sample our clients products, but we’re not stocked up by any means.
Stereotype: PR girls are shallow and stuck-up.
False – This most likely comes from Hollywood shows like SPINdustry and PoweR Girls. Most of everyone I’ve encountered in the industry is actually very down-to-earth and friendly. Avoid us in high-stress situations though.
What are some other stereotypes you’ve heard about PR girls?
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Comments
PR Girls don’t have degrees in PR. Not true. I have a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in the field and I know lots of other colleauges with degrees in the PR field as well.
Those whom are apart of the PR industry are constantly portrayed with negative attributes. Not only regarding lifestyle but also regarding the occupation in and of itself.
Much to contrary beliefs, public relations practitioners do not disseminate false, deceptive or misleading information. They do not get free stuff and party the night away like the lovely Ms. Samantha Jones.
Critics suggest that PR practitioners will say or do whatever it takes to accomplish their end goals, this is not what they do. They also do not lie or coverup the truth.
PR practitioners are not spin doctors or liars for a living. Without PR many things would not be accomplished, and PR practitioners are extremely valuable to society.
PR consultants are working to overcome these negative perceptions, and I can’t wait to be apart of this industry and become a “PR Girl” myself. I will wear pumps and conquer the world in my sophisticated black attire whether the people like it or not.
As a PR student, I find myself fighting stereotypes all the time! I recently wrote a blog post for the student-run PR firm at my school (http://www.happyvalleycommunications.com/fighting-the-pr-stigma/) about fighting the PR ‘stigma’ I seem to face with friends and family when I tell them I’m a public relations major. Honestly, I’m guilty of believing a few of these stereotypes at one point in my life. Its understandable few people who aren’t in the industry to think what they do. That’s what makes good PR good PR-when the brand’s work is so cohesive and thoughtful that it doesn’t look like the work of a team of professionals.
This post recognized and exposed a lot of criticisms that PR professionals face, especially the ‘Samantha Jones’ one. PR has become so glamorized in the media. Thank you for being such a role model for aspiring publicists like myself!
I once dated a guy who told me that when he first heard I worked in PR he assumed I was a ditz. He was actually surprised when we spoke and I was intelligent. That didn’t last very long.