Does PR need PR?

This summer, I wrote a research paper for my Composition II class on how public relations positively impacts not only companies and organizations, but society in general as well. The basis for my argument was that, even though public relations has a negative image to many - sometimes termed as "spin" - pr is essential for anyone in the general public to know what is going on within an organization, both positive and negative. When talking about my chosen topic in class, another student, who worked at an oil company, said pr was somewhat of a "dirty word" to many of the employees.

This made me wonder - why does public relations have such a negative reputation? Based on many conversations I've had, pr has a bad reputation among those who don't fully understand the purpose of the job. As pr majors know, the best pr agents are virtually unknown to the general public because they do such a good job, damage control and "spin" aren't needed on a regular basis. When their work is evident (aside from having public events), people see it as just another cover up, or just another excuse as to why their company is insufficient.

Although the negative connotation that can be associated with public relations, the use of pr is far from non-existent. It is a career that continues to thrive and will always be needed to inform the general public. My thought is however, if more of the general public had a better understanding of the full use and positive capabilities public relations can provide, pr wouldn't be such a "dirty" word. Now how's that for a spin?