So are public relations officers the bogeyman for a new generation?
Why is such a negative view of those working in public relations the pervading one in our contemporary society?

The field of public relations is often skirting controversy, particularly in the area of current affairs. In fact, as I literally write these very words, on the television screen in front of me (background noise is imperative to my work environment, I'm not slacking I swear) BBC Two is advertising a program called "Political Spin-Doctoring - In the thick of it."
The goal of public relations is to garner positive public opinion. It's a matter of selling something you represent, be it a person, a product or an idea and you cannot sell something by telling your customers about all the negatives, you have to emphasize the positive.

The real difference between bogeymen and regular ole human beings and all their faults is intent. Whether a public relations company purposely intends to manipulate public opinion in the quest for a hefty paycheck knowing that whatever they represent may be harmful to public good or is the organizations or person simply to trying to generate word of mouth about something they think could serve the general good. Intent becomes imperative.