subject: Mind Control [print this page] When people hear the words 'mind control' they have a hard time seeing past the negative connotation of the phrase, and for good reason. Control of the subconscious is not something that should be feared, though the capabilities of the art have allowed for unethical usage.
This particular type of brainwashing is almost always used in a large capacity, with groups of people dedicated to a cause. Manipulation on this level is usually very systematic and takes place over a long period of time.
People under the influence of a mind controlling leader will often justify any poor treatment they receive. People being influenced on this grand of a scale are often taught inaccurate lessons to change their current perception of a common belief. The inaccurate teachings always make sense; else people would rebel and leave the group they have aligned themselves with.
Brainwashing was a used tactic during warfare. Inaccurate information about the enemy was given to civilians. The people had no reason to distrust the army protecting them, so they believed the information that was offered. Information was rarely based on any semblance of truth, and some of the lies told during modern wars have remained ingrained with native peoples.
Passed down as truth, generations not involved in the original war have predetermined opinions simply because they were raised with them. Similar tactics were used on prisoners of war.
Give prisoners just enough kindness to make them appreciative, and enough cruelty to make them remember their place. Eventually, with the normal world forgotten, prisoners reverted to basic human nature and became emotionally attached to their captors.
Some people accuse major religions of controlling people's minds. By using the element of fear, religions manipulate people into certain behaviors. The fear of Hell will keep many Christians from self-indulgent acts that they would have otherwise participated in.
Those opposed to religion claim that it takes away free will and the ability to decide what one should and should not do. If there were no fear of repercussions, what type of person would you really be?
It is possible, though very difficult to convert a person under the powers of brainwashing. Time, kindness, and logic are all very important parts of helping someone who has lost touch with common truth.
Trust must be established between the subject and the mentor. With careful lessons and positive reinforcement, a person under the influence of mental manipulation can come back to the collective.
Helping someone in this state is not about teaching a new way of thinking. Helping someone at this stage is about teaching that individual to think for themselves. The ability to make decisions is part of the magic of brainwashing. If you take away the ability to decide, you take away a person's freedom to think there might be a different or better way.
This subject matter is nothing to take lightly. Every day, people are subjected to brainwashing on a small or grandiose scale. It is the ability to desire truth that helps prevent the powers of mental control from taking over.
