BRAINWASHING DICTOR The word brainwashing is a process of changing the way an individual thinks and behaves. In Other words, the victim’s value systems, beliefs and goals are washed away and replaced by a new set of ideas that are beneficial to the dominate group such as cult not to the individual. There are various types of brainwashing such as thought reform, mind control and influence which cults used to manipulate their followers. The word brainwashing originated in 1950 when Edward Hunter, a journalist, wanted to describe the techniques used by Chinese Communists.
Cults use more precise techniques which do not depend on physical coercion Meaning; forcing the followers to behave in an involuntary manner. The effects of cult involvement can last for sometime after a person leaves a cult. The term Mind control is being used on the public by religious organizations is the new form of persuasion. This technique helps cult leaders get what they want, without necessarily having to put a spell under the followers. Mind control allows you to enter a person unconscious and create influences.
Getting people to agree with Jim Jones was easier since he was seen as a powerful leader of the group. They trusted his opinions and judgments. Back then it was not common for people to find someone to guide them toward a decision. Mind control techniques are not always negative it helps you manage your own ability to communicate within. You can use them to be more influential at work and improve your lifestyle. The term thought reform keeps the person unaware of what is going on and how he/she is being changed step at a time.
New members are led step-by-step, through a behavioural program without being aware of the full content about the group. The goal maybe to get them to stay long hours to commit a deeper commitment, all depends on the cult leader’s aim and desires. The cults control the person’s social and physical environment; especially control the person’s time. Through different activities members are kept busy, led to think about the group and its content.
This is accomplished by getting members away from their normal social network into an environment where the majority of people are already group members and isolated. The influence of Jim Jones over the members of the Peoples Temple in Guyana who at his instructions killed their children and themselves. It was said that the Peoples Temple was a cult, and that it had brainwashed its members Brainwashing is most likely a method of influencing people to change their beliefs and accept as true what they previously has considered false.
This form of brainwashing begins by isolating the victims in a prison cell or a small room. They are told repeatedly and harshly that their political, religious, or social beliefs are wrong. They are also shown the advantages of their captor’s positions. Many victims are starved and allowed little or no sleep. Such torment eventually causes some people to give up their beliefs and accept those of their persecutors. From my own personal viewpoint, I think brainwashing does exist. That is the only answer to all of the madness that is happening within these cults.
However, it is difficult to conclude that. For instance, the mass suicide of over 900 people under the influence of Jim Jones that sent shockwaves through the world. Some surviving members claim that they were exposed to mind control methods. But, others claim that it was the best experience of their life. Who do we believe? Brainwashing, mind control, thought reform, are these just words or do they represent frighteningly real activities which strike at our most basic freedoms?
