Anyone who has ever wondered about how the human brain might be manipulated can discover much information on the topic. Countless people feel that the history behind the manipulation of thought is fascinating. While numerous individuals might dismiss the subject as science fiction, many others believe that thought manipulation has been utilized by various government agencies in countries across the world. Additionally, certain religious movements and cults may have exerted thought reform.
If a person is to understand the concept of thought reform, examining the topic in- depth is probably a good idea. Exploring the history of mind control and programming is one way to begin such research. There is much information worth considering, regarding how thought manipulation may have developed. It is also interesting to consider how thought reform may have been used by various individuals, agencies, and groups.
One term that is commonly used in association with this subject is the word, brainwashing. The origin of the word, brainwashing, may be traced to an article written in 1950, by Edward hunter. The term was used in an article in reference to thought reform, which may have been implemented by the Chinese government on certain people, such as American military personnel who were held captive. Such prisoners may have been compliant with the demands implemented by their captors. It is possible that this behavior could be attributed to brainwashing. In some cases, prisoners became loyal to the Chinese government, instead of the United States government.
Some people believe that the Korean government brainwashed American soldiers during the Korean War. However, the United States Army has officially denied that this is true, after much research on the topic produced no evidence that such brainwashing was used. The official conclusion on this topic seems to be that the North Korean government did not use such a technique on American prisoners of war.
In 1950, the Central Intelligence Agency of the United States is known to have developed its own brainwashing program. This action was in response to the fact that other governments were experimenting with this process, as well. In an effort to remain competitive in the field of thought reform on captives, the Central Intelligence Agency, which is commonly referred to as the CIA, explored the topic of brainwashing. Many individuals believe that research was performed on a covert level by the CIA for decades.
Government agencies are certainly not the only entities known to have experimented with brainwashing. Various religious groups and cults have also utilized thought reform as a way of manipulating people. In the United States, cults and religious movements have implemented thought manipulation since the 1960s. One common method of thought reform used to manipulate on a spiritual level is to disassociate people from their friends, family, and colleagues. By doing this, the leaders and other members of a cult can manipulate people far more easily than they would be able to, if the individuals were in close contact with the people who care about them.
A book called Cults in Our Midst, which was written by Margret Singer in collaboration with Janja Lalich, describes the six main steps used to exert thought reform. There are six conditions that can make a person susceptible to thought reform. The first step is to ensure that a person is not aware that anything suspicious is happening. The second step describes creating a physical and social setting that is entirely manipulated and isolated. The third step is to make the person being manipulated feel powerless. The fourth step is to manipulate through punishment and reward, in order to disassociate the individual from former behavior and lifestyle. The fifth step involves implementing reward and punishment as a method of making the group and its ideals seem highly appealing. The sixth and final step is to exert absolute authority over the individual who is being manipulated by the cult.
Edward Bernays, who was alive throughout most of the twentieth century, made much progress in the exploration of thought reform. Edward Bernays was the nephew of Sigmund Freud. Mr. Bernays believed that thought manipulation was an essential function in any societal structure. Edward Bernays utilized this type of manipulation to run several marketing and public relations campaigns. Mr. Bernays ran a successful campaign to manipulate Americans into thinking that Ivory soap was better than other soaps. He also ran a campaign that used the feminist movement to promote cigarettes. The extent to which he was successful at using thought reform is impressive, and he even created propaganda that was utilized to overthrow the government of Guatemala.
Although numerous individuals feel that thought reform has only been used in negative ways, many others feel that the technique may be utilized to accomplish positive things, as well. Hypnosis is considered by some to be a form of thought manipulation, and numerous people have implemented hypnosis to change unhealthy behavioral patterns. Hypnosis has been used to help people stop smoking, lose weight, change career paths, and explore personal fulfillment. Hypnosis might also be used to alter thinking errors, work on anger management, and minimize anxiety. Many individuals have experienced great success with hypnosis, so it may be possible that thought manipulation can be used in a positive way.
Guided imagery is another technique that could be described as manipulation of thought. This technique is often performed in a counseling office, and a counselor typically assists a client in implementing it. This technique can aid a person in transforming negative thought patterns into positive ones. As a result of doing this, a person may be able to change a variety of habits and thoughts that have been detrimental to physical, mental, or emotional wellness.
The concept of thought reform is certainly not a new one, but it is as fascinating today as it was, when it was first introduced to the general public. Exploring the subject of brainwashing is probably a beneficial thing for almost anyone to do. People who are impressionable may wish to learn about thought reform, so they are not manipulated against their will at some point in their lives. Those who wish to utilize thought manipulation, in order to improve themselves and their lives, can find a wide range of professionals to assist them in such an endeavor.
