From hinves@world.net Sat Oct 19 21:52:12 1996 Received: from world.net (sydney2.world.net [198.142.12.2]) by shellx.best.com (8.6.12/8.6.5) with ESMTP id VAA16807 for ; Sat, 19 Oct 1996 21:51:56 -0700 Received: from hinves (sydney63.world.net [192.190.215.63]) by world.net (8.7.4/8.6.6) with SMTP id OAA29545 for ; Sun, 20 Oct 1996 14:53:23 +1000 (EST) Message-Id: <1.5.4.32.19961020045702.0066d680@world.net> X-Sender: hinves@world.net (Unverified) X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Light Version 1.5.4 (32) Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Date: Sun, 20 Oct 1996 14:57:02 +1000 To: ariel@best.com From: Martin Hinves Subject: Mind Control Part 1 Status: RO RELIGIOUS ASPECTS OF IDEOLOGICAL TOTALISM OR A brief look at Mind Control in a Religious environment This article is an attempt to try and simplify some psychological themes that are predominant in the area of thought reform and mind control. It is my own interpretation after studying the material. I have chosen the religious aspect as it is the one that I have had the most exposure to. What I'm writing is not the be all and end all, this subject is quite involved, provocative and a volatile one to discuss. Feel free to disagree to with what follows, that is your right and priviledge - the techniques of thought reform in themselves are not evil or wrong (this is my personal view), just as technology is itself is not evil or wrong (apologies to any Luddites reading this article).It is in applying them that the problem arises . If you read further you may come to see that organizations and groups to which you belong, or know of do exhibit thought reform techniques and resultant symptoms. To me the test of authenticity lies in not are they for the subject's perceived good (as all who utilize these methods will ultimately claim) but weather the subject maintains or increases their own autonomy (right of self-government) and freedom of choice. Uninformed and deliberate misuse is to me a serious breach of ethics. Firstly it is necessary to distinguish between the terms brainwashing and mindcontrol. "Brainwashing" is a term used originally by an journalist Edward Hunter in 1951 to describe how American servicemen captured during the Korean War were made to abruptly change their previous values and allegiances and to believe that they had taken part in fictional war-crimes. The term is translated from the Chinese "hsi nao" - wash brain. It is usually done with actions and events, typically torture and abusive mistreatment occur to the subject. The subject knows that they are in the hands of the enemy, and the roles of victim and indoctrinator are clearly defined. Due to the position of the subject as a prisoner, often with little or no hope of rescue, a psychological state of isolation and helplessness both physical and emotional can be induced by various means. It is a coercive and forceful approach to acheive the desired end. It is effective in producing a submission to demands; such as signing a false confession, denouncing one's government, and limited personality reorientation. The prisoner is usually convinced into specific acts as a result of self-preservation, and once they have crossed this barrier and committed the required specific act, they rationalize what they have done and change their beliefs as a result. Typically these new beliefs are not deeply held (though it may not seem like it to others) and when the prisoner is no longer under the influence and fear of his "masters" is usually able to cast aside the new beliefs that were adopted, under the brainwashing process. Mind Control is many times more sophisticated, subtle and strategic in nature. Those who practice it are seen as peers or friends (the prisoner/jailer relationship does not exist). The subject unwittingly willingly co-operates with his controllers by giving them private information that he does not know will be used against them (the subject does not see the controller as a threat). Force is rarely used against the subject (torture, beating and other events common to prisoners are not present). The subject has relative autonomy and freedom, initially, they can go and do what they wish with only society's normal doors being closed to them (the isolation of the prisoner - I have little or no hope of being rescued, is not present). Intially direct threats are rarely used instead deception and manipulation are the tools of the trade. A potent indoctrinating effect can be achieved by utilizing hypnotic and group dynamic effects. When a person is in a hypnotic state (such as a trance) they are typically less able to evaluate information then when in normal frame of mind, they can also receive information that normally they would question due to the decreased awareness. In a normal state of conciousness our senses are focussed outwards and in a hypnotic state, such as a mild trance or daydreaming, attention is focussed inwards. Religious groups, using mind control, strive to produce a susceptible mental state often through intense meditation, prayer, singing or lengthy indoctrination sessions. They are helped by the fact that being in a trance is a pleasant experience and the subject desires to be there as it feels good to them. This susceptible desirable mental state, for a group using mind control, can also be induced by artificial and technical means. Group dynamics is quite an involved topic, briefly it can be stated to be manipulation by using influencing processes in a group environment. These can be quite varied and can range from the inate human obedience to authority to techniques that modify behaviour in a group. The behavioural techniques for modifying group behaviour primarily effect the unconcious mind, therefore we often do not see them at work. Since these techniques are available and can be learnt, and practised, a group using mind control can stage manage events and produce the response they desire in the subject. Generally, in an ideological totalistic group, the further the group veiws the outside world as antagonistic,( or against them) the greater will be the strength of controls utilised by the group. Leaders of such a group must often increase their control and dominate the conditions under which members live, more systematically, often with greater force, to enable them to maintain their island of beliefs against a hostile world. Any ideology can be carried by its leaders in a totalistic direction (by totalistic I mean a way in which the group's ideas are complete, absolute, and comprising the whole of existence of the individual; in a way permitting no rival loyalties or individual autonomy). Religious, spiritual, economic, political and psychological systems are all vunerable to this manipulation. An example of a political system that has gone down this path would be the Third Reich under Adolf Hitler: ideological fasciscm. Many areas of control are similar and interlocking, indeed some controls need reinforcement from other areas to be effective. Each of the 8 areas listed though has a specific contribution to the overall control of a member. 1) Milieu Control or Control of Information This is simply the control of information to the group member. Not only does the group seek to regulate all the member's communications with the outside world - what they see, hear,read, write, feel and talk about; but they also wish to regulate the members intimate self. In an extremely intense control this will be a method of control within the member themselves; a member will have been indoctrinated into a process by which they manage their own inner communications and thoughts. This control cannot be totally complete but can extend quite extensively into a members life. In a Religious group a "God's eye view" can often be found, - a conviction that reality belong's exclusively to the group. Individual autonomy is practically non- existent, with the member being unable to exercise often simple decision making without guidance from the group in some form. In many cases autonomy is surrendered to the group. This control is seen as a justification of the groups exclusive possession of reality; (and having the need to dispel any doubts anywhere in the system) in that since they have self-justified reality is theirs alone they must set about creating an place where that reality exists. (Simply put they beleive what they teach and must now create an environment that proves that they are right in what they teach). Ways in which this control are attempted can include group process (how the group does and teaches things), isolation from non-group persons (such as living in a group flat/house with other members or geographical distance by moving them far away to another city or even country), psychological pressure (often by guilt and shame), ordering the members life (by scheduling what they will do and when), and social pressure from within the group itself. Many things happen to the members personality upon exposure to this control. A member is called upon to polarize his veiws between the perceived real (group ideology) and unreal (everything else). This can be a very traumatic event as the member is no longer able to test reality but is being forced to accept a veiw of reality that is often at odds with themselves. Some examples of this trauma would be; the emotional distress a member would suffer when a shy introverted personality is forced into being an extroverted one through enforced evangalism; and the distress suffered when a basically honest person is instructed to be dishonest when accepting a "means justifies the end"/"do what gets results" philosophy to life. Intense control is often associated with the acceptance of the group doctrine. A dramatic change within the member's personality normally occurs on acceptance of the group belief system and structure. This normally occurs after a severe period of indoctrination has occurred such as a weekend retreat, or moving into a group run household. Psychologically it has been explained that the two personalities exist - the old "pre- group" person and the new "group" person. The member is most comfortable with his "group" personality after indoctrination, but as the personalities co-exist the "pre- group" personality will rise to the surface now and then often in periods of extreme stress and emotionality. These personalities can exist simultaneously and bewildered for a while, and it has been noted that the transition periods from one personality to the other are seen as a most intense emotionally and pyschologically painful process, not to mention potentially harmful event, for the member. I beleive it is important to note that the two personalities exist as this gives an explanation to some of the phenomenon that occur when an ex member leaves the group (trauma), a potential member is indoctrinated into the group (trauma), and also a way to reach the member while he is still under the groups' control is to appeal to the positive aspects of the "pre-group personality". 2) Mystical Manipulation or Planned Spontaneity. This is extensive personal manipulation which appears to be spontaneous but is actually planned by the leadership. This process need not look like manipulation. It uses every device available to the group to evoke specific patterns of behaviour and emotion, which appear to those manipulated to have an almost mystical quality. At the individual level the member is faced with a choice of accepting these manipulations ulimately in trust (or faith) or mistrust. When experiencing in trust the manipulations can be welcomed as mysterious, even pleasurable, sometimes fulfilling in that they are necessary for the "higher purpose" being served (in the case of religious groups God - but any group purpose will do). When trust turns into mistrust, or has never existed, the "higher purpose" no longer can serve as primary emotional satisfying tool, the member can turn to other justifications. A primary shift in his psychological makeup useually occurs when an attitude of subservience is adopted (often in group terms this can be described as humility or something akin to it). Here the member, feeling unable to ( but actually able to - in this area a similarity to "brainwashing" occurs) respond from the superior forces encountered, becomes totally submissive to them, adapting to them, often with great skill. This adaption can be quite involved. The member can exhibit skill at reading cues within the group as to what is being required (looks like they are going to push evangalism/contribution/sin this time), expertise at anticipating emotional pressures can occur (things are not going well so I'm at fault here) , and as it is easier to go with the flow of things (rather than explore his own self expression and actions) than suffer the consequences of disobedience. This subordination also requires that the member partake actively in the manipulation of others, as well as the endless betrayals of self and others (This can lead to further controls through guilt/shame when one realises what has been done in the name of whatever it is that the group stands for be it God, Money, Power, Politics etc). Whatever has happened deprivation of basic choice has occurred. I would like to point out that this approach is not uniquely used for the purpose of maintaining power and control over others by totalistic groups. The "higher purpose" that they serve in a way demands these manipulations occur, and as such create their own mystique. In Religious totalitariarism the group are the CHOSEN ONES. Often they have been empowered to carry TRUE SALVATION to the masses( Seek and Save the Lost/Evangalise the World) and/or REMAIN FAITHFUL TO THE WORD (Keep the Law/ Commit no Sin). In carrying out the "higher purpose" which is often defined as the reason for existence, the persuit of which becomes ones' life all considerations of decency, and human welfare (even morality) are superceeded. Often a works based ethic with a quantifyable method of measuring success exists and everything including personal choice subserviant to that goal (Growth by numbers, contribution raised, number of visitors, etc - all things that CAN be measured and a quota established. Here a line can be drawn. Exceed the line and one is doing well. Fall below it and something (usually you) is the problem - you are not doing well and need to fix something !). In extreme cases it can be taught that it is selfish to have personal thoughts, actions or goals which do not have the "higher purpose" as the ultimate ideal (like wanting a specific career, you may be leadership material which means you will be manipulated into that area; you may be close freinds with someone of the opposite sex, but your compatability has been assessed by leadership as wrong - they or you could be at the wrong spiritual level, both of you could be too emotional in personality, they are slotted for someone else, your relationship will be manipulated; or even you are close to parents, non-group freinds etc - this is seen as a threat, spending so much time with non-spiritual persons and not recruiting them can be a crime so you may have manipulation in that group freinds are chosen for you, you are kept so busy you can no longer spend time with them. It these relationships are seen as especially threatening manipulation will occur deliberately to sever them to the point of physical relocation or even disowning of persons.) Far down the track morality suffers and lies, deception, even crimes can be justified in the name of meeting the God. I've experienced someone saying that they would kill unbeleivers if they were given a gun and told by higher leadership to do so. They would do it gladly for God.In it's severest form all is justified and necessary for the "higher purpose" (Any means to bring the lost to salvation is acceptable - they are lost so a form of heavenly deception is often necessary, nay mandatory for their salvation). But there is light at the end of the tunnel, deception is ultimately deception and though it might not seem like it people do remember. 3) The Demand for Purity. Here the world is divided into two areas, the Pure and Contaminated. A radical division into pure(Good) and Contaminated(Evil) both personally and environmentally must occur. As the Good and Pure have been redefined into what is consistent with the ideology present in the group, anything inconsistent must therefore be Evil and Impure and must be dealt with, in extreme cases eliminated. A philosophical assumption that absolute purity can be acheived, and that anything done to anyone to help them acheive this, in the name of this quest is morally correct (I'm doing this for your own good - you need to deal with this sin in your life). A narrow existence experiencing shame and guilt is the result of this control. For one is striving permanently towards a state of purity that is unobtainable, and is in fact alien to humanity. Continuing failure to reach an impossible standard creates a guilt and shame based life within the group. Since ones shortcomings are stated to be sinful, and can not only hurt oneself but also others an expectation of receiving punishment exists leading to guilt based relationships developing. Failure to acheive the set standards both in personal and work standards builds a shame based foundation. Within the totalistic group these are prime motivating tools are often highly desired as bonds between the member and those around him, especially in leadership position (knowing someones weaknesses can always be used to pull them back into line). Each person is susceptible to guilt and shame in different degrees, mainly due to varied life experiences. By searching for where the member has sensitivity to their own limitations and unfulfilled desires, vulnerability is established and guilt applied. (Everyone is guilty about something, it is part of human experience, this guilt is searched for and built upon. The list is endless, selfworth, failed relationships, dreams never attempted, people let down etc. As the ultimate judges of Good and Evil, guilt and shame are powerful emotional levers that are applied under their auspices; especially in the area of forgiveness. Adaption of the Good and Evil judgements is made by the member, who often actively seeks to prove virtue to others, and condemn the outside Evil forces (including his shortcomings). A total separation of Good and Evil occurs lessening the sensitivities of human morality. All that is Good and Pure must be strived for relentlessly. Control is strongly maintained as a person with strong guilt feelings in a puritanically obsessed environment is open to manipulation. >From ???@??? Sun Oct 20 08:24:42 1996 To: ICC-help From: Martin Hinves Subject: Mind Control Part 2 Cc: Bcc: X-Attachments: 4) The Cult of Confession. In a group where purity i Paranoia is useful when they are out to get you..... It keeps you alive longer... The problem with paranoia is that it makes you think you are important enough to worth the trouble to persecute in the first place.