A checklist for things to come?
Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2007 9:40 pm
*slinks from the shadows*
In my nightly search of random reading and research I came across something that I found most... illuminating and curious.
I was reading on Brainwashing in Wikipedia and saw a link that sparked my interest. Cult checklists. To elaborate these are lists of actions taken by cults to control inductees, lists that are used by deprogrammers to help in the deprogramming of cult followers.
Some of the lists where interesting. But the one that grabbed my attention the most was the very last one on the page. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cult_checklist (for those who wish to see all the lists)
The points on the list that I feel are relevant are as follows:
Behavior Control
Regulation of individual's physical reality
Major time commitment required for indoctrination sessions and group rituals
Need to ask permission for major decisions
Need to report thoughts, feelings, and activities to superiors
Individualism discouraged; "group think" prevails
Rigid rules and regulations
Need for obedience and dependency
Information Control
Use of deception
Access to non-cult sources of information minimized or discouraged
Compartmentalization of information; Outsider vs. Insider doctrines
Spying on other members is encouraged
Extensive use of cult generated information and propaganda
Thought Control
Need to internalize the group's doctrine as "Truth"
Use of "loaded" language (for example, "thought-terminating clichés"). Words are the tools we use to think with. These "special" words constrict rather than expand understanding, and can even stop thoughts altogether. They function to reduce complexities of experience into trite, platitudinous "buzz words."
Only "good" and "proper" thoughts are encouraged.
Manipulation of memories and implantation of false memories
Use of thought-stopping techniques, which shut down "reality testing" by stopping "negative" thoughts and allowing only "good" thoughts
Rejection of rational analysis, critical thinking, constructive criticism. No critical questions about leader, doctrine, or policy seen as legitimate
Emotional Control
Manipulate and narrow the range of a person's feelings
Make the person feel that if there are ever any problems, it is always their fault, never the leader's or the group's
Excessive use of guilt
Excessive use of fear
Extremes of emotional highs and lows
Phobia indoctrination: inculcating irrational fears about ever leaving the group or even questioning the leader's authority. The person under mind control cannot visualize a positive, fulfilled future without being in the group
Now think back on the videos we have seen and the actions taken. Some things stand out very predominately in my mind. Gemma spying, Lucy and the ritual preparation, Bree's homeschooling and controlled environment. For starters.
Please post any other things you may think of or any ideas you may have of this. I love reading the response.
*fades to black*
In my nightly search of random reading and research I came across something that I found most... illuminating and curious.
I was reading on Brainwashing in Wikipedia and saw a link that sparked my interest. Cult checklists. To elaborate these are lists of actions taken by cults to control inductees, lists that are used by deprogrammers to help in the deprogramming of cult followers.
Some of the lists where interesting. But the one that grabbed my attention the most was the very last one on the page. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cult_checklist (for those who wish to see all the lists)
The points on the list that I feel are relevant are as follows:
Behavior Control
Regulation of individual's physical reality
Major time commitment required for indoctrination sessions and group rituals
Need to ask permission for major decisions
Need to report thoughts, feelings, and activities to superiors
Individualism discouraged; "group think" prevails
Rigid rules and regulations
Need for obedience and dependency
Information Control
Use of deception
Access to non-cult sources of information minimized or discouraged
Compartmentalization of information; Outsider vs. Insider doctrines
Spying on other members is encouraged
Extensive use of cult generated information and propaganda
Thought Control
Need to internalize the group's doctrine as "Truth"
Use of "loaded" language (for example, "thought-terminating clichés"). Words are the tools we use to think with. These "special" words constrict rather than expand understanding, and can even stop thoughts altogether. They function to reduce complexities of experience into trite, platitudinous "buzz words."
Only "good" and "proper" thoughts are encouraged.
Manipulation of memories and implantation of false memories
Use of thought-stopping techniques, which shut down "reality testing" by stopping "negative" thoughts and allowing only "good" thoughts
Rejection of rational analysis, critical thinking, constructive criticism. No critical questions about leader, doctrine, or policy seen as legitimate
Emotional Control
Manipulate and narrow the range of a person's feelings
Make the person feel that if there are ever any problems, it is always their fault, never the leader's or the group's
Excessive use of guilt
Excessive use of fear
Extremes of emotional highs and lows
Phobia indoctrination: inculcating irrational fears about ever leaving the group or even questioning the leader's authority. The person under mind control cannot visualize a positive, fulfilled future without being in the group
Now think back on the videos we have seen and the actions taken. Some things stand out very predominately in my mind. Gemma spying, Lucy and the ritual preparation, Bree's homeschooling and controlled environment. For starters.
Please post any other things you may think of or any ideas you may have of this. I love reading the response.
*fades to black*
