BRAINWASHING AND POWER OF BELIEF
PART II
In part I, I mentioned some of the basics and definitions of brainwashing, and I ranted about advertisements creeping into our brains and taking away our logical thinking. In this part, I'm going to demonstrate how everyone and his brother go about hypnotizing us into accepting their views, beliefs or ways of thinking. I'll give you some videos that debunk myths many think to be true when in actuality they are nothing but smokescreens, mirrors and prestidigitation. Even after exposing these tricks, some believers will still ignore reality. However, I am not trying to change anyone's beliefs. That is difficult and beyond my capabilities. Here is great article explaining how the public is brainwashed and reprogrammed.
Who practices brainwashing techniques?
Many, ranging from Evangelists to Alcoholic Anonymous, each use their own lists/steps in changing one's ways/beliefs. The process is much the same weather rescuing a drunkard, converting a heathen or potty training a dog. The idea is to clear one's mind of old/bad habits, beliefs and ways of thinking, and instill new ones, they all are trying to change you into what they believe is the only right way.
Clinging to our beliefs.
We tend to resist change and giving up our treasured beliefs/habits, even after someone proves them wrong. Okay now, don't get in a huff. Let me explain. This morning I noticed my neighbor continues to warm up his car before going to work whether it's winter or summer. This is something us old folks have practiced since we began driving. Back then, motors needed a warm-up period. Now this practice is out dated. Automobiles no longer require pre warming. It only wastes fuel and pollutes our air. It's even illegal in some states to practice this ritual. It entices criminals to commit theft. This could make you liable if that thief happened to kill someone or commit illegal acts with your car. Yet some continue this unnecessary task. So, I admit it's more a habit than a belief and some beliefs are habits. My own beliefs were a habit. I just never had the gumption to broaden my knowledge
Planting seeds of doubt or guilt.
First, using subtle means, they lull you into a state of hypnoses. Here is a cute video involving some three and four-year-olds and the power of planting seeds. Adults can be manipulated in the same manner.
Once under their power, they convince you that you are a bad/sinful individual; you are the worst piece of slime on earth or anywhere else. Whether you are a sinner, alcoholic, recruit, student or political rebel rouser. Convinced that you are a piece of crud, they begin to install their belief system into you wilted pea brain. You must conform. Resistance is futile. It's our way or no way. Then It's down the righteous path, or marching in unison as a foe, one band obediently following orders. Some with a book, some with a rifle, others with a sign, they all cry out a different and yet seemingly similar chant. When they finish their reprogramming, you wake up wandering why you had not seen the light before. This process ranges from a few minutes to a few years. In my case, it took a few decades to realize there is no guiding light, only a fall into darkness finally free of the fear of burning in hell for eternity, which, in itself, is inconceivable.
Aliens, Gods or feeble minds?
Most of us have heard about crop circles, this phenomenon has been happening since the late 17th century mostly in southern England. Like UFOs, it has created much controversy. Some have stepped forward, admitted and even demonstrated how they created the designs in the crop fields. Then, there is Big Foot, the lock nest monster and others. These things seem to happen in small areas. People want notoriety and uniqueness. We tend to believe the unexplainable as some higher life form entertaining us by performing miracles. Believers continue to believe some higher force or aliens have created these wonders. No amount of evidence will sway their beliefs.
We are still acting as our cave-dwelling ancestors, who could not explain the wonders of nature. One would think, with our highly developed brains, we could get past these seemingly magical displays. Sometimes things are not what they appear. Check this about flying and walking on fire.
Being fooled or fooling ourselves.
Lullaby and good night
We often kid about falling asleep during church services. It's no joke. It's a serious matter for those giving the sermon. They want to lead bodies down the path of righteousness. Often, when my wife dragged me to church, I have watched inexperienced preachers become frustrated while trying to entice someone to come forward. They mimicked other preachers without fully understanding what they were doing. These preachers do not last long in small country churches.
Services are ment to lull you into a hypnotic trance-like state. This is the beginning of the brainwashing process. Most clergymen schooled in these techniques, know what they are doing and evangelists are masters at it. I often watch them on TV in awe, as they orchestrate crowds of thousands in a rhythmic chant as the crowd rocks and chants to the music as the preacher works his magic inserting rapturous biblical verses that seem to go on forever. One expects the writhing mass to fall in exhaustion at any moment. It's reminiscent of scenes from a rock concert.
Then comes the belittling, you are a bad sinner. There is no way of getting around it, because you are born a sinner. How absurd is that statement? They use these scare tactics until you are convinced you are a low down dirty dog. They threaten that you will burn in hell for eternity unless you accept their ways. They repeat this to no end. By the time a child is eight or ten, it has heard this thousands of times. Each time it becomes more scared then the last, until finally it gives in.
Fear is a scary thing.
I vividly remember an event that scared me deeply and still affects me to this day. It is a good example of the power of one's mind. I was about thirteen when a deep fear engulfed me. The only recollection I have of going to church, when I was a child, is the time I had listened to a sermon about using the Lord's name in vain and what it really meant, i.e., spending eternity in the fires of hell. Walking home that day with the sermon raging in my head, I vowed never to do it again.
To this day, a video of that revelation still runs clearly in my head. I kept that vow; I still cannot utter those words, even though I no longer believe in God and I have cussed like a sailor all my life. I believe the brainwashing, reprogramming and fear forged a habit in my brain that won't let me speak these blasphemes. Logically, I know I can force the words from my mouth, but it is very uncomfortable and it feels like my mouth is full of dung. It is a habit brought on by a deep-seated fear.
This non-believer has heard these words (gosh, gee and golly, synonyms for God and Jesus) uttered as an exclamation from the mouths of preachers and highly religious people. It often made me wonder just how deep their beliefs were. I do not condemn them, because I believe they do it in ignorance. However, ignorance of the law is not excusable, so I hear. Here is a good site explaining of using the Lord's name in vain. Something else that bothers me is when someone who uses synonyms for strong cuss words like the F word or the S word or the N word. It irritates the hell out of me. If you are going to refer to the word, use the damn thing and stop pussyfooting around.
Lifetime habits are difficult to change. It took me several months of conscious efforts to reverse the habit of putting my keys in my right pocket and my change in my left pocket. It was just a curious experiment.
Okay, my sermon is over. In part III, yes, there is more to come; I'll climb down from the pulpit and rant about others who lull you into their ways. Until then, thank you and have a pleasant day.
Ray
