Introduction

When it comes to the word brainwashing it is easy to visualize being abducted and sent to a secret installation and being forced into some brainwashing procedure.   How accurate is that to the real life?  Have you ever considered other ways of brainwashing?

In truth however, most of us if not all are subject to some kind of subtle brainwashing.

Image by Marshall Astor – Food Pornographer via Flickr

Media

One of the most subtle mind control (brainwashing) comes from our media.  Majority of us are exposed to television, radio and newspaper for many hours in the day.   At this time, I would also venture to add Internet sites into the list.  Included in these exposure are messages that bombard us.  Whether we believe in them or not we are constantly indoctrinated by them.

Some of the messages include the brand of products to buy, our looks (fat, thin, anorexia).  Corrupt government telling their citizens how well they are taken care of.   We have seen many of these in history.  The most memorable ones are Hitler Germany and Mao in China.  I believe many governments who are in control of the media continue to do this now.

Actions

The saying, Action speak louder than words hold true.  All children are born with innocence and a sense of fair play.  However, if they continue to see injustice getting rewarded, the subtle act becomes a part of the brainwashing that they go through.  They will grow up to think that that is the fair thing to do.

This sometimes happen in the name of affirmative action.  

Countering the brainwashing

As we bring up our children, we need to be aware of all this subtle messages that get filtered in to the young impressionable mind.   If we fail to do that a lot of work in raising up children may be jeopardized.    

I sometimes wonder how “brainwashed” I am and whether it is a good thing or bad.  Looking back, I am reminded of a show called, “Clockwork Orange“.   Think of all the violence our children are taught.

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