Human brains easily absorb external opinions and
suggestions, often adopting them. Brainwashing is a process of manipulating or
influencing most of our thoughts, beliefs and behaviors using various
techniques.
Historically, brainwashing has been associated with
controlling individuals or groups for political or religious purposes. It is
considered a psychological manipulation that controls an individual's autonomy
and critical thinking abilities.
Under Mao Zedong's leadership, his Red Army used different
techniques to shape the beliefs and attitudes of Chinese people during the
Korean War (1950-1953), even though the term may not have been used in the
context of Chinese history. However, journalist Edward Hunter described how Mao
Zedong’s Red Army used terrifying ancient techniques to turn the Chinese people
into mindless Communist automatons (Boissoneault, 2023). Hunter was the first
person to introduce this hypnotic process as “brainwashing”.
The concept of brainwashing renewed public attention from
1969 to 1971 because of the case of Charles Manson, who was said to have
brainwashed his followers to commit murder. Manson had become the leader of a
religious cult dedicated to studying eccentric religious teachings (Jenkins,
2024). However, his followers carried out several murders on Manson’s orders.
Manson isolated his followers from their families, friends and the outside
world. He used fear tactics and threats to maintain control over his followers,
and at the same time, he used hallucinogenic drugs to alter their
consciousness.
Similar to Manson's story, a mass suicide incited by an
extremist religious cult shocked Sri Lankans a few months back (Death Cult
Leader’s Suicide and the Advent of Maithree Buddha Imposter, 2024). Ruwan
Prasanna Gunarathna is claimed to be the suspect leader of this cult. He
manipulated his cult members using authority, vulnerability, isolation,
repetitive instructions, emotional threats and the misuse of cultural and
religious beliefs. He introduced suicide as a path to salvation. He committed
suicide himself, exemplifying his teachings and demonstrating his commitment,
which became a powerful motivation for other members to accept his command to
commit suicide and seek relief.
Overcoming brainwashing or undue influence from someone else
can be challenging, as humans are social animals and cannot fully avoid
societal influence. The only thing we can do is actively participate in shaping
our own thoughts. To avoid such unwanted influences and suffering, we should
practice self-suggestion, develop critical thinking, establish boundaries with
people who have previously manipulated and focus on rebuilding self and
autonomy by brainwashing ourselves before someone else does.
References
Boissoneault, L. (2023, October 26). The true story of
brainwashing and how it shaped America. Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/true-story-brainwashing-and-how-it-shaped-america-180963400/
Death cult leader’s suicide and the advent of Maithree
Buddha imposter. (2024). Print Edition - the Sunday Times, Sri Lanka. https://www.sundaytimes.lk/240114/columns/death-cult-leaders-suicide-and-the-advent-of-maithree-buddha-imposter-545187.html
Jenkins, J. P. (2024, June 16). Charles Manson | Biography,
Murders, Family, Sharon Tate, & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Charles-Manson
