There are three types of brainwashing, all of which can be used to devastating effect on a human being. There are three methods of thought reform, otherwise known as brainwashing, which are Persuasion, Compliance, and Education. In addition, some personality traits make a person much more susceptible to brainwashing than others. There is substantial evidence that brainwashing was used during the Korean war on American Prisoners of War. Currently brainwashing is being used in many cults and extremist groups around the world.
During the Korean War, Korean agents brainwashed American Prisoners of War and they admitted to waging germ warfare even though they had not. As a result of brainwashing, 21 U.S soldiers converted to communism and refused …show more content…
These steps take many months of isolation to truly be effective. Breaking down the self is the first step, in which the agent assaults the target’s identity and beliefs. Next is the possibility of salvation, in which the agent offers to help to target and channels his guilt. The target realizes he needs help and a purpose to fill his recently lost identity. Lastly comes rebuilding of self, in which the target states his final confession and in a sense is reborn. The target is now completely under agent's control. The first method is education, otherwise known as the propaganda method. In the education method, the agent focuses on altering the target's beliefs which are important to both attitudes and …show more content…
Using the persuasion method, the agent attempts to win the heart and mind of the target. This method, if performed correctly, results in a permanent attitude change, making the results much longer lasting. The persuasion method utilizes the Socratic Effect which states that by directing thoughts to attitudes and beliefs with logical implications for one another, those attitudes and beliefs become more consistent. Most totalist cults use the persuasion method of brainwashing because of the long term effects. These cults gain recruits by using scare tactics and deception. A whole new personality is created, with the old buried deep down. The lasting effects of this brainwashing method ensure that the cult members remain loyal throughout their
During the Korean War, Korean agents brainwashed American Prisoners of War and they admitted to waging germ warfare even though they had not. As a result of brainwashing, 21 U.S soldiers converted to communism and refused …show more content…
These steps take many months of isolation to truly be effective. Breaking down the self is the first step, in which the agent assaults the target’s identity and beliefs. Next is the possibility of salvation, in which the agent offers to help to target and channels his guilt. The target realizes he needs help and a purpose to fill his recently lost identity. Lastly comes rebuilding of self, in which the target states his final confession and in a sense is reborn. The target is now completely under agent's control. The first method is education, otherwise known as the propaganda method. In the education method, the agent focuses on altering the target's beliefs which are important to both attitudes and …show more content…
Using the persuasion method, the agent attempts to win the heart and mind of the target. This method, if performed correctly, results in a permanent attitude change, making the results much longer lasting. The persuasion method utilizes the Socratic Effect which states that by directing thoughts to attitudes and beliefs with logical implications for one another, those attitudes and beliefs become more consistent. Most totalist cults use the persuasion method of brainwashing because of the long term effects. These cults gain recruits by using scare tactics and deception. A whole new personality is created, with the old buried deep down. The lasting effects of this brainwashing method ensure that the cult members remain loyal throughout their