On Sun, Jul 3, 2022 at 3:14 PM Douglas Lucas <[1]dal@riseup.net> wrote:

   Bystander: Wait, I don't understand what mind-control really is.

   Bystander 2: That's probably part of the mind-control program.

   Bystander: Well, I can just brainstorm things, at least.

   What Is Mind Control?
                                   There are many different forms of mind
   control. Most people think
   of brainwashing almost as soon as they hear the term. But that is only
   one specific form. Mind control is any system of influence that
   disrupts an individual’s authentic identity and replaces it with a
   false, new one.
                                   In most cases, that new identity is one
   the person would strongly
   reject, if they had been asked for their informed consent. That’s why
   I also use the term undue influence—“undue” because these practices
   violate personal boundaries and human integrity, as well as ethics
   and, often, the law.
                                   That said, not all of the techniques
   used in mind control are
   inherently bad or unethical. The intent, the methods used, and the end
   result need to be part of the evaluation. They span a continuum from
   entirely ethical to grossly unethical. It is fine to use hypnosis to
   stop smoking, for example—but it must be used ethically, to empower
   the person, not for manipulative, exploitive ends. The locus of
   control of one’s mind and body should always remain within the adult
   individual, _never_ with an external authority.
                                   Today, many mind control techniques
   exist that are far more
   sophisticated than the brainwashing techniques used in the Chinese
   thought reform camps and the Korean War. Some involve subtle forms of
   hypnosis or suggestion; others are overt, and are implemented in
   highly rigid and controlled social environments.
                                   In this book, I discuss many groups I
   characterize as destructive
   cults that use mind control techniques. When I identify an
   organization in this way it is only after thorough research and close
   examination. I would never slap unfair labels on unpopular or
   controversial groups. Any designation I may give them is well earned.
   For example, I have no qualms about referring to the Unification
   Church as a _destructive cult_.[15] The group’s record speaks for
   itself.[16] Of course, members of this and many other groups would
   likely be offended and deny that destructive mind control is
   happening. It is also true, however, that although many people
   sincerely believe that they had a fair choice in joining—and always
   have a fair choice about leaving—that is, sadly, too often a delusion
   created by the cult itself.
   above definition from the group at [2]freedomofmind.com . i understand
   there are resources pages on that website with further things and
   groups.

References

   1. mailto:dal@riseup.net
   2. http://freedomofmind.com/