I wanted to research more on cults and the mind control techniques they use. If I had any doubts (which I haven't) that the WT uses these highly sophicated techniques, then I certainly wouldn't now!!!!!!
As we have had a thread asking why people don't leave the WT when they know that it has major flaws, I thought it would be beneficial to explore how powerful these methods of control are.
Some basic principles of Social Psychology and Group Dynamics
a) The net result of these studies has been the consistent demonstration of the remarkable power of behaviour modification techniques, group conformity, and obedience to authority (the "influence process").
b) In totalistic cults, the ideology is internalized as "the truth", the only "map" or reality. The doctrine not only serves to filter incoming information but also regulates how the information can be thought about..... The doctrine claims to answer all questions to all problems and situations.
c) Another key aspect of thought control involves training members to block out any information which is critical of the group.
d) If information transmitted to a cult memberr is perceived as an attack on either the leader, the doctrine, or the group, a hostile wall goes up. Members are trained to disbelieve any criticism. Critical words have been explained away in advance as "lies about us that Satan puts in peoples' minds"...Paradoxically, criticism of the group confirms that the cult's views of the world is correct. The information does not register properly.
e) Emotional control...terror of discovery and punishment by the leaders
f) The most powerful technique for emotional control is phobia indoctrination.....People are made to have a panic reaction at the thought of leaving....
g) Although cult leaders tell the public "Members are free to leave any time they want", actually members may not have a real choice, because they have been indoctrinated to have a phobia of the outside world. Induced phobias eliminate the psychological possibility of a person choosing to leave the group.
h) Information control extends across all relationships. People are not allowed to talk to each other about anything critical of the leader, doctrine,or organisation Members must spy on each other and report to the leaders.
i) People are told to avoid contact with ex-members or critics. Those who could provide the most information to be especially shunned.
j) Control of information by having levels of "truth".
k) The Doctrine is Reality - no room for regarding group's beliefs as mere theory.
l) The doctrine becomes the "master programme" for all thought, feelings, and actions. It is the TRUTH, perfect and absolute, any flaw in it is viewed as only a reflection of the believer's imperfection. He should try to work harder and have more faith so he will come to understand the truth more clearly.
j) No outside group is recognised as valid because that would threaten the groups monopoly on truth. Member must only go to leader.
k) Some groups cultivate a psychic paranoia, telling members that spirit beings are watching them , may even take possession of them whenever they feel or think in non-cult way.
l) Elitist mentality - special ones of mankind, important in human history, therfore must perform their duties well or fail mankind.
m) Happiness through Good Performance - love is conditional on good performance.
n) Problems always fault of member - fear is major motivator
o) Apocalyse is just round the corner - many cults have timetables, which tend to be a few years away, near enough to carry an emotional punch. These predictions fade into background as the big day approaches.
p) The leader issues a new timetable that moves the event up a few years.
q) There is never a legitimate reason for leaving. Members are thoroughly indoctrinated with the belief that terrible things will happen to them if they leave.They are locked in a psychological prison.
Sorry folks, I know it's long but I thought it might help some readers to know these things. Here is a poem I found about the WT:-
The Judgment of the Watchtower
The day is fast approaching…
The judgment is at hand…
Soon all the gb hypocrites
Will be forced to understand.
They soon will see their empire
Crumble from disuse
They truly could avoid this,
But it appears they’re too obtuse.
For they fail to notice,
They totally dismiss
The proof they’ve lost God’s favor.
They pretend nothing’s amiss.
But answer us this question,
Oh guardians from the tower.
Why can the mere internet
Undermine your lofty power?
Could it be the answer,
Lies simply in the fact,
That it’s only with Satan
With which the Watchtower has a pact?
Maddie