The 'act' is most assuredly why JW's can so easily shun their own children or parents or siblings. I have seen family members shun their own children to the extreme, based on WTS teachings and those parents absoulutely believe that following the WT is what they must do. Parents who do not attend weddings, do not phone and refuse visits from children, who cast their kids out at 18 because they aren't one of the WTS robots. I've heard those parents speak of their 'dead' children without one single emotion except to acknowledge that the child has died. I've then watched in amazement, as the same people upon hearing that one of their kids has been reinstated, suddenly light up and break down sobbing with joy. Those few words - disfellowship and reinstatement - are so ingrained as punishment vs reward to a JW that the brainwashing technique is perfected by the actions they denote.
I also know adult JW's who although they have faded, don't attend any meetings etc., still have not taken the time to really learn about the cult and understand why some words or actions trigger certain behaviors in them. Until they truly understand how and what impact their involvement has had on their development and until they truly become self aware, it is like watching a train wreck. sammieswife.
