The Watchtower hates the word, "You"

by moshe 32 Replies latest jw friends

  • lisaBObeesa
    lisaBObeesa

    Maybe this doesn't really apply, or maybe it does, but this topic reminded me of a book I just read. It is about how to NOT be a victim of crime.

    The book said that the word 'we' is often used by con men to create an instant connection with their victim. Gavin De Becker calls it "Forced Teaming" and says when you notice this behavior it is a warning that the person is trying to control you...

    From The Gift of Fear:

    Forced Teaming -- "It was shown through the use of the word "we" (We've got a hungry cat up there") Forced teaming is an effective way to establish premature trust because a "we're in the same boat" attitude is hard to rebuff without feeling rude. Sharing a predicament like being stuck in a stalled elavator or arriving simultaneously at a just closed store, will understandably move people around soial boundaries. Forced teaming is not about coincidence: It is intentional and directed, and is one of the most sophisticated manipulations. The detectable signal of forced teaming is the projection of a shared purpose or experience where none exists: "Both of us"; We're some team": "How are we going to handle this?"; "Now we've done it," etc.

  • teel
    teel
    They really don't understand that most of the core WT teachings are just the opinion of elderly men at Brooklyn WT Hdqtrs.

    If they were facts, they would never change. Yet you have to accept them as facts, or else...

  • Mad Sweeney
    Mad Sweeney

    Great point, Lisa. I haven't read that particular book but your point fits what they're doing. Forced Teaming is a great way to phrase it. Even police and negotiators use it when trying to manipulate a suspect into giving up. It's about control. Always.

  • moshe
    moshe
    -The book said that the word 'we' is often used by con men to create an instant connection with their victim

    Thank you LisaBOeesa--- Maybe, I need to listen more closely to the speeches that politicians give, too!

  • DaCheech
    DaCheech

    can't make this stuff up!

    their own writings will be their downfall.

    "destroy the false prophet"

  • suedehead
    suedehead

    Thanks for this post! This is brilliant!

    When I was a teenager, my DA'd father said he couldn't stand being in the JW's b/c they tried to tell him how to live. Even in the smallest, insignificant things. I remember thinking that he was nit picking and the "brothers" had his best interests at heart. And that nobody tells us what to do. (i'm laughing at myself as i type this)

    Today, I know that my dad was right! This post shows how this "we" stuff is subliminal. A subliminal facade of equality. It's really mind control. The WT is a modern masterpiece of propaganda and mind control.

    -Suedehead

  • littlebird
    littlebird

    Thanks moshe & lisa, very good points.

  • moshe
    moshe

    Welcome Suedehead! I find great stuff here everyday!

  • ziddina
    ziddina

    WOW!! GREAT thread, Moshe!! Thanks for dissecting that for us!

    Mad Sweeney - love the points you brought out!

    Enjoyed everyone else's posts, too...

    Zid

  • Quillsky
    Quillsky

    I love your story, hamsterman.

    When I was a student, I remember having lunch with other classmates.

    One of them asked what I believed.

    I started "we this we that blah blah barf" as a true witless does.

    He listened a while and said: "I am concerned at your constant use of "we". Are you part of a collective hive? Would you still believe this if NOBODY else did?"

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