Posts by James2300

33

Subtle Control Methods

by James2300 in

there have been a few threads on the subject of whether witnesses are a high control group or a cult.

some of the more overt methods of control have been mentioned, such as direct statements in the watchtower, the practice of disfellowshipping, the power elders have, and so on.

the results of these control techniques have also been mentioned; for example, many mention the intimidation, humiliation, fear, and powerlessness they felt either as a witness or while trying to leave.

James2300

Structure of the Watchtower magazine

The Watchtower is presented with a somber font and a boxy article layout to give the impression of authority, seriousness of purpose, and reliability. Page 2 begins with a "statistics" page that presents the impressive circulation and language translation figures. Those figures enhance the image of seriousness and importance. The matter-of-fact dullness of this page presents the magazine as some kind of serious journal unconcerned with flashy marketing.

Like the Awake! magazine, the magazine begins with a cover article following the same basic layout as the Awake! cover article. (See my earlier post for that.) The heaviest articles--that is, the study articles--are in the middle of the magazine. They follow a predictable pattern. The first article concerns itself with a historical/biblical/scholarly study of the subject at hand. The second article focuses on the practical application after the reader is thoroughly convinced of the WTS's view of the subject.

Each article follows a predictable internal pattern. For example, this is how the first article usually proceeds: The first paragraph opens with an experience, story, or illustration that everyone can relate to. Several indisputably true facts are usually placed in the paragraph. (For example, the sun shines, lightening is impressive, we need light to live, etc.) Often, the second or third paragraph contains an assertion of authority. Usually this takes the form of simply mentioning the "faithful and discreet slave" and referencing the quote from Matthew 24:45 in parenthesis.

At this point, the reader is relatively complacent. The subject matter is then dealt with, progressing in complexity until the middle of the article. Some exhortations and commands are imbedded throughout but most frequently in the latter third of the article. Then it concludes by asking a question and introducing the second study article.

The second article focuses on what the WTS actually wants the reader to do (like meetings, field service, etc.). It's pattern is pretty similar to that of the first article.

Then the magazine introduces lighter articles about specific doctrinal issues, policies, etc. They usually become progressively shorter as the reader nears the end of the magazine.

I'm sure there is more to say on this. Unfortunately, I don't have any magazines anymore to reference from.

33

Subtle Control Methods

by James2300 in

there have been a few threads on the subject of whether witnesses are a high control group or a cult.

some of the more overt methods of control have been mentioned, such as direct statements in the watchtower, the practice of disfellowshipping, the power elders have, and so on.

the results of these control techniques have also been mentioned; for example, many mention the intimidation, humiliation, fear, and powerlessness they felt either as a witness or while trying to leave.

James2300

Structure of the Awake! magazine

The first 8 pages or so consititute the cover article. First, a problem is identified (pollution, crime, etc.). Second, the reader is convinced of the gravity of the problem by quotes from authorities and dire predictions of the future (if the current trends continue, the world will run out of energy, etc.). Third, the possible solutions to the problem are identified and dismissed. Each solution is presented along with criticism of the solution (because it won't completely solve the problem, it's only a stopgap measure, etc.). At this point, the reader is convinced that there is no solution. Then, the JW solution is presented by quoting the Bible. No criticism or limitation of this solution is mentioned. The article ends with every human solution discredited and the JW solution presented as the only alternative.

In the middle of the magazine are the longest and most complex articles. Topics like "What is the Bible's Viewpoint," and "Questions Young People Ask," are presented. At this point, the reader is at his/her most vulnerable and the most likely to accept the view presented. As the reader begins to fatigue and attention drops off, the articles are shortened, becoming progressively shorter until you reach the end of the magazine. Also, the articles contain more frivolous subjects like the natural world, travel experiences, letters from readers, and the back page advertisement. The reader is left with a good impression and in a good mood after reading the cheerful articles at the end.

Of course, not everyone reads the magazine straight through, although many do.

33

Subtle Control Methods

by James2300 in

there have been a few threads on the subject of whether witnesses are a high control group or a cult.

some of the more overt methods of control have been mentioned, such as direct statements in the watchtower, the practice of disfellowshipping, the power elders have, and so on.

the results of these control techniques have also been mentioned; for example, many mention the intimidation, humiliation, fear, and powerlessness they felt either as a witness or while trying to leave.

James2300

Predicting to Bible Studies that they will hear criticism of the Witnesses

This "prediction" is made early on in most study publications. In the Knowledge book it is mentioned at the end of the first chapter (I believe), at the end of the of the first "chapter" of the Require brochure, and in chapter two of the Live Forever book. Also, pioneers are trained to orally communicate this to Bible studies. Generally, the student tells someone of their newfound interest in JW's and then they hear criticism. This gives credibilty to the teacher because they made a true prediction. It also sets the stage for an "us vs. them" mentality that will be critical in the future.

33

Subtle Control Methods

by James2300 in

there have been a few threads on the subject of whether witnesses are a high control group or a cult.

some of the more overt methods of control have been mentioned, such as direct statements in the watchtower, the practice of disfellowshipping, the power elders have, and so on.

the results of these control techniques have also been mentioned; for example, many mention the intimidation, humiliation, fear, and powerlessness they felt either as a witness or while trying to leave.

James2300

Dress code

Hey, Rebel, thanks for your posts. This one is not so subtle. You mentioned the wearing of jackets to go on stage, handle a microphone, etc. despite the temperature. The whole point of that is conformity. By wearing "uniforms" you decrease individuality and identify with the group. This one, of course, is used by the military (uniforms and short hair), the Nazis (brown shirts and armbands), and Foot Locker (pin striped shirts and athletic shoes). Interestingly, the witnesses don't use this as a marketing ploy--that is, it doesn't help "sell" the religion or give the public an image the way uniforms at Foot Locker do. It is primarily an internal form of control.

33

Subtle Control Methods

by James2300 in

there have been a few threads on the subject of whether witnesses are a high control group or a cult.

some of the more overt methods of control have been mentioned, such as direct statements in the watchtower, the practice of disfellowshipping, the power elders have, and so on.

the results of these control techniques have also been mentioned; for example, many mention the intimidation, humiliation, fear, and powerlessness they felt either as a witness or while trying to leave.

James2300

No Sunday school

Why do Witnesses avoid any kind of sunday school program? Well, several reasons. First, the witness arrangement emphasizes the family power structure. Sitting as a family enables the parents to control the children. (In fact, they are encouraged to do so.) Children are not able to have a direct relationship with the congregation. Rather that relationship proceeds through the parents. Second, it prevents the kind of spontaneous responses children have. They are not free to ask questions to a Sunday school teacher. Third, it allows for the dumbing down of the meetings. Since the meetings must be simple enough for even children to comprehend, difficult concepts can be glossed over in the meetings. Fourth, the limited role children can have in a meeting is actually a great way to indoctrinate them. Since they often can't answer the questions is their own words, they are told to read an answer from the paragraph. If they are even younger, they may simply read a subheading or a few words. This is great preparation for the parroting of information from the literature they will do as adults.

33

Subtle Control Methods

by James2300 in

there have been a few threads on the subject of whether witnesses are a high control group or a cult.

some of the more overt methods of control have been mentioned, such as direct statements in the watchtower, the practice of disfellowshipping, the power elders have, and so on.

the results of these control techniques have also been mentioned; for example, many mention the intimidation, humiliation, fear, and powerlessness they felt either as a witness or while trying to leave.

James2300

Hello waiting,

Yes, excellent point. That is a very intimidating situation especially for a woman. Really, there is no reason for 3 elders--they seek strength in numbers.

James

33

Subtle Control Methods

by James2300 in

there have been a few threads on the subject of whether witnesses are a high control group or a cult.

some of the more overt methods of control have been mentioned, such as direct statements in the watchtower, the practice of disfellowshipping, the power elders have, and so on.

the results of these control techniques have also been mentioned; for example, many mention the intimidation, humiliation, fear, and powerlessness they felt either as a witness or while trying to leave.

James2300

Simultaneous programs worldwide and in most languages

There is not really any practical reason why it should be necessary to have foreign language literature (magazines, especially) released simultaneous to English literature. The real reason is that it enhances several illusions, namely: that there exists great unity worldwide among witnesses, that "new" information is so important that there must be no delay in its dissemination, and that the organization is God-inspired because of the uniqueness and grandiosity of this enterprise.

33

Subtle Control Methods

by James2300 in

there have been a few threads on the subject of whether witnesses are a high control group or a cult.

some of the more overt methods of control have been mentioned, such as direct statements in the watchtower, the practice of disfellowshipping, the power elders have, and so on.

the results of these control techniques have also been mentioned; for example, many mention the intimidation, humiliation, fear, and powerlessness they felt either as a witness or while trying to leave.

James2300

Very quick construction

This is a holdover from the Knorr administration and is dying out. It began with the very fast building of Bethel facilities. Usually quick building is more expensive than building at traditional speeds. The rationale usually given is that of the great expansion of the work and the need for new facilities quickly. However, there is another, less obvious reason. It promoted the illusion that the end was near by building with great urgency. It was a brilliant demonstrative tool. Later, it was expanded to Kingdom Halls. The rationale usually given was that you could only get a couple of hundred people to work for a few days on a site. However, there is also another, less obvious reason. It promoted a spirit of teamwork among the congregation as well as a source of pride. It furthered the illusion that JW's are superior in every way (even construction!) because no "worldly" enterprise could erect a building as such "miraculous" speed.

Interestingly, the quick build approach has gotten a lot of criticism in recent years. Many Bethel facilities were constructed with very poor planning, numerous preventable flaws, and low quality because of trying to build so quickly. Building quickly is not emphasized as much anymore.

33

Subtle Control Methods

by James2300 in

there have been a few threads on the subject of whether witnesses are a high control group or a cult.

some of the more overt methods of control have been mentioned, such as direct statements in the watchtower, the practice of disfellowshipping, the power elders have, and so on.

the results of these control techniques have also been mentioned; for example, many mention the intimidation, humiliation, fear, and powerlessness they felt either as a witness or while trying to leave.

James2300

Graduated interval recall in the daily text

I learned about this from a part on Morning Worship at Bethel. As you probably know, the daily texts in Examining the Scriptures are excerpts from recent (the previous year or two) Watchtower articles. What you may not know is that the themes in these articles are repeated at staggered intervals designed to enhance memory. The way this works is that a theme or idea is first mentioned a few times in a week or two, then repeated after increasingly lengthly intervals. This serves to increase memory retention. If you follow the suggestion to read the text every day, you will find it very difficult not to recall very well all of the main points at the end of the year.

33

Subtle Control Methods

by James2300 in

there have been a few threads on the subject of whether witnesses are a high control group or a cult.

some of the more overt methods of control have been mentioned, such as direct statements in the watchtower, the practice of disfellowshipping, the power elders have, and so on.

the results of these control techniques have also been mentioned; for example, many mention the intimidation, humiliation, fear, and powerlessness they felt either as a witness or while trying to leave.

James2300

Meetings without breaks

The only break during a two hour meeting is the song. Witnesses are discouraged from milling about during the song, so it is a break only in the sense that you get to stand. Although, it is thought that the times before and after the meeting are free time for association, that is not the case. Activities crowd out this time, such as hall cleaning (is it really necessary right then and after every meeting?), literature pick-up, rehearsing for parts, various meetings for elders and servants, and so on. There is no absolute reason these activities have to take place at all or right then. In effect, they make an extension of the meeting program, so that really one attends a nearly three hour long meeting.