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Crime & Corruption See other Crime & Corruption Articles Title: PSYOPS and "Coercive Persuasion"
Just when America least needs another round of psycho-babble, out pops the “psycho-technology” of “Coercive Persuasion.” Okay, what is it?
Coercive Persuasion is the methodical – often subtle or even clandestine - application of psychological manipulation. Coercive Persuasion coerces its targeted audience into “perceiving,” "learning" and "adopting" a prescribed set of thoughts, beliefs, values, attitudes and/or behaviors.
From movies such as “The Manchurian Candidate,” the 1950's imagery of “brainwashing” and “thought reform” leave people in the dust of the scientific psychological manipulation of individuals – or entire populations. The term “brainwashing” is most often thought of in terms such as “imprisonment,” “physical abuse,” “gun to the head,” or the hypnosis experiments of the "Manchurian Candidate."
Coercive Persuasion is a factual science. In example, America – as a whole – never seriously questioned the horror which Jack Kennedy’s “pristine bullet” represented – to every last American. Similarly, America somehow didn’t care that the Bobby Kennedy autopsy demonstrated that Sirhan Sirhan didn’t hit Bobby with a single round. No one wanted to be the voice to ask, “Well, who did shoot him – and WHY did they shoot him?” Not even the Kennedy family asked the compelling questions! The horror of 58,000 dead kids from the Vietnam War didn’t bring any meaningful investigation into the phony “Gulf of Tonkin” resolution. The glaring holes in the official accounts of 9-11 have gone almost unnoticed. All that didn’t happen from the elements of chance or coincidence!
Coercive Persuasion operates by undermining the individual’s defense mechanisms, their perceptions, their values and their attitudes. Coercive Persuasion alters the otherwise expected personal conduct and the person’s ability to reason - without resorting to physical force. In the current time frame, "coercive persuasion" cleverly and covertly overcomes an individual's decision-making by impacting the individual’s judgment. The victim gradually loses the ability to make independent decisions or to insist on the information necessary to make an informed and intelligent decision. Coercive Persuasion leaves the victim with the attitude “I know what the facts probably are. But what can I do about ‘things’ without getting myself hurt?” When that attitude can be identified; the ‘system’ has worked!
The common concept of “brainwashing” is traditionally associated more with techniques of ‘national’ political indoctrination, as opposed to everyday society, corporate or government agency “culture” or methods of teaching in a public school system. However, today, one cannot help wondering as to what extent "brainwashing" might be found amidst a supposedly benevolent format of their immediate “culture” - including general education. Whether in a government agency, corporate environment or public education system, it is wise for workers, students, teachers and the general public, to be aware of the “modern” psychological processes, generally called "brainwashing.”
In the modern world of psychiatry and psychology, “brainwashing” is more commonly referred to as “coercive persuasion,” “coercive psychological systems,” or “coercive influence.” For all intents and purposes, “Coercive Persuasion” may be regarded as the micro-management of Psychological Operations, or “PSYOPS.”
Coercive psychological techniques are mental, emotional and behavioral “change” methods which employ known psychological dynamics in a coercive way to induce the adoption of a “preferred” ideology or set of thoughts, beliefs, ideas, attitudes, or behaviors. The core methodology is the avoidance of any physical motivation (punishment). [For clarity, physical punishment can also be deprivation of movement or other physical needs.] The coercive strategy is to systematically select, sequence and coordinate the effective mechanisms of coercive influence. For convenience, the term “Coercive Persuasion” will be utilized, given its popularity – where found.
As with most political “systems,” it is important to distinguish the element of “intent.” To mandate school children to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and sing patriotic songs might meet the test of “Coercive Persuasion.” However, the intent is to foster nationalism – hardly something to apologize for. Still, there will be those who will debate the ‘patriot’ issue in the light of denying children the right of free will.
Thus, it is necessary to visit the “Reasonable Person Test,” to judge according to the end-result. To the person who insists on having power over others in a world of cold logic, against the perpetual “human” needs, it may come down to the frustrated assertion, “Well, that’s just the way it is!”
Often, it may be necessary to forcibly establish a ‘sacred’ benchmark. Icy logic may argue for zero age limits when it comes to cigarettes, alcohol, street drugs or sex for children. Thus, it may come back to the human mandate to cite the cut-in-stone ‘benchmark’ of civilized standards, in ‘human’ terms of “That’s beyond the boundaries of a civilized society!” While that might seem academic, nigh unto ‘stupid’ to most, such issues as “NAMBLA” attest to the “reach” of debate and logic, as a self-serving version of “Coercive Persuasion” attempts to hijack the basic values of the American society. Thus, it is necessary to be keenly aware of the probable end effect of such permissive efforts, amidst a naïve and gullible norm of “Live and let live.”
Coercive Persuasion is increasingly found in the corporate culture. The impact results in an Orwellian work force, conditioned to sacrifice personal income, benefits and free will; substituting ‘corporate’ needs, over personal needs. The impact being a cleverly veiled corporate Communism. DON’T forget that concept!
When Coercive Persuasion is found, commonly, one sees the beginning event as something which will reliably produce anxiety and stress; often in scenarios which effect such results continuously, over extended periods of time. The initiating step could be a simple – but serious - challenge for one to clarify his/her position. Often, the challenge will be issued with a caution.
The techniques can be applied in isolated/personal arenas, or publicly in a sophisticated “propaganda” methodology, relying on the mass media – or the Internet!
Regardless of the arena, the techniques such as repetitive or extended verbal, audio, visual, or tactile fixation drills are used. In military “Boot Camp,” for example, excessive exact repetition of routine activities (training or work), sleep restriction and/or nutritional restriction is often found.
Social isolation – where possible - is a supporting tactic; including ‘divide and conquer’ methods. Or; in such events as a corporate takeover, it could be “conquer and divide,” as an initiating event.
In the true “cult” realm, contact with family and friends is typically blocked in some fashion, along with persons who have no previous exposure to - or independently do not share - the prescribed attitudes. Dependence on the controlling entity is effected by a variety of means, from simple acceptance-approval to professional or financial dependence. In ‘open’ systems such as the corporate environment, verbal cautions may be found as subtle social blockades, such as a comment to the effect of, “It might be better if you didn’t bring your personal/family life to work with you.”
Certainly, the effect of documented “evaluations” have a major impact, as well. Such evaluations typically have a cumulative effect, almost rendering human beings as an expendable component, very similar to a defective chip in a computer.
Even on the Internet, it is possible - in such arenas as discussion forums - to isolate and verbally batter a given personality into leaving the forum, or submitting to the text-version of Coercive Persuasion. In unrestricted Internet discussion forums, dedicated disinformation agents are often discovered. While their identity is only revealed in their messages and style, their mission is two-fold; to batter the free will of other contributors and to manufacture the ‘preferred’ illusion (disinformation) of ‘consensus’ to the casual reader – or “lurker” as they are termed.
The controlling entity can be expected to do their best to prohibit, discourage or divert any non-conforming information and non-supporting beliefs, attitudes and/or opinions within the ‘in-house’ communication. Typically there are rigid – or implied - ‘rules’ imposed, as to permissible topics to discuss; both within the ‘group’ and with ‘outsiders.’ Whenever possible, ALL communication is highly controlled – in some fashion. Often, an "in-house” jargon is discovered. Typically, the meaning of some of the terms/phrases is obscure, by accident or design. For example, the application of the term “proactive.” Something is active or inactive; what does “proactive” imply? Someone is an active supporter or an opponent. Thus, the use of the term “proactive” often has a ‘twilight zone’ inference, versus a clear statement. These terms or concepts often carry an aura of mystery, which has the mental-emotional effect of creating an illusion that someone is somehow ‘special’ or powerful,’ as they seem to be “…in the know.”
Often the Coercive Persuasion tactic is to pressure the target to re-evaluate the most central values of his or her previous experience in a probing, questioning or outright negative light. Often, methods are discovered which are designed to destabilize and defeat the subject's basic consciousness, reality awareness, major world viewpoints; as well as their emotional control and mental/emotional defense mechanisms. The targeted subject is mandated or coerced to review and reinterpret his or her life's history and adopt an entirely new perspective. Christians are familiar with such a process in the concept of “original sin.”
The effect of such tactics is often effective by coercing or inducing a sense of powerlessness, by subjecting the person to intense and frequent messages, events or actions which serve to undermine the person's self-confidence and personal judgment.
For example, making a casual statement that one feels that management is not in tune with the workers needs could lead to the statement, “You know, your remark about management, the other day still bothers the hell out of me!” In current corporate America, such a response would send shudders up anyone’s spine; questioning what the end-effect of the distortion of a casual remark might be. One could instantly imagine what the remark would deliver on their next evaluation.
These tactics become more effective if they can coerce or induce a strong aversive emotional reactions in the target, using non-physical trauma or punishment such as intense humiliation, ridicule, character assassination, loss of privilege, professional social isolation, social status change, intense shame, guilt and anxiety. (Caution is advised in discriminating between personal ‘power trips,’ versus institutional efforts.)
Often, the tactic of intimidation of the target is witnessed, with the force of group-sanctioned non-religious psychological threats. This would include character/personality judgments.
When the opportunity presents itself, whether by invasive tactics on the part of the perpetrator, or somehow “permitted” by the individual, such tactics are a function of ‘psychological force.’ They can be applied to such an effective degree that the individual's capacity to make informed or factually free choices becomes inhibited – if not nearly destroyed. When such tactics are effective, the victims are often found to be unable to make their normal, wise or balanced decisions, which they otherwise would most likely - or normally - make. Given enough strategy or ‘force,’ most individuals can be unknowingly manipulated by such coordinated and sequenced processes.
Any form of controlling thoughts, beliefs, attitudes or values - whether it is a minor cult, or a totalitarian regime, involves some form of “persuasion.”
Whether one cares to use the term “brain washing” or "psychological conditioning," the indoctrination or initiation technique is most commonly designed to ‘amend’ moral attitudes.
These “persuasion” techniques typically involve:
Pressure:
The methodology goes toward confusing the individual, wearing them down through surprise or unpredictable treatment. Such treatment or manipulation is assured to produces some level of anxiety and dread; possibly guilt. In any event, the person will be confused as to what to expect, as well as what they are to think and how they are expected to act.
Physical and/or mental stress, shock, or desensitization conditioning is often used to break down both intellectual and emotional resistance. If the intent is truly nefarious, the individual’s spiritual value system will be altered or destroyed. In most cases, physical abuse is a last resort – if not absolutely prohibited (given the potential for accountability).
Isolation:
A common Coercive Persuasion tactic is to manufacture a state of anxiety, sometimes referred to as the “3 Ds” - debility, dependence, and dread. The tactic creates a sense of “isolation.” A common “captive audience” method is the technique of sensory or stimulation deprivation; either an incremental decrease of the sensory stimulation, or a form of solitary confinement – in the extreme. In a corporate or social environment, the core ‘devices’ are usually the same – in some format - applied over time, in lesser magnitude. For example, in the corporate arena, an unexpected and extended out of town job assignment could be a programmed form of isolation.
PROCESS IMPLEMENTATION
As practiced, the Coercive Persuasion program strategy is often to identify the “leaders” of a given group and somehow remove them from the group. Being a “leader” could be as simple as a popular or respected personality.
The typical application of Coercive Persuasion is to introduce clandestine “facilitators,” or outright informers, whose assigned job is to create a destabilized atmosphere, leading to a general aura of mistrust or suspicion. The goal is to breach any existing expectations or trust; or prevent even reasonable expectations or trust – including any level of intimacy - from developing among the captive audience.
Another tactic or technique is to subject a selected/targeted individual to a form of sensory or stimulation deprivation. In a corporate or government arena, that could start with something as simple as a caution against making or taking personal phone calls, using the ‘company’ computer for personal E-mails, or internet surfing. The tactic goes on to decrease any ‘favorite’ sensory stimulation, which might be available. That could be a demand for compliance with the prescribed coffee break time limitations. The thrust of such an effort is to destroy any pre-existing morale and "esprit de corps," essentially turning workers into captives, rendering them vulnerable to threats - and bribes.
The intent is to “reset” the individual’s perspective on the past, versus the present and future. “Perspective Control” can be effected by abruptly or subtly forcing a person to choose between cooperating with a newly prescribed ‘value set,’ or losing their position and associated income, their tenure, seniority or any possibility of position advancement or a type of meritorious pay increase. Often the tactic is to confuse the target, wearing them down by unpredictable treatment, sometimes cycling between a harsh and seemingly unfair and/or arbitrary treatment; at other times courteous and friendly, fair-minded, and even conciliatory treatment. Such manipulation produces confusion as to the ‘norms,’ accompanied by anxiety, dread, and guilt. The individual is left wondering as to the “correct” thought and social practices. Any penchant toward “paranoia” is often excited.
During any “isolation,” whether physical mental or emotional, from familiar sources of physical, mental, emotional or spiritual support, the tactics often operate by imposing a sense of self-doubt; stripping the individual of their normal & reliable defenses, such as reserve (‘wait and see’ or ‘choice of participation’),
upon their identity, dignity or their sense of physical, mental, emotional or spiritual privacy.
Conversely, the enthusiastic and otherwise “willing” participants are, in some fashion, rewarded for their acceptance of the prescribed/new beliefs, values or attitudes. In the corporate or government environment, one is often labeled a “team player” – a major indicator, by itself. The reward can be as simple as relief from the associated pressures in whatever environment that the effort is found.
Conditioning:
A relatively permanent “conditioning” is often effected by repetitious ‘messages,’ cautions, assertions, accusations, lectures and/or instruction. In America, “Diversity Training,” is a common example, today – voluntary, assigned or forced. The conditioning process will follow a specific ‘value system,’ a rigid line of thinking, reasoning, analyzing and behaving. Often, a prescribed manner of looking at one’s self may be included. Where found, it may routinely be heard, “I once was like….” If the individual goes along with the "party” line, they are made to be ‘safe’ and possibly rewarded. Non-compliance will almost assuredly lead to the individual being punished, in some fashion. Any ‘reward’ may be simply limited to a diminished punishment level.
A further associated tactic is obvious political conditioning. This consists of daily repetitious lecturing and instruction along a particular line of social thinking and behaving. Often, those who are considered “informed,” “motivated,” "bright," more "advanced" or “evolved” in their thinking, attitudes and behavior become “facilitators,” assigned to indoctrinate others. Often the tactic is to send the facilitators on a mission, convinced that they are “special,” and that their clients are somehow less “informed,” “motivated,” "bright" or less "advanced" or less “evolved.”
1. Mental-emotional confusion is used to "soften” the individual (or group). This can be achieved overtly, via the daily news. 9-11 is a classic; a whole country softened up within a few hours.
In a cult environment, the Coercive Persuasion is sometimes achieved with selective presentation of information, hypnosis – of some type - or other suggestion tactics or ‘shock’ techniques such as sleep reduction and/or excessive repetition of ‘controlling’ messages. Prolonged staring at a written message, symbol, object or “exercise partner” operates as a message fixation technique.
The 9-11 newscasts demonstrated the successful effect of repetitive audio, visual or verbal fixation – on the global population!
The technique of mental-emotional confusion serves to break or intrude upon the target's normal priority or concentration. The ‘normal’ priority or concentration is breached in order to diminish the individual's faith in their personal ability to think through or to verify the information being given. This often achieved through the use of constant audio-video barrage of selected information – or ‘system’ of information.
2. Application or threat of powerful non-physical punishments. Commonly, one witnesses the manipulation techniques of humiliation, loss of status or privilege, professional or social isolation, abrupt professional or social status changes, the induction of doubt, fear, anxiety, guilt and/or shame. Whether used or threatened – directly or by implication – these techniques can create intense negative emotional reactions.
The events of 9-11 left America in the Reichstag dilemma of “…patriot; yea or nay?”
Often, the tactic of ‘bad-scene; good-scene’ is observed. In such a case, rewards are held out for submissiveness and compliance. In “closed systems,” such as government agencies or corporate environments, the worker is often ‘conditioned,’ so to be as pleased with a letter of commendation as a sizeable check. Often enough, individuals are actually subjected to the harsh application of these tactics, becoming emissaries of the message, “Don’t go there!” In the style of Orwell’s smiling, loving “Big Brother” the ‘punishment-reward system’ has a much greater power to affect perception, thought, emotion and behavior than a uniquely threatening system. The “Winston Smiths” are recycled as converts; even zealots.
This technique is usually discovered with a manipulating ‘leverage’ being maximized through alternating harshness and leniency. In special cases, lavish rewards may be used. In most instances the threat-reward system is limited to acceptance-approval, acknowledgment, admiration and/or other ‘low overhead’ means. The associated tactics are often to be found in calculated feasts or famines, as needed to achieve the ‘conversion.’
3. Social or professional isolation. Various means are employed to limit or stop an individual’s contact with colleagues, peers, family, friends or associates. That isolation serves as a punishment for those who do not share the “approved” thoughts, beliefs, attitudes or ideology. In the ‘reward cycle,’ financial evices, social and professional status and other ‘levers’ are utilized to create a dependence on the “new group.”
Through the manipulation of rewards, professional or social group pressure, and other non-physical punishments, the manipulations effect considerable control over a person's time, effort, focus, professional or social environment, and the individual’s sources of professional, social and even family support. The manipulations serve to put psychological (mental-emotional) distance between the ‘before-and-after’ behavior, which reflects the thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, values, routines, and personal life organization. The manipulations often result in symbolic and/or actual betrayal of self and others, renunciation of self and/or others, the personal attack or repudiation of past associations, or previous values; casual or sacred.
In the cult environment, an individual who is continually exposed to Coercive Persuasion in training programs, lectures, events or experiences, is manipulated to gradually distance himself from his past - particularly past values. The individual often begins the ‘distancing’ process by not calling or writing family, colleagues, peers and old friends. In an extreme, work, school, family activities or other important previous activities may be abandoned or shifted to a much lower priority; such that the paradigm shift somehow occupies all of their time.
4. Major paradigm shift. This tactic induces a reprogramming of an individual’s values; it is the most effective means for coercing “change.” This tactic – in some fashion – produces ‘confessions.’ In turn, the product is guilt and/or shame. The confessions may be open, or strictly within the confines of the individual’s thoughts.
Often, ‘discovery’ methods are utilized, with frequent and intense efforts made to force the targeted individual to negatively reevaluate their most central pre-existing life and experience of "self" and/or prior conduct. The effort is scientifically designed to create self-doubt, thereby destabilizing, degrading, or diminishing the target's self-image, his/her view of the world, their emotional control, their perceptions, awareness and their interpretation of reality; as well as their mental-emotional defense mechanisms. These psychological assaults are designed to force the targeted individual to reinterpret their ‘previous life’ and to adopt the prescribed “new” value system.
Disregarding the actual facts of an individual’s previous history, the targeted individual is incrementally convinced that his/her past experiences, thoughts, beliefs, family life and social or professional life were “bad.” At a minimum, the individual is intended to believe that these life elements were at least considerably worse than they actually were. For those familiar, the process essentially reconstructs or resets “Maslow’s Pyramid;” with the ‘need’ of survival being threatened, whether overtly, by implication or just via fear and/or suspicion. Once the targeted individual is manipulated into believing that “survival” is now at stake; they are convinced that in order to "survive," he/she must commit to the specified paradigm shift, swearing fealty or acknowledging dependence upon the manipulating entity, trusting in their “superior knowledge,” or the espoused mission. The target is conditioned to believe that through such a “commitment” they may - only then - achieve the remainder of “Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs;” safety, love, family and fulfillment.
In the corporate environment, the ‘shift’ might be the simple conviction that times have changed, however subtly or radically. The ‘shift’ is usually accompanied by the conviction that “..there’s no going back.”
In the cult environment, this technique usually mandates detailed self-disclosed personal history.
5. Intense and frequent efforts to undermine self-confidence and judgment; creation of a sense of helplessness and/or powerlessness. Any criticism or complaints will usually result in the controlling entity demonstrating to the targeted individual, that he or she is possessed of a major flaw, as opposed to any flaw within the group or the particular propaganda/ideology being pandered. The targeted individual is passionately induced to believe that the ‘system’ knows what’s best and should always be assumed to be correct; the targeted individual is ‘guilt-tripped’ into believing that they are wrong. The targeted individual is pressured into abandoning previous convictions, in favor of assuming that only the ‘system’ can be the true authority for judgments and decisions.
6. Manipulation of information and language. Any input which results in a mental-emotional conflict, any upsetting, or non-supporting information is blocked, denied, censored, reinterpreted or its access is prohibited whenever possible; particularly as it relates to group communication and indoctrination. Any controversial issues are typically poisoned via direct deception or the clever blockage of pertinent facts, the mixing of truth and lies. A confidence game strategy also may be utilized to manipulate any adverse information or inhibit the discovery of any presented falsehoods.
There will often be rules concerning permissible topics for discussion with ‘outsiders.’ Typically, communication is strictly controlled. In cult scenarios, a "group" language is often found.
To reinforce the preferred belief system, commonly used words are often substituted or redefined; possibly, new words are created; “proactive” is one such case. The ‘approved language’ is often loaded, creating a value-perspective in the ‘we-against-they’ scenario; often dividing the world into "the good, informed, aware and wonderful US," versus "the ignorant, bad, evil, and unenlightened THEM."
There may be limitations on verbiage. For example, a ‘reward’ may be expressed in a meeting as, “I would like to acknowledge Susan for…” That as opposed to, “I would like to applaud Susan for…” The difference being scientifically calibrated, so as not to create an expectation of more than just a verbal reward, versus furnishing ‘fuel’ for a desired promotion.
Similarly, assumptions (convenient misunderstandings) may be manufactured, via clever verbiage. To say that a person or ‘management’ has a “goal,” is not the same as saying that management has a “commitment.” Yet, a workforce may predictably NOT identify the subtle difference in terms. Under a false assumption, the workforce may self-manufacture a positive attitude toward a specific individual or management. Later, that same assumption, may be choked down the throats of the workforce, as a self-inflicted wound; when the assumed ‘commitment’ isn’t fulfilled.
Information is often controlled in such a way as to offer "no choice” selections of intellectual positions, benefits, etc. Any presented alternatives put before the targeted individual to choose from are actually void of any valid options, which would be contrary to the positions, intentions or goals of the ‘system. In the case of 9-11, Bush ran the classic no-choice position of “…for us; or against us.” Such is similar to the Henry Ford choice of car color; “You can choose any color you want; so long as the choice is black.” In the case of 9-11, it was a matter of choosing anything anyone wanted, so long as it closely complied with the ‘system’ line.
Such techniques serve to prevent personal initiative, independent thought or analysis, the discovery of deception, or open questioning of authority or rebellion. The ‘system’ strives to maintain a closed system of logic, as well as an uninformed and trusting mind-state in the targeted individual. From the legacy of George Orwell's “1984,” without the knowledge of, or the permission to express or use certain thoughts, attitudes or words – versus the substituted verbiage - people are effectively denied access to any undesired conflicting thoughts, attitudes, feelings and actions, which those particular words represent. It’s academic that since words represent thoughts and feelings, with those thoughts capable of motivating actions; if words can be controlled – thoughts, feelings and action can be controlled.
7. Application or presence of psychological threat. Any such ‘closed system’ typically presents the conviction that anyone who fails to adopt the approved thought process, attitude, belief, or prescribed behavior are either directly threatened, or they are led to the certainty that severe punishment or dire consequences – of some sort - will eventually meet them. In many cases, methodologies are designed to produce such high stress levels as to induce physical or mental illness, drug dependence (including prescribed psychoactive drugs), economic collapse, professional or social failure and divorce are a few examples of these threats.
These techniques of Coercive Persuasion combine the most effective and traditional psychological and sociological coercive methodologies of influence and deception techniques with the most powerful techniques of ‘behavior modification,’ and other psychological technologies such as hypnosis or Neuro-linguistic Programming. The resulting synthesis is often found to be wrapped in a slick soft-sell veneer, of the Madison Avenue PR variety.
8. Structure and control.
The element of “compartmentalization” is a common trait of institutionalized Coercive Persuasion. While such structure has a certain production-control benefit, the barriers created also effect tremendous influence over the subject population. Such environments are typically identifiable by having some form of “Human Resources” department, with a powerful supervisory hierarchy. For example, the corporate policy may prohibit a departmental – or branch – transfer, without a ‘compartment’ supervisor’s approval/recommendation.
The effect of such structure and control is to implant a general sense of powerlessness in the individual. In a time of crisis, the affected individual doesn’t have the ability to reach out to a friend, as the friend will be informed, “That’s not your department.”
The psycho-technology is usually found to be sufficiently effective as to ensure the "conversion" and “retention” of a significant percentage of any population exposed to the methodology. Strong character and bright minds are often successful in resisting the “conversion;” Coercive Persuasion is not a “magic bullet,” nor is it yet infallible. However, in time, the technology may become as ‘developed’ as such inventions as the Laser.
Human nature leaves such important variables as one’s lessons from individual life experiences, cultural norms, and pre-existing psychological disposition. These variables can be expected to react with the personal malleability and the degree of severity of the application; as well as the duration of the methodology application. The individual dynamics of such variables will determine the eventual outcome of the Coercive Persuasion. In the negative application, the ultimate effectiveness and degree of ‘injury’ will indicate the value of the individual or collective success elements.
The Coercive Persuasion techniques are typically selected and applied in a scientific manner – of some sort. Again, the core effort is to create the maximum emotional effect. The application of the methods is typically intended to deliver maximum stress, stopping short of inducing psychosis – but not always!
In the ideal application, the intended subtle Coercive Persuasion style is intended to compel the targeted individual to submit or "adapt," via a series of scientifically sequenced steps. The individual steps are typically designed to be so minor that the targeted individual doesn’t perceive any overt threat, or notice any personal changes. The intention is the ultimate product of a “new” person. In theory, Hollywood could capitalize on an old theme, producing a movie entitled “Invasion of the Mind Snatchers."
In the ideal application of Coercive Persuasion, the victim is faced with the strategy of a brilliant chess player – always several moves ahead. Regardless of individual decisions, one or more of the techniques are strategically "played," so as to subtly induce submission. Consciously or subconsciously, the individual encountering the ‘treatment’ experiences severe stresses; as such Coercive Persuasion programs induce cumulative pressure. The targeted individual is often forced into a corner, where they can only reduce the pressures by submitting to the effect, via "acceptance" of the system or "adopting," the prescribed thoughts, beliefs, values and attitudes. Thereafter, the result is the desired change in the individual’s reactions and behaviors.
Efficiency dictates that Coercive Persuasion is typically applied in group settings. With rare exception, the victims of Coercive Persuasion are unaware that their own "friends and allies" are being used to cleverly apply or facilitate the Coercive Persuasion techniques. The obvious strategy is to ensure that the intended victims don’t put up their normal ego defense mechanisms, as they would otherwise do in known adversarial or confrontational situations. In the ideal case, when Coercive Persuasion is used, the targeted subject may never discover the hidden agenda - or that he/she has become a victim of the ‘system.’
During the application of the stresses and rewards, as well as any punishment techniques, the cumulative effect on the person is extensive. The stresses are not intended to produce a rational, stable and self sustaining reorganization of thoughts, beliefs, values or attitudes. The intention is that of a coerced compliance and/or submission. The next desired result is the ‘personal’ rationalization, in the particular situation, of a cause-and-effect for the coerced conduct. The targeted individual is desired to personally ‘invest’ in the process by personally justifying the ‘change.’
Often the victim is ‘handed’ the elements of guilt or shame to assist the desired rationalization. A method of general reinforcement is required to maintain the prescribed or resulting thoughts, beliefs, values, attitudes, and behaviors. Equally important is the maintenance required to sustain the personal rationalization, so as to ensure the long-term continuity of the influence over the person's behavior.
Once the desired behavior is effected, it is natural that those associates (friends/family) who are independent of the “influence” environment will notice significant changes, and inquire as to what happened. When questioned by close associates or family, the victims of Coercive Persuasion may aggressively insist the changes were a form of personal growth, "for their own good." They will typically insist that the changes, however subtle or radical, were "freely chosen” by themselves. Further inquiry may reveal that the affected victim is oblivious of the specifics which led to the changes. Given the common application of artificial ‘guilt’ or ‘shame,’ the individual’s denial mechanisms can be expected to accompany any associated confusion. These two particular "beliefs" (“for my own good;” “my choice”) are typically found to be a “standard feature” found within the victim of a Coercive Persuasion program.
The associated ‘conversion’ serves to maintain the new “values” - and to minimize any legal liability. In the process of the victim’s beliefs being openly expressed, he/she typically believes that the choice was totally voluntarily and freely made – to “change.” The spoken assumption of responsibility serves as reinforcement by virtue of “keeping agreements.” Comparably, such statements leave the ‘controlling entity’ free of legal accountability. In fear of embarrassment, the victim will self-motivate (re-invest), in order to preserve their ‘new’ espoused image, even if serious doubts should develop. Within the “group,” the reinforcement devices are that much easier and effective.
Compared to the stereotyped “brainwashing” of the Korean War vintage, Coercive Persuasion is easier to effect, more powerful and more readily applied. However, due to the preferred large group applications, those affected by Coercive Persuasion are radically less monitored – as individuals – with the risk of their going beyond their personal limits of maximum stress, with a resulting psychosis.
The harsh reality of Coercive Persuasion is that the coercive force is maximized through cumulative application and synergy. Over an extended period of time, it can potentially produce more destructive influence than physical abuse, imprisonment, physical threats or legal threats.
The effects of Coercive Persuasion change both the individual's internal attitude toward the actions encountered AND the external effect of the effort. Modern Coercive Persuasion methods contain a workable technology for effecting the victim’s willing "cooperation," "sincerity," and “compliance” which is so passionate, zealous and convincing, that it expresses itself as voluntary and willing change, versus factually coerced ‘change.’
By definition, Coercive Persuasion embodies a ‘toxic’ intent and a careful methodology in the application of the techniques. The casual or coincidental application of some of the Coercive Persuasion techniques does not constitute an organized or dynamic Coercive Persuasion program. However, the radical gap between Coercive Persuasion, versus the ‘traditional’ brainwashing methods - physical force, imprisonment, or threat of force - leaves Coercive Persuasion, and it's nearly unperceivable method of application, deceptively looking more like a form of simple persuasion.
In the image of an “X-Y” graph, “simple persuasion” sits opposite Coercive Persuasion on the vertical; or “Y” axis. Similarly, harmless information in a book presenting all viewpoints would be far to one side on the horizontal “X” axis, with repeated violent physical coercion on the extreme opposite side.
On one end of the influence continuum (“Y” axis) simple persuasion involves beliefs and behaviors in an atmosphere of free will. In the case of simple persuasion, it is the value or truth (assumed to be honest) in the message that ultimately creates the message's acceptance; and effects any subsequent decisions or actions.
On the opposite end, Coercive Persuasion is distinguished from simple persuasion by an intense and focused manipulation. Coercive Persuasion involves a scientific and methodical manipulation. Coercive Persuasion alters – or re-programs – thoughts, beliefs, values, attitudes and behaviors by manipulating, undermining, inhibiting and/or obstructing free will. In the application of Coercive Persuasion, the coercive tactics and techniques incrementally force the message's acceptance. Any objective and inherent value or truth is not essential, except by coincidence or convenience.
Simple persuasion may still be powerful, such as a ‘hellfire and brimstone’ sermon, or a car salesman telling a man how much the ladies like a particular car. Simple persuasion lacks the nefarious intent, sophistication and deceptive methodology of true Coercive Persuasion.
Again, simple persuasion may imitate, or superficially employ, some of the tactics and techniques of Coercive Persuasion. Simple persuasion lacks the duration and broad “assault mission” associated with Coercive Persuasion.
Conversely, Coercive Persuasion is often pandered as simple persuasion; attempting to disguise itself. The deception behind Coercive Persuasion translates to the science being a devastating psychological control technology.
In a courtroom, the victims of Coercive Persuasion lack any signs of physical abuse. In the defensive mode, the victims can be expected to present convincing rationalizations for any radical or abrupt changes in their behavior – or life. They are usually found to have a convincing "sincerity." In the extremes of success of Coercive Persuasion, the victims have been changed so gradually that they typically aren't even aware of the described and factual differences in their life.
In a courtroom, the challenge is to decide if Coercive Persuasion was actually used unlawfully. The court decisions require careful case-by-case analysis of all the influence techniques used - if they can be identified - and how they were applied. Nefarious intent must be established. It is legally necessary to focus on the medium, as opposed to the message. The legal challenge must also focus on the critical differences, versus any coincidental similarities, as to whether or not Coercive Persuasion was illegally used. Love and concern aside, harm must be established; change alone is not sufficient. For example, sobering up a 30-year alcoholic can’t be considered any form of legal offense.
One can only guess as to how much Coercive Persuasion has affected Americans over the last 20 - 30 years. There should be no doubt that it has been used in group applications, affecting millions of people. One of the more common applications of Coercive Persuasion is witnessed in a perversion of the Rand Corporation’s “Delphi Technique,” which leads to the topic of “Manufactured Consensus.” Coercive Persuasion is now evidenced in its techniques being sneaked into Corporate America, through “management consulting” or "productivity services.” How often does America hear the Coercive Persuasion terminology such as “politically correct,” “team player” or “diversity training?”
The potential for Coercive Persuasion is only limited by the magnitude of nefarious intent and the imagination of its managers. Persuasive Coercion is an unregulated technology, used to "invisibly" exploit the psychological vulnerabilities of the targeted individuals. Unfortunately, it is being naïve to not assume that the ‘magnetic’ power of Persuasive Coercion is too inviting not to be improved further. In the Lord Acton statement, “Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts – absolutely.”
Tragically, few appreciate the fact that Coercive Persuasion has the power to overcome normal freedom of thought, undercutting any or all of man’s other freedoms. In a time of massive corruption, it’s no longer safe to say that it’s “strange” that national or international laws don’t explicitly make Coercive Persuasion or any methodology of “thought reform” a crime.
Most people assume that their own minds and thought processes are somewhere between sacred and invulnerable. An “Immortality Complex” leads the typical individual to the false conclusion that they can’t be appreciably manipulated. It’s a ‘given’ that people prefer to believe that their thoughts, beliefs, opinions, values and attitudes are totally self regulated.
Interestingly, when confronted, the same self-assuming individuals will incrementally admit to such personal weaknesses as advertising or high-pressure sales tactics. However, they will still insist in preserving a rather transparent myth, asserting that only ‘other people’ are weak minded and easily conned or influenced. But, they insist, they are “strong minded.”
Often, a ‘designer’ surface logic is employed to bypass critical thought processes. For example, the “American” family value system may be attacked – in a passionate and convincing voice - by citing the “terrible” family value system that “American” children abandon their parents in their older years; while the children of other countries do not. The argument works, until one goes to a ‘deeper’ level and argues, that ‘their’ parents paid for their own Social Security retirement three times over – and have been told for the third time that they still are not old enough to collect a dime. Still, the “surface logic” comes up as a powerful persuasion device, usurping rational thought processes, to easily impose a different logic.
Still, most people entertain at least a fantasy that manipulators might confront, browbeat, and argue ‘other people’ into doing their bidding. In that perspective, they commonly picture the forces of “Big Brother” in Nazi storm trooper boots, holding guns to peoples’ heads; forcing such persons to totally alter their beliefs and their personalities to willingly accept a ‘new’ and ‘safe’ ideology.
Amazingly, George Orwell’s book, “1984” has become a classic for all time. The underlying message being that anyone is vulnerable to manipulation, whether overt and brutal, or subtle and covert. The Hollywood line of “Every man has a price” should not be perceived in terms of dollar amounts, versus the more immediate ‘price’ of a sacred value, such as the immediate survival of self or loved ones.
Mankind has always had to fight an oppressive political and religious system for all forms of freedom – including freedom of thought. In the USA, laws have been enacted to prohibit “hate crimes.” ‘Hate’ is an emotion; we are no longer even free to feel.
Now the world is witnessing a re-visitation of the Nazi propaganda machinery, as well as the oppressive methodologies of the Gestapo. In a world which thrives on technology, it is technology – and its managers - which is destined to be the most difficult adversary.
In the Kennedy murders alone, America has factually seen its share of the “Manchurian Candidate;” yet, few notice the obvious lessons of history. Thus, the power of psychological technology must be questioned – and feared! The refinement of psycho-technology threatens the ultimate imprisonment. As with physical incarceration, the psycho-technology denies or restrains one's free will, the individual’s conscience, and their informed consent. While the concept defies the imagination of most, political Coercive Persuasion amounts to high treason. In the 2001 “Patriot Act,” the language which defines “terrorism” goes to such loose language as “…appear to be intended:” In whose perception??? At the time of this writing, abortion protestors and drug dealers are falling within the scope of the “Patriot Act,” as the selective application of law resorts to arbitrary “perception.” In the style of the TV “cop shows,” Coercive Persuasion will produce a ‘plea bargain,’ in the precise methodology of Persuasive Coercion. Imagine being a defendant, and being advised by your own attorney, “You can go to trial and sweat the ‘mandatory sentencing guideline’ of 25-to-life for terrorism, or take a plea-bargain for 5-to-10 for possession with intent to distribute.” Some persuasion methods produce faster results than others.
The most frightening aspect of Coercive Persuasion is that the surgical precision of the art increases in the invisible control psychology and the associated technology of the information age. Thus, in time, one may reasonably be certain that if the psycho-technology is properly researched and applied, the victim can't detect its application!
FOR ADDITIONAL REFERENCE:
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