Thoughts and things for discussion:
“In those now familiar sun-washed video farewells, the members of The Anoch Institute have and they had made up their own minds” – Could this be referring to videos like the Rosemary video?
“Even the parents of one young woman found among the brainwashed tell us “she was happy, healthy, and acting under her own volition”” – Does this mean there is a video out there that we are meant to find of Tom and Margaret? Maybe that is what Addison left for @reaton and @111error ?
“But despite claims that the 42 followers were not brainwashed or bullied by The Regent” – this is the first time that the Regent has been mentioned. I know he’s posted here and he is @regent7. I wonder if Regent numbers go up, instead of down like the Gatekeepers. That could explain 8/Les Huit to a degree?
“There is evidence to the contrary. Far from being freely thought-out final acts, the followers are seen by some mental health experts and cule(?) scholars as largely the result of a sustained, calculated and ruthless program of psychological coercion.” – Is the evidence only from opinions from experts? Or is there more physical evidence like videos/recordings of people being brainwashed/bullied.
“Hammer and others believe that members of “totalist” religious organization are subject to a form of psychological manipulation known as undue influence coercive persuasion or thought reform.” – Here are some articles about that
“leaving them to ignore misgivings and do the groups bidding no matter how irrational” – Like leaving work to go search for a letter at the park?
“However, the role of “thought reform” in cult behavior is hotly disputed in academic circles.” – Something to keep in mind. It’s not something every expert agrees on
“A person is attracted to an organization like this because it espouses a “convincing narrative” in which the follower “finds meaning” he says. By implication, a follower is not passively brainwashed but actively “buys into” the message.” – Welp, that’s me and a lot of us. Horror? Possible arg? Possible haunt? Puzzles? Yep, I’m in.
“Its commonly said that Americans too often avoid personal responsibility be claiming to be ????? of welfare reform argue that cutting federal aid breed cycles of defeatist ??? Many obstetricians say they can hardly afford to xray in practice because of malpractice suits in parents blaming their baby’s defects on their doctors.” – No idea what this could mean. Possibly a comment on avoiding responsibility? This could be in regards to Addison and how some people care but can’t really do anything or people who ignore it by saying she’s a big girl and can make her own choices. Who knows?
