The Power of Persuasion
TimeWatch Editorial
November 23, 2015
There are many things in this life that we take for granted, that become an automatic part of our existence. We never question, never even inquire exactly how they work, or why they are how they are. We just accept them. Our acceptance is so deep, that even when the suggestion is made that we investigate why we are as accepting as we are, we reject the suggestion. Today, however, we will run the risk of rejection.
There is something called “conditioning.” It is an external stimulus that drives a subconscious acceptance of systems and processes. We are always unaware of the work of “conditioning.” Robert B. Cialdini, in his book entitled: "Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion" published in 2007 says this:
“Conditioning plays a huge part in the concept of persuasion. It is more often about leading someone into taking certain actions of their own, rather than giving direct commands. In advertisements for example, this is done by attempting to connect a positive emotion to a brand/product logo. This is often done by creating commercials that make people laugh, using a sexual undertone, inserting uplifting images and/or music etc. and then ending the commercial with a brand/product logo. Great examples of this are professional athletes. They are paid to connect themselves to things that can be directly related to their roles; sport shoes, tennis rackets, golf balls, or completely irrelevant things like soft drinks, popcorn poppers and panty hose. The important thing for the advertiser is to establish a connection to the consumer.” Robert B. Cialdini, "Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion" published in 2007
As effective as the practiced persuasion techniques described in the above paragraph might be, there is by far a more sinister and intense brand of persuasion that has locked our behavioral choices far beyond our ability to release. It is called, “Coercive Persuasion.” D. M. Kowal, in the Encyclopedia of psychology, vol. 1 (pp. 463-464) describes it this way:
“Mind control also known as coercive persuasion, brainwashing, reeducation, brain sweeping, thought control, or thought reform is a theory that contends that it is possible to indoctrinate subjects in a way which results in "an impairment of autonomy, an inability to think independently, and a disruption of beliefs and values.” D. M. Kowal, the Encyclopedia of psychology, vol. 1 (pp. 463-464)
Ralph W. Omholt of the Freedom4um website published on February 1, 2006 the article entitled: “Mind Control in the 21st Century” writes:
“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.” Ralph W. Omholt, of the Freedom4um website published on February 1, 2006: Mind Control in the 21st Century.
It would really surprise you the number of things we do simply because we’ve been persuaded. What is troubling is the efficiency of the persuasion.
Frederick Mann , in his work: Coercion, Education, Obedience, and Government: Why You Must Recognize and Understand Coercion, sums it up this way:
“All humans are free and sovereign by nature. For humans to submit to coercion is a perversion of human nature; yet almost all humans submit to various forms of coercion every day.”
“Most people are blind to subtle coercion. Why? Because so long as you always obey others, you may never notice when someone is coercing you - it may all seem perfectly normal and acceptable. Few people recognize the "requirement" that people register their cars with a "government" department as coercion or violence. If you don't "register" your car, a "policeman" might pull you over. If you resist his unwarranted coercion, he may physically attack you, and may shoot and kill you!” Frederick Mann, Coercion, Education, Obedience, and Government: Why You Must Recognize and Understand Coercion.
Let me again emphasis the fact that the above definition is Frederick Mann’s. He is known for his work “The Nature of Government.” Government however is not alone in its use of Coercive Persuasion. To be warned is to be forearmed.
Cameron A. Bowen
