Manipulating Minds: The Use of Persuasion and Coercion in Cults, Authoritarianism, and Trumpism-Part 3

Part 3 of a 5-Part Series

Photo by David Trinks on Unsplash

Dear Reader: While my Substack posts normally come to your inbox no more than weekly, I'll be posting twice a week until November 5 because this particular series relates to a phenomenon that plays an integral part in the US election. After that date, I'll return to weekly posting. Thanks for reading!

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We live in “interesting times.” Fascism is growing around the world, including here at home. Within these fascist elements are groups which seem to feed the fascist flame, authoritarian-type groups we might even think of as cults. Cults and fascists fit like hand and glove.

This post is a continuation of a series about coercion and the relationship between cults and authoritarian regimes at this point in time. If you missed the beginning this series, it would be a good idea to start there prior to reading this segment. Click here to read Part 1.

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II. PERSUASION AND COERCION

E. Common coercive tactics

Remember, coercion is negative persuasion. It is harmful or, at the very least, not beneficial to the one being influenced. The following is a composite I’ve constructed of characteristics and coercive methods used by cults and other unhealthy groups, including authoritarians and fascists, and various ways in which these coercive methods can be put into play. While not exhaustive, it provides a starting point. And we’ll use this list again in an upcoming segment.

1. Influence the person via the unconscious.
Working via the unconscious renders the person unable to resist by using their own logical thinking.
– Keep the person unaware that they are being changed or manipulated.
– Use the peripheral form of persuasion (via the senses or unconscious) or repetition of slogans, text or ideas.
– Control the environment—time, food, sleep, clothing, lighting.
– Double agenda: You think the goal is one thing; the group’s or leader’s real goal is instead to change you or your behavior, or to accomplish a very different goal.
– You are asked to change or do small things, one at a time, successively so that you are unaware of the big picture or ultimate goal (“foot-in-the-door” technique).
– You’re encouraged to read and listen only to the cult-approved media, which you often do when in a relaxed state so that the propaganda seeps easily and deeply into your unconscious.

2. Make the person powerless and dependent.
This is so that the individual automatically discounts their own logic or experience.
– For example, if you have a problem with something that the group or members do, YOU are the one with a problem. Your concern is evidence of your ego, your lack of commitment, your impurity, that you are “on it,” you’re a “suppressive,” etc.
– Any questioning of the organization’s dogma or of the leader is automatically viewed as “disloyalty” or “ego” (the term varies) and therefore stifled. In short, if I, as a member, have a thought that questions something in the cult, I quickly learn to label that thought as “disloyalty” or “ego” (which is a flaw in me and to be shunned or “overcome”) so that I am trained to automatically discount my own logic.
– Experiences are created or manipulated so that they appear spontaneous or unearthly, but in actuality are orchestrated in order to demonstrate the power or divinity of the leader or group or its tenets.
– Practices are designed to destabilize a person’s sense of self. If something fortunate happens to you, it is due to your participation in the group or of doing the group’s practices and NOT because of your own efforts. This takes away your power and gives it to them. When this is done incrementally over a period of time, you come to lose the ability to believe in yourself and your own abilities. This reduces the feeling that you are responsible for anything in your life, and and increases the feeling that you owe everything to the group or leader.

3. Authoritarian structure.
The organization has an authoritarian structure with a living individual as the focal point.
– No discussion or decisions by individuals other than the leader or those directly under the leader is allowed.
– The leader is seen as a special being; or the group’s purpose or strategy is seen as exalted. Questioning, doubt, and dissent are discouraged or even punished.
– The leader is not accountable to any authorities of group members. He or she has unlimited power and control over or within the group.
– The leader’s control and unaccountability is not always made evident to new recruits.

4. Absolutism.
The world is viewed in absolute terms.
– This is “right” and that is “wrong.”
– Us v. them; we’re right, they’re wrong. “They” threaten us in some way.
– We have the only answer; everyone else just hasn’t gotten it yet.
– Others aren’t as evolved/perfect/knowledgeable as we are. We are “special” or “correct” or “enlightened” and they are not. There are no shades of grey.

5. Use of Language.
Using language differently distinguishes members of the group and further affects how they view the world.
– The group uses language in a new way, creates new buzz words or phrases, uses foreign terms or restructures the language.
– This use of language in ways we’re unused to actually has an altering effect on thought processes, and also serves to stifle individuality.
– You must speak the group’s language, or you are not a “good” group member. This altered language also sets you apart from others who are not in the group, and makes it more difficult to communicate with them, making you even more dependent on the group.
– You must speak the group’s language, or you aren’t a “good” group member. Using the new language shows that you’re “one of them.”
– It also sets you apart from others who are not in the group, and makes it more difficult to communicate with them, making you more dependent on the group.
– Special terms: Existing terms are used with new meaning. Speaking in the old way is frowned upon.
- When required to repeat something verbally, our opinion will eventually change to match what we are asked to repeat in order to reduce cognitive dissonance.

6. Mind-altering practices.
Altered states are particularly good for coercion.
- Excessive practice of things like chanting slogans or mantras, repeating texts in a foreign language, meditation, or anything done repetitively can lead to altered states and less ability for critical thinking. It can also be addictive.
- A cult leader can easily implant suggestions while the person is in a vulnerable or receptive state.
– Hypnosis, with or without consent or intent.
– Disinformation can lead to confusion, another means of coercion.
– Exhausting work schedules resulting in fatigue.
– Not enough food or protein.
– Standing or working in hot or uncomfortable circumstances for hours.

7. Recruiting.
The group is focused quite a lot on bringing in new members.
- This is so that the group grows, making the leader more powerful and/or giving the group more money.
- Recruiting is part of the group’s creed; i.e., the group is evangelical or works to “spread the word.” Recruiting is seen as “holy” or “spiritual” or a way of showing loyalty to the leader. The member cannot argue with whether recruiting is positive or ethical, because it is required by the group’s beliefs or authorities and, again, questioning anything in the group is discouraged by multiple means.
- “Love-bombing.” This is where the group, or individuals in the group, flatter you, show great interest or respect for you, or shower you with love or acceptance. When people pay attention to us and are kind to us, we tend to trust them and want to be part of their group.

8. Money.
The group is preoccupied with making money.
- Value is placed on enrollments, recruiting or donations. Those who do well in these areas assume that they will receive approval by the leader.
– The group repeatedly pressures the individual for donations or tithing, sometimes via the peripheral route so that their defenses or logic are not activated.
– Donating is promoted as a way to contribute to the greater good, to attain enlightenment or to show loyalty.
– Members are expected to devote inordinate amounts of time to doing work for the group and participating in group-related activities; this is framed as a means to save themselves or the world. This provides the group with free labor.
– The group sells tchotchkes and “special” products, often at inflated prices and/or inferior quality, that support its brand and raise money for the group or its leader.
– The group promotes and offers special dinners, retreats, seminars, intensives and other large group events that offer the opportunity to meet the leader, obtain enlightenment, rub shoulders with important people, or other objectives the group pushes, at a high price.

9. Fear.
Fear is a great motivator!
- Those who are afraid—whether of exclusion, rejection, judgment, ridicule, retaliation, or bodily harm—do not question or leave the group.
– Fear of being ostracized by the group, friends or family members if you leave the group or stop supporting it is powerful.
– For those who need the group to counter their loneliness, for example, fear of losing the support of the group is highly motivating.
– Fear of displeasing the leader. Once you’ve succumbed to the leader’s total authority in your life, you are dependent upon their approval.
– Fear of physical or professional harm to yourself or relatives if you leave or speak the truth about your experience or knowledge of the group or its leader.
– Fear of not being “Self-Realized,” “getting into Heaven,” etc., if you leave the group.

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Click here to continue reading Part 4 of the series.
To start at the beginning of this series, click here to read Part 1.

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