Does a brainwashed person ever know hes brainwashed?

Question

We know that people can be brainwashed. We see so many plain examples. But why doesnt the brainwashed person know it? Is it because hes brainwashed?

Are you brainwashed? NOOO...you say!

Ok, how do you know?

The first question would have to be >>

"Are you so saturated in some belief system, that you believe its infallible and thus never really weigh different views but just give angry or desperate knee jerk reactions, thinking that you know they are wrong, but just cant prove it now"

Heres an example of what a brainwashed person says (real example) "but, without Islam, I couldnt breath"

I actually had a Muslim say that to me, after I showed him disproofs of the Quran he had no answer for. Actually, I am not bashing him, he was at least willing to listen, and fully expected the Quran to survive the analysis, but when it didnt, he gave a beautifully honest and deeply telling gasp of "I couldnt breath without it"...like a lament...

So telling...so very telling.

Answer 1

I have a friend whom is so closed-minded she doesn't see it. I don't think anyone not introspective would know.

Answer 2

I was brainwashed for quite a few years and most of the time I didn't really know it. I felt like I was doing the right thing, but every once in a while something would happen and I would wonder if I was doing the right thing. I finally met a guy who was very honest and we became close and I started coming out of it. Now I look back and see that I was brainwashed. I don't really regret it. I mean it already happened and there's nothing I can do about it. I see people now that are brainwashed and want to do something about it but the only thing you can do is calmly say things that make sense. Don't argue and don't get mad just say things that make sense.

Answer 3

I am a Muslim and frankly I don't like your questions usually but this one is a very good question. Are Muslims brain washed? How about Christians , Jews and ...? Are YOU brainwashed?

Now I'm not sure about the answer to this but I think we can all do something about it. Let us all open our minds a little and listen to others, really listen, and when we have a doubt about something in our beliefs lets not overlook it.

And by the way insulting as some questions might seem, at times they can really help. So even though I don't like your questions and even though your information and resources about Islam and the Quran are usually wrong, they are still important because they can make people think. Personally I don't approve of people believing in a thing they don't really know about just because their family believes in it or something like that.

So keep up the hard work and good luck. And please recheck your resources about Islam too if you can. They are usually wrong and unreliable.

Answer 4

I guess you could know you were brainwashed but not know what for or how, or maybe you did but just couldn't stop yourself anyway. I think this is entirely possible.

As for indoctrination of religion I imagine this is probably harder because it is happened over a long period of time, and it appears like you accepted it all of your accord. Circular reasoning does just that, lead them in circles for a long time. Outside influence or introspection will allow a person to break the brainwashing of this type but it is still hard to leave the group mentality thing, and the feelings of family of course.

Brainwashing is an infant compared to religious following.

Answer 5

I agree that there are some who never really weigh alternate views, but what allows you to make such a broad and stereotypical statement? Many of us (myself includede) are not brainwashed, because I do not fit your profile. I have considered alternatives and they have all come up short. I do not get angry in my response but simply offer opposing arguments.

Note that the fact you were able to take this tack with a Muslim is not surprising, because the Q'uran does NOT stabd up to scrutiny. Christianity, on the other hand does.

Answer 6

Christian cults (like the entire born-again movement) are a perfect example of brainwashing. 'Oh, but christians don't brainwash, we just take Satan's thoughts out and put in godly ones' (actual christian quote). And of course the brainwashing is easier when you're working with the mentally challenged: Recruiting retards is the most clever christian move ever.

Get the net!

Answer 7

i would like to elaborate on the example you have given. it is true that a majority of muslims are not able to correctly understand the quran but you might get your answers from institutions like the jammat-e-islamia situated in various parts of the world.
see friend ,the holy quran has encompassed every aspect of human life including nutrition,hygiene,engineering,medicine etc,but it needs a clear understanding and interpretation of the quran,which unfortunately a majority of muslims lack. Also the conventional muslim educational institutions instead of developing open mindness rely much on brainwashing. but islam has always encouraged education by a radical approach to truly understand god's creation.i would like to site numerous examples of muslims who have achieved marvels in engineeirng and medicine .i hope i have reasonably answered your question and advice you that you approach some genuine people in case you have any doubts relating islam

Answer 8

Here's the deal:

When we talk with somebody who is impassioned with a belief that we disagree with, we call them "brainwashed".

When we talk with a person who is impassioned with a belief we can agree with or understand, we call them "educated" or "enlightened".

I suppose this is where we need to have a measure of tolerance. We need to be able to converse with people without resulting to insults or disparaging remarks.

Brainwashing isn't bad, is it? Afterall, our society has been washing our brains to accept that MTV is good, ABC is untrustworthy.

Think of 1 impulse that you have in life, and I could assure you that you are affected the way you are through "brainwashing, education, enlightenment".

Has there ever been something that you didn't like (school subject, exercise, food) that you eventually had to get used to and accept? Now you have that thing is a regular part of your life (and you may still not like it) and you know it is integral to your personhood.

Try to convince a pot smoker that marijuana is bad for them and they will fight you tooth and nail to defend their dependency on the drug, and the need for society to decriminalize it. They did not come up with these arguments on their own, they "brainwashed, educated, enlightened" themselves with the arguments of those they agree with.

The world is full of societies that want to "educate" us on what they believe we should allow to further "enlighten" us as a species. NAMBLA, Planned Parenthood, ACLU; how do these groups want you wash your brain?

I wonder though, do we feel intimidated by those who oppose our view because we realize we have no foundation of our own to stand on? Do we have sense of right and wrong that we live by daily that allows us to weather the storms that opposition brings our way? Are we tolerant enough to be in relationship with those who oppose our ideals, knowing that we can be strengthened by them as much as we strengthen them? Or are you going to insult them, and destroy their spirit, in essence destroying their life, because if you really could have your way, that is what you would want to do, kill everyone who is different from you?

Answer 9

Yes, like you for example... you are a perfect example of a brainwashed coward that hides behind the Internet to offend people...

you have no hope, i just wish you what you deserve, not a miligram more, not one less... that is what you are getting now and will get ever for your behaviour full of hate.

Answer 10

Secular Humanism , holds more ability to brainwash than anyone.If you don't believe me, have you checked out the mess our school system is in. More concerned about some kid having two daddies instead of reading, writing, and arithmetic.


Be not deceived, God shall not be mocked.

Answer 11

Too funny
No a brainwashed person will not know they are brainwash
Until a friend or family member tell them so