Brainwashing is popularly defined as forcibly changing a person’s social, political, or religious beliefs through the systematic use of certain techniques. Such techniques may include various forms of isolation, disorientation, coercion, persuasion, and hardship. However, brainwashing has no formal scientific basis. Many experts dispute that the practice is widespread or truly effective.
The term brainwashing was first applied to “thought reform” programs conducted by Chinese Communists in the 1950’s. During the Korean War (1950-1953), Chinese and North Korean forces used such methods in efforts to convert American prisoners to Communism. They isolated the prisoners, subjected them to severe physical hardship, and deprived them of sleep and other necessities. Such torment eventually caused a few prisoners to appear to give up their beliefs and accept those of their captors.
Accusations of brainwashing are often aimed at new religious movements or sects, sometimes referred to as cults (see Cult ). Since the 1960’s, sensational stories of cult leaders controlling the minds of their followers have sustained public fears about brainwashing. In 2001, France enacted a controversial measure to fight brainwashing. The law prohibits using excessive or repeated pressure to make vulnerable people act against their interests.
