I have often wondered where the line is between education and mind control. The WTS claims to be educating people. But if we examine the various degrees along the Continuum of Influence and Persuasion we can see which methods the WTS uses. Also how is what the WTS does different from propaganda, advertizing or indocrination? I found this helpful and interesting
Continuum of Influence and Persuasion
This info is from the book is from Cults in our Midst
Focus of body of knowledge Education Many bodies of knowledge, based on scientific findings in various fields.Advertising
Body of knowledge concerns product, competitors; how to sell and influence via legal persuasion.Propaganda
Body of knowledge centers on political persuasion of masses of people.Indoctrination
Body of knowledge is explicitly designed to inculcate organizational values.Thought Reform
Body of knowledge centers on changing people without their knowledge.Direction & degree of exchange
Education
Two way pupil-teacher exchange encouraged.Advertising
Exchange can occur but communication generally one-sided.Propaganda
Some exchange occurs but communication generally one-sided.Indoctrination
Limited exchange occurs, communication is one-sided.Thought Reform
No exchange occurs, communication is one-sided.Ability to change
Education
Change occurs as science advances; as students and other scholars offer criticisms; as students & citizens evaluate programs.Advertising
Change made by those who pay for it, based upon the success of ad programs by consumers law, & in response to consumer complaints.Propaganda
Change based on changing tides in world politics and on political need to promote the group, nation, or international organization.Indoctrination
Change made through formal channels, via written suggestions to higher-ups.Thought Reform
Change occurs rarely; organization remains fairly rigid; change occurs primarily to improve thought-reform effectiveness.Structure of persuasion
Education
Uses teacher-pupil structure; logical thinking encouragedAdvertising
Uses an instructional mode to persuade consumer/buyerPropaganda
Takes authoritarian stance to persuade masses.Indoctrination
Takes authoritarian & hierarchical stance.Thought Reform
Takes authoritarian & hierarchical stance; No full awareness on part of learner.Type of relationship
Education
Instruction is time-limited: consensual.Advertising
Consumer/buyer can accept or ignore communication.Propaganda
Learner support & engrossment expected.Indoctrination
Instruction is contractual: consensualThought Reform
Group attempts to retain people forever.Deceptiveness
Education
Is not deceptive.Advertising
Can be deceptive, selecting only positive views.Propaganda
Can be deceptive, often exaggerated.Indoctrination
Is not deceptive.Thought Reform
Is deceptive.Breadth of learning
Education
Focuses on learning to learn & learning about reality; broad goal is rounded knowledge for development of the individual.Advertising
Has a narrow goal of swaying opinion to promote and sell an idea, object, or program; another goal is to enhance seller & possibly buyer.Propaganda
Targets large political masses to make them believe a specific view or circumstance is good.Indoctrination
Stresses narrow learning for a specific goal; to become something or to train for performance of duties.Thought Reform
Individualized target; hidden agenda (you will be changed one step at a time to become deployable to serve leaders).Tolerance
Education
Respects differences.Advertising
Puts down competition.Propaganda
Wants to lessen opposition.Indoctrination
Aware of differences.Thought Reform
No respect for differences.Methods
Education
Instructional techniquesAdvertising
Mild to heavy persuasion.Propaganda
Overt persuasion sometimes unethical.Indoctrination
Disciplinary techniques.Thought Reform
Improper and unethical techniques.I have had to reformat the chart