I am currently reading Steve Hassan's book on combating cult mind control and I came across a very interesting point about the difference between brainwashing and mind control.
Brainwashing is a coercive type of control in which a idea is forced on you with little choice. People who are brainwashed know they are being indoctrinated; their freedom is cut off. Although someone may be forced to accept a idea through physical abuse and fear induced by their jailers, when they are set free, they can usually discard the beliefs forced on them in short order.
Mind Control is more subtle and sophisticated in that the victim is many times unaware that they are being influenced by a perpetrator. In fact, the victim responds positively to what is done to him.
What I found so interesting is that the methods for mind control can be subtle and explained away or rationalized but when you are aware of what the signs are, then it is obvious.
Steve Hassan listed four things to look for in mind control (this is a brief summation)-
1. Behavior control - regulation of the individual physical reality (ex: rigid schedule for their members... there is always something to do whether it be indoctrination activities or rituals) A members actions are constantly reinforced by approval or disapproval by the leaders
2. Thought control - indoctrinating members thoroughly with group doctrine, new language system or loaded words and clichés, and thought-stopping techniques to keep their mind centered (members don't need to think for themselves, the group doctrine has all the answers; they also learn to block out any information which is critical of the group)
3. Emotional control - attempts to manipulate and narrow the range of a person's feelings. Guilt is probably the single most important emotional lever for producing conformity and compliance. Members are conditioned to always blame themselves so that they respond gratefully whenever a leader points out one of their shortcomings. The second tool cults use is fear. This is used two ways. First is the creation of an outside enemy who is persecuting you: Satan is trying to get you, your friends and family is trying to mislead you, psychiatrist try to twist you, etc.. The second way fear is used is the terror of discovery and punishment of by the leaders. Loyalty and devotion are the most highly respected emotions. Confession and phobia indoctrination are also powerful tools in emotional control.
4. Information control - Cult generated propaganda or material is pushed on the members and they are constantly encouraged to absorb this type of material. Anything or anyone critical of the group especially former members is shunned. As one rises in the cult, inner
When I was reading this material, I realized that I was unaware of these types of influences being used on me. The thing that appealed to me in the beginning when I first started associating with the witnesses was the way the bible was used so constantly and in a convincing way. They seemed to have answers to everything in life and although I wasn't convinced on everything they taught, I figured it was close enough. Also another thing that appealed to me was the affection I saw in the congregation amongst the brothers and sisters and perhaps the attention I was getting, it was very alluring (love bombing). Of course, not everyone was that way but there is enough of it to get me to join up. It was only after joining up that I started to have serious questions about the 'truth' that these mind control techniques started kinking in. I really believe that if I had access to the information I found on the internet 20 years ago, I would not have joined the witnesses. The emotional control this group held on me was quite strong. Eventually it was my willingness to face my fears and really investigate the society, come what may, that helped me to break the mind control the society had on me. I look back at my experience and get a little angry that I allowed myself to be so easily manipulated.
Were you folks aware of the mind control techniques being used on you and what finally made you open your eyes?
). 
