Subliminal images - why and who are the individuals behind it?

by UnshackleTheChains 105 Replies latest watchtower scandals

• 

  UnshackleTheChains

  I remember about 5 years ago reading on another site about subliminal images in WT literature. I honestly thought it a load of bs until I checked out one glaringly obvious image of a creepy skull in clouds within the knowledge book. I was shocked and even showed my wife at the time who thought it was creepy.

  So my question is why? What is the purpose? And by whome? Is it just some individuals playing around? Does anyone on this forum know of anyone at bethel doing it just for laughs etc?

  Thoughts?
• 

  compound complex

  This will give you both sides, UTC:

  https://www.jehovahs-witness.com/topic/121732/professional-artist-observes
  
• 

  compound complex

  AIR STREAM GRAPHIC DESIGN & ILLUSTRATION

  [extracts from letter of 10 July 1990, addressed "To Whom It May Concern:"]
  

  "Because of my extensive professional experience, Darek Barefoot recently asked me to review a number of illustrations [in WT, AWAKE!, REVELATION CLIMAX and LIVE FOREVER].

  "It is my professional opinion that secondary images have been deliberately incorporated into many of the illustrations I have examined. The secondary images I have seen vary from symbolic shapes and letters of the alphabet to representations of faces and skulls, and deformities of certain extremities. These appear with enough consistency that in my opinion they are deliberate, not coincidental.

  "As a professional illustrator and painter, I am very aware of the amount of time and concentration that goes into a painting or an illustration. Any artist doing a piece is acutely aware of every line and brush stroke. It is therefore exremely (sic) difficult for me to believe that many of these images, objects, and shapes were not purposefully embedded into these illustrations in question."

  James Waggaman

  https://www.jehovahs-witness.com/topic/147395/view-commercial-artists-on-wt-art
  
• 

  wizzstick

  Pareidolia
  
• 

  jaydee

  Some images seem to be a lot more of a deliberate insertion to me,...

  but as to the end game of doing it , ???

  Watchtower May 1st 1983 on page 17

  why put a face in the dress....
  

  
• 

  jaydee

  And I found this one ...

  NOT in a Watchtower publication,..

  but it sure looks like Rutherford .....

  
• 

  LongHairGal

  UNSHACKLE THE CHAINS:

  Years ago I read a book about subliminal images and how they are mostly used by manufacturers to get people to buy products. The subliminal image is imbedded in a picture and it is supposed to have an emotional influence on a person's subconscious mind. Movie theaters used to use this to compel moviegoers to crave popcorn, sofa, etc. so they would visit the snack counter and spend money. I don't know if this is still legal.

  The idea that some say these images are supposedly found in the religion's literature is disturbing. But, I got out anyway in spite of whatever influences were in literature and droning and boring talks.
• 

  sparrowdown

  Fantastic info CC! Useful to clarify the definitions between secondary, hidden and subliminal.

  Why would they do this?

  Advertisers know the powerful psychology behind the use of imagery. Every colour, number, actor, prop, etc that are used in adverts are chosen for a reason by the advertising company.

  I figure with WT has a similar purpose, this is especially notable in the videos they produce - propoganda in word and image, even the choice of the actors! If you look carefully in the back ground of scenes all sorts of things show up that don't seem to have any rhyme or reason to the placement but just like movies and commercials nothing is left to chance in productions. It would be naive to believe otherwise.

  WT has always peddled cult propoganda shamelessly and purposefully because they know with enough exposure the message really does get in to your brain.
• 

  pale.emperor

  I very much doubt Watchtower are doing this. Think about it, some GB has got to think it up, pass it on to someone in the art dept, then get it printed. Are you telling me that no one in the art dept has ever left the WT? If they did they'd be telling us all about it. Listen, if you hold a picture of anything to a mirror at a certain angle and squint you'll see whatever.

  Subliminal my ass.
  
• 

  sparrowdown

  The older literature is particularly bad for it.