Strategies of Destructive Persuasion-because persuasion is much more passively manipulative, force is no longer necessary to move the devotee along a particular path of belief, and behavior.
Much of what goes on in radical groups is highly destructive to an individual’s adaptation, both socially and culturally when lured into these groups.
Most of these movements falsify reality, and intentionally create illusions (propaganda, i.e. Fox, CNN) that seriously incapacitate a person’s ability to have rational thought, and the ability to change and evolve in society or outside the group dynamics. Hence, we have destructive persuasion. A cycle of reality change has been effectively created that is exceptionally distorted, often having agendas that are hidden or partial to others on a “need to know” basis in the group.
Destructive persuasion involves two specific strategies:
Most of these movements falsify reality, and intentionally create illusions (propaganda, i.e. Fox, CNN) that seriously incapacitate a person’s ability to have rational thought, and the ability to change and evolve in society or outside the group dynamics. Hence, we have destructive persuasion. A cycle of reality change has been effectively created that is exceptionally distorted, often having agendas that are hidden or partial to others on a “need to know” basis in the group.
Destructive persuasion involves two specific strategies:
- Manipulation of Needs- generally accomplished by presenting an enterprise in such a way that it appears to be a solution to a persistent problem or fills a need (problem often created by group leadership). Often group leaders create false needs by leading members or devotees into believing there is an issue when none exist-i.e. too many immigrants crossing borders illegally, a public figure cost other individuals perceived basic freedoms such as the gun control, or welfare programs.
- Information Control- achieved by presenting or restricting information in such a way that a warped, illusory vision is created (often political). Tactics often include afore mentioned news outlets, as well as group pressure, mass suggestion, or facts used strategically.
These elements successfully modify an individual’s ability to make informed decisions in their own interest or welfare. It is not however, brainwashing, coercive persuasion (violence), or menticide.