Pulling the Strings: A Look at Brainwashing Throughout History

From silent movies to modern films, classic literature, to comic-books, the concept of mind control, or brainwashing is a theme that has been prevalent. Bram Stoker's Dracula has held the fascination of generations of readers and movie goers alike with his ability to bend the will of his victims with the power of his compelling gaze. In Stanley Kubrik's A Clock-Work Orange a futuristic society attempts to cure the violent tendencies of its criminals by …

…he first began preaching, and realized by the praise he received for it, the captivating effect he could hold over an audience. Encouraged by his success within the congregation, in his early teens, Jones struck out on his own and began preaching his own brand of philosophy on the streets of Indiana. His speeches at this time, having more to do with social reform than religion, centered on the idea of attaining equality and brotherhood