According to a set of criteria by another noted psychologist, Robert Jay Lifton, there are eight common elements in mind control systems. If Lifton's eight-point model of thought reform is being used in a cultic organization, it is most likely a dangerous and destructive cult. These eight points follow with inserted emphases of television indoctrination from Afromerica:

Robert Jay Lifton's Eight Point Model of Thought Reform

1. ENVIRONMENT CONTROL. Limitation of many/all forms of communication with those outside the group. Books, magazines, letters and visits with friends and family are taboo. "Come out and be separate!"

AI (Afro Interpretation) Throughout the years of television program, people have all but abandoned most of the other forms of medium and normal communication and have a continual fixation to television programming. This confirms that television has a mental effect on people and suggests that most of people's thinking patterns are developed by television images as opposed to using the imagination and creativity, which is required from any form of print media or social contact.

2. MYSTICAL MANIPULATION. The potential convert to the group becomes convinced of the higher purpose and special calling of the group through a profound encounter / experience, for example, through an alleged miracle or prophetic word of those in the group.

AI The mystical manipulation technique television uses is to gradually transform the viewer into a believer of media propaganda. Some people religiously watch certain programs and shows and many become obsessed with the information and values they receive.

3. DEMAND FOR PURITY. An explicit goal of the group is to bring about some kind of change, whether it is on a global, social, or personal level. "Perfection is possible if one stays with the group and is committed."

AI Television viewers believe that television can be used for positive purposes such as changing worldviews, learning about other cultures, and informing the uneducated of life in general. However, much of these type programs is censored and are forms of political propaganda that further indoctrinate people against other cultures and exalting the culture at hand.

4. CULT OF CONFESSION. The unhealthy practice of self-disclosure to members in the group. Often in the context of a public gathering in the group, admitting past sins and imperfections, even doubts about the group and critical thoughts about the integrity of the leaders.

AI Producers replicate viewer's lifestyles so that the viewer can relate to the program. If this is successful, the producer can implant solutions to the viewer's problems with the expectation that the viewer take the advice. Most solutions are masked as the "right thing to do" but in reality submit the viewer to the ruling authority's means of control. For instance, continually suggesting a bystander call 911 at the scene of a crime but neglecting to reveal the fact that police only respond to certain areas of a city and during certain times.

5. SACRED SCIENCE. The group's perspective is absolutely true and completely adequate to explain EVERYTHING. The doctrine is not subject to amendments or question. ABSOLUTE conformity to the doctrine is required.

AI Making the characters as real as possible is the goal of producers. If they can imitate reality and gain the viewer's trust, they can easily persuade them to abide by the norms and values of television life, regardless of the tastelessness, the dishonesty, or the controversial content they intentionally subconsciously include into television programs. As long as the viewer can relate to the character, they will see immorality as nonchalantly as the character does.

6. LOADED LANGUAGE. A new vocabulary emerges within the context of the group. Group members "think" within the very abstract and narrow parameters of the group's doctrine. The terminology sufficiently stops members from thinking critically by reinforcing a "black and white" mentality. Loaded terms and clichés prejudice thinking.

AI Very common in television programming. Politically correct language is promoted so viewers can learn what to say and how to say it. Popular phrases and terms are blurted by famous actors and actresses, media reporters, and talk show host that creep ever so subtly into the vocabulary of the average viewer.

7. DOCTRINE OVER PERSON. Pre-group experience and group experience are narrowly and decisively interpreted through the absolute doctrine, even when experience contradicts the doctrine.

AI Viewer lifestyle is expected to change in correlation to television life. Standards are set by character lifestyles, behaviors, and vocabulary and viewers unconsciously assume these traits. Despite their previous beliefs on issues such as abortion, family life, marriage, religion or politics, television values are subtlety enforced into the minds of the viewer even if the values are corrupt, and are henceforth deemed as normal.

8. DISPENSING OF EXISTENCE. Salvation is possible only in the group. Those who leave the group are doomed.

AI A person is viewed as eccentric if they do not own a television and have completely cut himself or herself off from the outside world via TV. Even if one does not watch to be entertained, news and educational TV supposedly offer information and solutions to life that if ignored could have negative effects on a person's knowledge intake and worldview.

Not to compare television to a cult organization, but all the similarities are there, except on a larger scale. A cult can be identified by its outward physical appearance as an organized entity but television cannot. Television is not an organization per se, that seeks membership or that has written rules and regulations for the viewer to abide by; however, it has the same psychological effect on people over an extended period of time.

For instance, before the full-blown emergence of television into the living rooms everywhere in the world, life was lived on a more simple scale. Violence and sex was not as rampant - though not nonexistent either - and cultural norms were not as uniform across the nation as they are now. Families were families, jobs were jobs, and life was lived on a daily bases. But when television came it brought with it a uniformed culture that spread throughout the world. It brought an ideology and a standard of living that many people began to emulate. It also made it easier to reach more people with the same message and with the body language to match.

The most effective way to evaluate the thought reform process of television is to disconnect every TV in the house and live for three years without one. Not only would a person begin again to use more brainpower, but would return to life with only the simplicity it requires. Television and cultural thought reform is real in all its ways. If a society can systematically indoctrinate its entire people to think and behave the same, it would be easier to control that society and even easier to suppress it.

© 2003 by C.R. Hamilton