When judges in 1968 found a Communist gay philosopher guilty of “brainwashing” its pupils into homosexuality, a national controversy erupted.
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Brainwashing, Italian-Style: The Fascist Law on “Plagio”
In 1930, Mussolini’s Justice Minister Rocco introduced in Italian law a provision against mind control that would last until 1981.
Brainwashing, Italian-Style: The Birth of “Plagio”
The Constitutional Court eliminated in 1981 a provision that incriminated mind control. It had a long history, from Roman to Italian law.
Gnosticism, “Dark Legends” on Scientology Founder Discussed by Scholars
L. Ron Hubbard was an original Gnostic thinker. His exploration of Gnosticism is often misunderstood.
Remembering the Utøya Massacre: Breivik, Anglo-Israelism, and the Knights Templar
Anders Breivik did have some esoteric ideas. His secret order may have only existed on paper.
Remembering the Utøya Massacre: Breivik, Christianity, and Islam
The terrorist was not a conservative Christian. His real religion was Islamophobia.
Remembering the Utøya Massacre: What “Religious” Ideas Motivated Breivik?
After ten years from the Utøya Massacre, Anders Behring Breivik, the perpetrator, is still called by some a “Christian fundamentalist.” The label is misleading.
When Even Comics Were Accused of “Brainwashing”– Part II
Dr. Wertham’s successful campaign to prohibit certain comics in the U.S. largely relied on mental manipulation theories.
When Even Comics Were Accused of “Brainwashing”– Part I
Crusades to ban a literature accused of “brainwashing the masses” show how far faulty theories of mental manipulation could go.
Are “Brainwashing” Theories Coming Back?
Discredited since the 1990s, theories that “cults” use mind control techniques are still promoted by anti-cultists, and now applied to QAnon and Trump.