What EXACTLY is brainwashing?

Question

Ok, today I was watching a video and it was pointing out how China and India had "more Honor Roll students then we have students". Ok, so maybe they do but when you compare ratios, the Chinesse population is somewhere near 1.3 BILLION, India has something over 1 BILLION, and the United States has somewhere near 300 million. Ok, so maybe they do but pure numbers, if you compared it with a ratio it would probably be comparable...

So, to describe my question, I'm sure there is a fine line between brainwashing and propaganda. What is that line, because in a way, propaganda seems like brainwashing.

All answers are appreciated and if you find this interesting, use that little button that says interesting.

Answer 1

Simple answer:  It is like 'Seduction' ~ which means ~ 'To persuade someone from their chosen path'.  

Although techniques for brainwashing may well vary, it is to persuade someone that their way of thinking, their way of life etc is in some way 'not healthy' or 'not for the better good of mankind', and to try to establish a new way of thinking, a new set of beliefs or a moral code system in place of the previous one.

That really is a 'simplified answer'.

Sash.

PS: A 3 second search in 'Search' threw up Wikipedida whose answer was  ~

Brainwashing (also known as thought reform or as re-education) consists of any effort aimed at instilling certain attitudes and beliefs in a person — beliefs sometimes unwelcome or in conflict with the person's prior beliefs and knowledge.

Answer 2

Brainwashing...Hmmm...Not TOO sure but I think it means to just forget everything.

Answer 3

Propaganda is a form of brainwashing. TV ads for example are brainwashing people to buy their products. It doesn't look that way but they give out little hints and clues like a catchy jingle and that way you think of them and remember that ad and may be compelled to buy their products.

The other side of brainwashing is, as i see it, getting people to do what you want them to. Now you have the movie version where someone is hypnotized and then they believe whatever you want them to.

But this i think is silly. Brainwashing in general is just getting someone to change their mind to how you want them to think through small suggestions over time and constant exposure in small bits.