There were commentators in the 50s who did think that some people were more prone to this state of brainwashing whether it was African Americans or gay people. The group of 21 American GIs who caused a storm in 1953 are also an interesting part of this story. One of them Clarence Adams describes the racism he suffers growing up and his own reasons for choosing China. When he does eventually change his mind and returns to the US he's subjected to a very very hostile reception.
In this episode we explore the history of brainwashing - the process of pressuring someone into adopting radically different beliefs by using systematic and often forcible means.
Daniel Pick, a Psychoanalyst, Historian, and Professor Emeritus of History at Birkbeck College, University of London, joins Subhadra Das, broadcaster, academic and writer, with a keen interest in the history of eugenics, to delve into the murky history and psychology of brainwashing and to discuss Pick's latest book, 'Brainwashed: A New History of Thought Control'.
This episode was recorded on the 17th of April 2023. It was produced by Senior Producer Tom Hall, with editing by Executive Producer Rowan Slaney
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