By ___
 
 

Ok, while I admit these are two scary thoughts, one good scary and the other…well, obviously. The idea is not to expound upon why this is bad and why that is good, more so an examination of how, where and perhaps even why.

To speak of free thought, one must first define it. Aside from semantics such as utter honesty on a societal basis (which may destroy or save us), free thought would generally be the ability to say (essentially) most anything conceivable. The argument in free speech that I see without even brutal honesty, splits in two directions: (A) you have everyone running amok spouting off at the mouth and you quite possibly offend many (I’ll leave it up to the reader to decide whether that’s good or bad, or just gray) - or (B) You have “free speech” the way the U$ and many other states prefer it (i.e. limited free speech).

Ideally our society ought to be able to function on the first level, as before there were hierarchical systems of leadership, we did not impose restrictions on speech, or at least did not enforce restrictions, hence we seem to have survived this unlimited speech quite admirably. Along those lines it stands to reason that we ought to have the capabilities to make our own judgement calls speech-wise, at least in a truly free society. In order for an autonomous existence, we must all begin to care about the wellbeing of our fellow hum_ns (& plants & animals et al.). If we truly cared about on another it also stands to reason that we would be capable of learning rather than being “taught” or enforced how to successfully operate our tongues in coexistence with others. For example, though a harsh lesson, one would learn not to offend another with blatant cruelty or epithets or what have you,  due to the fact that one would causally elicit an obvious negative emotional response (anger, tears, violence, etc.).

It also makes sense (at least to me) that if people were to honestly approach life and individuals with respect and validity, there would be no reason to regulate speech, because those who cared would be aware of the results of their actions, at least in reference to their own reactions or those reactions observed previous to the encounter.

The other option (at least that I explore), restricted speech leads us back to the dead end society we’re watching unravel currently.

Practically speaking, we have seen the examples of free speech and (unfortunately) how it has been manipulated over the centuries. We can see how people speaking the truth (relative to their situation) and attempting to circumnavigate societal restrictions have succeeded in bringing about great changes or at least greater awareness. Such examples as Marx (as limited as his vision may have been), Kropotkin, Susan B. Anthony, Malcolm X, and many other activists and abolitionists from the past, and in the present (and hopefully in the future as well). But during our present times of utter selfishness and lost hope, we can also see how free thought has been manipulated to serve the wills of those looking to abuse, hate, destroy or gain from the principles that may have even brought them to the position that they are or were in. And this leads appropriately into Mind Control.

I suppose I should begin by saying that at present, in amerikkka at least, there isn’t really mind control. It’s more along the lines of subtle or blatant manipulation. For example look around where you are. Are there any Coke cans or candy wrappers sitting around? Are you smoking a Camel or Winston or Marlboro? I am certain that by this point if you are aware at all of the mechanics of society, you know of the subtle controlling forces that prod you to buy this or that. If you aren’t, then hopefully this is a bit of a wake-up call. In fact, how many of you despite your knowledge of the forces of manipulation still fall prey to it (I certainly do from time to time)?

Honestly, it would be so nice and easy to package the blame on “they” or “them”, but the blame falls right on our shoulders. It may be the corporate entity or ad agency that perpetuates mind control (or thought tweaking), but it’s you and I who allow it to thrive. Every time we walk into the store we are in danger of falling into the trap set by the voices and images pumped into our heads. The means to this end are both advertisement and societal pressure. We see it both in the mainstream culture and within the punk/DIY subculture. When was the last time you didn’t feel spikey enough…?

The basics of the manipulation truly fall on our society more heavily than on the corporate overlords. Multinationals and their ilk certainly wouldn’t survive were it not for the overwhelming urge to consume that thrives in our world. That’s basically the How, without desiring to tread upon the methods (well known indeed, for the intrude upon nearly every aspect of our lives). I suppose it also somewhat identifies what does this to us (we do, essentially) and why (the self-perpetuating, self-destroying consumer cycle). Now let’s mesh the two concepts together.

We’ve got our notions of free thought, despite the fact that few in our society truly know or understand what it means - I certainly don’t entirely - and we have the present mental manipulation of the U$A and most other countries world wide. The main issue is that free thought cannot exist in a world that thrives on mindless consumer zombies. These notions contradict each other and make the corporations and corporate owned governments (regarding the fact that they exist because of us) very wary of people thinking beyond the lines that they set and enforce for us. This in turn creates the dilemmas we see effecting our lives. It greases the wheels that turn out flashy 15 to 60 second sound and picture bites. It keeps us in the dark to all but the most egregious violations of humanity and nature, and even many of these. It pulls the plug on those who would try to open eyes and minds. Essentially it maintains the mechanism that keeps power and money in the hands of the greedy and denies us much of our desired autonomy. The real question is how can we stop this?

I wish I had the broad-based, overlying answer, but I don’t. All I can do is suggest things that hopefully can make a difference on a smaller level. One is simply this: practice conscious (rather than self-conscious) consumerism. Since we can’t wipe out capitalism, at least we can be aware of what we buy. Know who makes a product and try to find out if their strings are being pulled by a larger, nastier entity. Don’t listen to the voices of societal pressure. Try to avoid things that are unnecessary or frivolous. I mean, for example, who fucking needs a two hundred dollar juicer when they could buy a five dollar one (or steal it). Try to watch little or (preferably) no TV. This can be difficult, but it can be very rewarding. Deface ads or billboards (minding of course that this society generally values property over lives, unless it’s a fucking celebrity) so you can get into shit for that. Last but extremely important, try caring about others beyond what they can do for you (aside from companionship and loyalty, which are beyond any other reward).

Of course as a footnote, this article is not meant as thought control itself, but fuel for the mental processes. Only you can control your thoughts and keep them out of the hands of those looking to exploit them. Keep free thinking…