[Dwight Schrute]

I agree with you on this, Ridley. I wouldn't see him as being any more mentally ill than someone in a cult. brainwashed, perhaps - but not necessarily insane. that's kind of how his behavior seems to me, based on the media orgy of information. he is speaking a language that is so incredibly inclusive, we just don't get it. I have seen the exact same thing when dealing with those in cults and (dare I say it) with people from some strains of (usually pentecostal / charismatic) Christianity. they retreat farther and farther from those who don't speak their language until they are completely disassociated with the general populace. but not at all mentally ill, more just brainwashed. very thought provoking topic, by the way.

side topic, but I'm a republican who does not want Palin on the card, think it would be catastrophic for the party.

[JerryLove]

Originally Posted by MisterDominator

I have seen the exact same thing when dealing with those in cults and (dare I say it) with people from some strains of (usually pentecostal / charismatic) Christianity. they retreat farther and farther from those who don't speak their language until they are completely disassociated with the general populace. but not at all mentally ill, more just brainwashed. very thought provoking topic, by the way.

So where's the proverbial cult? In the absence of a cult, how does someone who was and is both sane and rational end up brainwashed?

[Dwight Schrute]

I imagine it's the same as in a cult - isolation and repetition. enough of this leads to association - what I think or feel is the norm... this is who and what I am. I'm sure it is much more efficient and speedy when a group of people are involved and there is some measure of social control. but on a surface level, his behavior is strikingly similar to cult mentality. and from that frame of mind, I'm sure what he says makes a great deal of sense to whoever is with him in that mental frame. to the rest of us? it's gibberish or ranting.

obviously I'm not saying he was in a cult (and I know by your use of the word proverbial that you aren't saying that either). but the symptoms seem to be the same or similar. it's not unheard of for that kind of brainwashing to occur outside a cult.