Untying Gordian Knots - Part II
Exorcising Ideologies
Contrary to pessimistic media narratives, there are effective means to counter an ideology. I prefer the strategy of “counter” rather than “fight” in regards to changing or vanquishing harmful and/or unhealthy ideologies. There are examples throughout history and around our world to prove it is possible over time.
The first strategy is preventative, i.e. provide a strong foundation in values, purpose, healthy models for relationships and competency. Insulate children by instilling a sense of self worth and accountability for them to complete their tasks.
Children can be encouraged and taught to think for themselves, problem solve individually, creatively and cooperatively. As they grow, they can be assisted to practice discernment in thought and action. They can be praised for achieving steps in process, for their contributions rather than just “winning”.
Of course genuine love, affection and caring are important ingredients for a child who will hopefully value and remember these actions as they grow into adults.
The second is to demonstrate, then let them participate, in natural orders of the world. Children, even in urban centers, can be guided to plant and grow a garden, protect and care for animals, observe and chart the basic weather patterns where they live. They need to spend time in the actual world outside and not on screens.
Third, teach simple, practical skills such as how to bandage a wound, use basic tools such as a hammer, wrench, screwdriver, a plunger, a level and measuring tape, needle and thread, how to light a gas stove or start a small fire, how to use a broom and mop efficiently. If possible, show them how to utilize a magnifying glass, binoculars, compass, thermometer and calculator. These will foster capability and curiosity for girls and boys.
Shaolin children sharing different musical instruments on a break outside at Yun Tai International Martial Arts Training Center in Henan province, China 2019 (photo by author)
Discouraging selfish conduct such as refusing to share, hoarding, stealing, bullying is important to address as soon as a child is able to understand and speak.. Directing children to look at how their actions affect others and their surroundings, can be done in a compassionate and reasoned manner so ultimately they will be able to observe others and their environment, themselves.
Preventing children, especially until the age of puberty, from being subjected to violence, vulgar language, eroticism, sexual and violent imagery, vilifying and hatred of other peoples or cultures, exposure to criminal activities and attitudes, gangs and cartel life - whether through media or in real life, is crucial for them to develop healthy perspectives toward what is “right” and “wrong” intention and action.
Not giving children access to social media and programmed media the parents/teachers do not have control over, will help children develop into their authentic selves - not imitative characters based on media presentations or comparisons.
Feeding children with healthy foods, demonstrating portion control as well as including them in food preparation and distribution, will serve as a strong foundation for their overall health, concentration and immunity throughout their lives.
Providing positive experiences of beauty and harmony in their environment to which they can contribute such as with art, music, sport, drama, handcrafts, movement, building and traditional/cultural and/or spiritual practices. Supporting the older children and adults-parents, teachers and elders to model “the best” in these realms can be done on an individual and community level.
Northern Arapaho Pow Wow Committee photo of families in regalia. Wyoming, USA 2024
For children already subjected or immersed in communities where there is violent, hateful, criminal and unhealthy life styles, similar to inculcated cult practices; they will need to be separated from those influences and participants (be it parents/and or teachers) for dynamic, effectual changes to come about and have lasting impact.
Re-training or out-doctrination (instead of “in” doctrination) is best done in isolated residential locations where the possibility of regressing and devolving back to harmful life practices is less likely.
People who possess or have cultivated great capacities for patience and adherence to strict boundaries will be needed to continually enforce positive behaviors and target negative or regressive behavior.
For an example of how this is achieved, I suggest you watch the German made documentary about Yezidi children who were captured, tortured and indoctrinated by ISIS/Daesh. It is called, “Imad’s Childhood”.
There are no guarantees for results of behavior inculcation or modification. Even children raised in peaceful, non-violent and loving families or communities may possibly turn from that path. They will be the exception but it has happened.
Conversely, even children raised in violent, abusive, bitter and unhealthy families and communities can still somehow find a better path and pivot away from the patterns of generations. Again, they may be the exception, but there are examples from many parts of the world where individuals have gone from being in darkness to being a beacon of light.
I am not writing or speaking of going simply from “rags to riches” or poverty to affluence. This is a conversation about a deeper, more difficult transformation than one simply on the material level.
Generations or centuries of hatred and prejudice, in some cases, will not be erased easily by an elevation of economic status only-as is demonstrated time and again by families and leaders who rose from abject privation to becoming millionaires and even billionaires in one generation, yet their extremist, violent attitudes and behavior did not change. They will twist religion and spirituality to justify their attacks and use the most vulnerable in their communities and societies-children-to carry out their anti-human designs and nefarious plans.
In fact, with money, they became even more powerful and capable of spreading hatred, cruelty and rampage into larger territories. They delight in “converting” their human terrain to their psychopathic ends by all means including the latest technologies and blood rituals. They have no interest (or incentive) to untie the knots in their minds, hearts and spirits of malice, greed, barbarity, lust for vengeance, and a tally of forced “converts” to their cult. They delight in devolving the gains made in civilization for human rights, especially for females, in the last hundred years.
They can’t be ignored. These ideologies are like an infection that will keep spreading if unchecked. If ever a quarantine were needed, it is now to stop these ideologies of terrorism, anti-semitism and glorification of violence, criminality and martyrdom. Save the children has never been more important a mission, not just for the Middle East, but for our entire world.
Gang members considered “the worst of the worst” in Cecot prison, El Salvador
If you have not read Part I of “Untying Gordian Knots -Indoctrination Starting with Children-: here is the link.