The idea of “brain-washing” can be credited to Edward Hunter, a CIA-funded writer and editor, who in 1950 started writing articles and books on the subject. His thesis was that Red China and the Soviet Union could control the minds of their respective citizenry—which explained how susceptible Americans captured on foreign soil would be.

Rather than “mind control,” people license themselves to believe ideas that coincide with what they percieve to be materially beneficial. Capitalists genuinely believe that Capitalism naturally selects for those most competent, Chinese citizens genuinely believe Socialism in China benefits themselves, and both are genuine beliefs because of real material benefits.

You know, if for one second you entertained ideas that go against your current understanding, you’d develop deeper and multi-sided understanding. Instead, you reflexively complain about communists and conspiracies. Of course environmental factors play a role, but they do not command thought, but reinforce beliefs.