Before I read further, and I will read the rest of what you are saying, please just tell me what you understand by brainwashing. You do know that the concept in the movies doesn't exist, don't you?

If you read the two sources I provided, you will see why there really isn't any difference between brainwashing and socialization.

The human brain believs and picks up what it hears over and over again.

You will forgive me, but I'm so sick and tired of explaining this, and here I go again.

The human brain evolved through rote learning. Things that happened over and over again could be seen as truth. For example, if people always died from a certain snake bite, then that could be accepted as fact. If the sun always rose in the esat, that could be accepted as fact.

Our brains are geared, from babyhood, to believe most strongly that which we hear most frequently (or the loudest). This is how we are pattened.

Whether you call it brainwashing, indoctrination, or socialisation, it doesn't matter. The process is the same.

You say, "Most Americans are hard-working folks who just want to do their 9-, get ahead on their own herits, lead a good life, and pretty much leave everyone alone to the extent they're left alone."

Well, yes. why do they want to get ahead? That is brainwashing. What is so important about being successful? Why is 'hard work' pushed to a point where Americans are suffering massive health issues?