https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brainwashing:_The_Science_of_Thought_Control https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brainwashing:_The_Science_of_T... an epic science book

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brainwashing:_The_Science_of_Thought_Control https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brainwashing:_The_Science_of_T... an epic science book which attempts to grapple with some of these questions. from the Wikipedia page: "Taylor asserts that the techniques used by cults to influence others are similar to those used by other social groups, and compares similar totalitarian aspects of cults and communist societies. These techniques include isolating the individual and controlling their access to information, challenging their belief structure and creating doubt, and repeating messages in a pressurized environment." It's my view that ^ is generally what is at play with regard to the lower and middle classes in the United States.