Are you being Manipulated? Unintentionally, Intentionally or Strategically?

Truth and manipulation

You can be manipulated by:

  • A boss, co-worker or an employee
  • A family member or a friend
  • An elected official or a dictator
  • A religious authority
  • The media or Hollywood

In our next Conversation Safari we will be discussing manipulation.  A Conversation Safari

Below are some of the questions and thoughts we will consider:

  1. Have you ever been manipulated?  
  2. By one person, a group of people or strangers?
    • “Propaganda does not deceive people; it merely helps them to deceive themselves.” Eric Hoffer
  3. When has it been unintentional? 
  4. When has it been intentional?  (Maybe for personal gain without considering long-term consequences.)
  5.  When has it been intentional AND strategic?  (To control people and results.)
    • Hitler believed that the skillful and unremitting use of propaganda could persuade people to believe that Heaven was Hell…
  6. Do you always know when you are being manipulated? 
  7. How is manipulation impacting your life and your environment?  
  8. How do you respond when it happens?  
  9. What can you do differently to discern when manipulation is happening and choose a wiser response?
    • “Belief can be manipulated. Only knowledge is dangerous.” ― Frank Herbert

Please share your thoughts about these questions and quotes in the comments.

After the Safari – I’ll share participant feedback in a new post on this blog.


TIP:  If you frequently lump everyone of a particular:

  • Race
  • Rationality
  • Faith
  • Political Party
  • Uniform
  • Position

…Into a single stereotype – You are failing to see them as people. -Anatomy of Peace Book

You can change that and choose to become a truth detective: 

  1. Take a break from the news, Hollywood, and the people you normally surround yourself with.
  2. Dig deeper.  Read further.
  3. Meet with others.  Listen first.  Then share your perspective.
  4. Pray for discernment.
  5. Share what you are learning.
  6. Repeat the process.

THANK YOU for commenting and sharing!

YOU ARE INVITED: To add your comments and to share your professional, personal and faith-based stories. Diverse opinions, compassion, and inspiration are welcome! (I reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive or off-topic.)

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2 thoughts on “Are you being Manipulated? Unintentionally, Intentionally or Strategically?

  1. I think your Conversation Safaris are so important in our communities today, Chery. Are we being manipulated or just so fixed on how we should be responding to any event? I feel that when I get to know people on a human face-to-face level, it is very different than just knowing about them and their backgrounds. I have found people are people with the same human emotions and struggles. We just have to drop our fears and get to know one another more deeply.

    Thanks Chery for all the hard work you are doing! Proud of you!

    • Thank you Terri! These discussions make every cell in my body dance and the attendees are so engaged and energized. Every single one of us leaves each one with new things to think about and consider. Our brains are sharpened and our compassion increases.

      I completely agree with your assessment that we must learn to drop our fears and get to know one another more deeply.