The Manchurian Candidate

:For the 2004 film; see The Manchurian Candidate (2004 film)

Usage of the term

The term "Manchurian candidate," spawned by the book and later films, refers to an individual who has undergone brainwashing and / or mind control with the intent of creating a "Sleeper" personality within that individual.

Related Topics:
Brainwashing - Mind control - Sleeper - Personality

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A Manchurian candidate has no knowledge of the brainwashing he or she underwent. He or she will behave normally in all situations, until the sleeper is "awakened" by a particular word or phrase. When the candidate encounters this trigger, he or she will perform any action his or her controllers demand, like an assassination. Following the act, the candidate will have no knowledge or recollection of his or her actions, and will return to a normal state until awakened again.

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The general scientific consensus is that mind control of the type shown in the film was not possible then, is still not possible, and is not likely to be possible in the near future. See the respective articles for more details.

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