Positive or Negative

I recently attended a Re-think Learning workshop. Included in the workshop was a section on how the human brain works.  

 

This confirmed something I had always suspected - that being FOR something is much more powerful than being AGAINST. Apparently, the sub-conscious mind does not recognise a negative. It picks up on the concept or idea without reading the negative.

It is common knowledge that focussing on a temptation often further cements that wrong idea in the sub-conscious, and makes it more acceptable, and more likely to be actioned. The best way to avoid doing the wrong thing is to focus on the right thing.

The apostle Paul wrote to the church in Philippi: “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy --think about such things.” (Phil 4:8)

Let me apply this to some media campaigns. A media campaign must make an impact on the sub-conscious. This is where memories are stored, perceptions are controlled, and habits are installed. Therefore, a media campaign with a negative message is likely to be counter-productive.

Every year the South African government spends millions of rand on awareness against woman & child-abuse. This just makes the sub-conscious mind aware that this abuse is happening and that it is in some way acceptable. It is not surprising that these campaigns seem to have done nothing to improve South Africa’s terrible domestic violence record. Maybe we should focus on how husbands should love their wives with care and respect and how parents should show their love to children. (Col 3:17-21)

 

And what about media campaigns against corruption? Perhaps we can focus on how good it feels to be honest and to give in order to make a difference. (Acts 20:35b)

And drugs? Maybe our focus should be on healthy lifestyles? Certain groups against gangs and drugs have a reputation for making things worse, not better.

And what about xenophobia? Perhaps we should be talking about welcoming the alien, the refugee and foreigner.

It is amazing how applying something simple about how the brain works could make such a difference to the world we live in.