The Chinese term ( `` xǐ năo '' , literally `` wash brain '' ) was originally used to describe methodologies of coercive persuasion used under the Maoist government in China , which aimed to transform individuals with a reactionary imperialist mindset into `` right-thinking '' members of the new Chinese social system .
( `` xǐ năo '' , literally `` wash brain '' ) was originally used to describe methodologies of coercive persuasion used under the Maoist regime in China . The methods aimed to change people 's mindset so they became `` right-thinking '' members of the new Chinese social system .