external source

Bananaphone was created by the CIA as a mind control test video back in the 90's
They also made anther video known as magical trevor which makes you go out and buy loads of beans.

Yes, I would say that there is a heavy influence of mind control technique in this video.
Bananaphone actually took 6 years to create due to the factors that whoever did the work putting it together went insane.
It was shelved for a further 4 years


[edit on 2-6-2008 by Dar Kuma]

I think its hilarious! More seriously though what is the subliminal message? More importantly what the hell is a Banana Phone?

I think part of the attraction for this animation is what I like to dub the "Napoleon Dyanamite" effect. It's just so corny on so many levels you have to enjoy it.

That said, I wouldn't be surprised if someone experienced a seizure from enduring the flashing background. I watched the video a second time sans the volume, and there is definitely a hypnotic effect as a result of the flashing, as well.

Spin doctors use hypnotic, subliminal and emotional manipulation techniques all the time. The repeated use of certain sound bites, or talk points lend the air of credibility due to simple repitition.

A prime example would be the Bush administration's use of the phrase "weapons of mass destruction." It was hammered so many times that it became associated as a fact, has was used as means to justify a war. In hindsight, we now know there were no WMD. It was an emotional manipulation to build up patriotic support for the war on terrorism.

[edit on 6/3/2008 by maria_stardust]

Originally posted by Frank Black
I think its hilarious!

Ya, it is a work of art that nearly brings tears to my eyes.

Originally posted by Frank Black
More seriously though what is the subliminal message?

My focus was more on technique than actual consumer or ethical influences. I always thought it was weird that the spoken word and written word happen at the same time. Ever watch commercials on mute? The words say the same thing as the announcer so that you still get the message even on mute. Imagine how much stronger the message is when you get both video and audio, double the senses. Words flash fast, and more words are on the screen than can be read. Why display more words than can be read?

Originally posted by Frank Black
More importantly what the hell is a Banana Phone?

I believe the origins of Banana Phone go back to Sesame Street some twenty-five years ago. Ernie was using his imagination to talk to a friend of his on a banana by holding it like a telephone. Upon Bert's inquiry, he explains how the fruit was merely a device to channel his imaginary thought and conduct a free-form mental recreation of a possible event. After some amount of persuasion beyond Bert's reluctance to do something "silly", Bert is enticed into the activity and finds enjoyment. Then, the real telephone rings, Ernie picks it up and is unable to remove Bert from his imaginary conversation to speak to the real person who wants to talk to him. It's a fairly deep allegory, to which we can apply today. I know when the phone rings and I'm on the computer, I tend to prefer the fantasical world of online gaming verses speaking to a real telemarketer.

[edit on 3-6-2008 by saint4God]

i can't see or experience anything strange by watching either of these videos

Originally posted by Dessi_Bulgaria
i can't see or experience anything strange by watching either of these videos

Then it worked! Just kidding. I'm more or less interested in the 'layering' technique. I haven't run into anything yet whereas after watching something once (or twice) we get a strange tingley sensation and have great gaps in time where we're under hypnotic control. In fact, many who work in hypnosis will claim that one cannot unwillingly undergo hypnosis. To this I say "yes...and...no". While it's true we have to put ourselves into a prone position, I do think an eventual 'bending of the will or thoughts' can occur. I'll demonstrate what I mean if you don't mind answering a short set of questions:

1.) What is your favorite commercial? (or pick one of your fav's)

2.) Why?

3.) What do they sell?

here's another example of subliminal messaging,
one that takes a little thought, but becomes clear after you 'see' it.


the product is called Merina...its a birth control product.



the subliminal connection is a persons name; 'Marena'...

sounds harmless or a non-issue at first....

But put Marena and Oswald together and you get the picture.
The wife of Lee Harvy Oswald, 'Marena', should not ever have kids is the implication
Marena/'Merina' are social taboo material, ostracized, and the
new birth control product has the implied result of wiping away potential miscreants...before they become unnatural killers in real life.

(recall the reason that the negative term 'Your Name is Mud' came into the popular culture lexicon? it revolved around another Assassination of a civil war president!)