Oh, of course, but the distinction (not being pedantic, it is important) is that they control "behavior" not "consciousness". Many people obey some mass idiocy

Oh, of course, but the distinction (not being pedantic, it is important) is that they control "behavior" not "consciousness". Many people obey some mass idiocy promoted by some organized entity precisely because of their intelligence, appreciation of the situation, and their take on the equation of benefitial social behavior. It's not heroic but it is not unintelligent. And this social calculus may actually be happening inside the heads of the majority of the population. We simply do not know.