Yes. Organized religion in its many forms is the most potent form of brainwashing. I don't need to fear the wrath of an imaginary entity to know how to behave.

Capitalism is definitely the caust of much stupidity in the U.S. Most people truly believe the myth that anyone can be a millionare, and they equate wealth with intelligence.

Don't forget white supremacy. It is so potent that people will be willing to have their own potential quashed in order to quash the potential of someone who doesn't look like them. The profound loss of talent and opportunity we have suffered in this nation would be terrifying, if we only contemplated it.