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identify specific “cult” criteria: charismatic leaders, mind-altering behaviors, sexual and financial exploitation, an us-versus-them mentality toward nonmembers, and an ends-justify-the-means philosophy.
Amanda Montell • Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism
Generally speaking, all the authorities exercising individual control function according to a double mode; that of binary division and branding (mad/sane; dangerous/harmless; normal/abnormal); and that of coercive assignment of differential distribution (who he is; where he must be; how he is to be characterized; how he is to be recognized; how a
... See moreAs Amanda Montell describes in her book Cultish, “Though the stakes and consequences of respective affiliations differ considerably, the methods used to assert power—to create community and solidarity, to establish an ‘us’ and a ‘them,’ to align collective values, to justify questionable behavior, to instill ideology and inspire fear—are uncannily,
... See moreEmily Lynn Paulson • Hey, Hun
Corporatism, aided by positive psychology, relies on several effective coercive persuasion techniques, similar to those often employed by cults, to meld workers into a “happy” collective. It sanctions interpersonal and psychological attacks and lavish praise to destabilize an individual’s sense of self and promote compliance. It uses the coercive
... See moreChris Hedges • Empire of Illusion: The End of Literacy and the Triumph of Spectacle
The Left Cannot Just Denounce Cults/Abuse; We Must Undermine Its Conditions of Possibility
theanarchistlibrary.org
I have heard John McKnight say that advisory groups speak quietly to power, protestors scream at power, and neither chooses to reclaim or produce power. The real problem with rebellion is that it is such fun. It avoids taking responsibility, operates on the high ground, is fueled by righteousness, gives legitimacy to blame, and is a delightful
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