I’ve been very interested in cults and high-control groups for a couple decades now. One thing people don't understand about cults is that for the most part they aren't started by someone who says 'Hey! It'd be great to start a cult!' and then they study how cults operate and create their own high control group from the ground up. Cults tend to just start organically because of a combination of narcissistic people who want to lead and control others, and people who are looking for love, acceptance and (easy) answers. Abusive relationships are 1:1 cults. There is always something appealing about the cult or its leader at the start. It may provide the potential follower with answers to questions they didn't really know they had. It may make them feel understood. It may give them confidence. It may make them feel like they have found a home. It may make them feel like they have found their true calling. It may make them feel loved. It may provide them with a loving (lovebombing) group of friends that they've never really had before. It may give them an Us when they’ve always felt like an Other.
I was just thinking this morning how important cults are and how I wanted feminists to write more about them. And be aware of the issues round them. And then you did :) I think I need to read again in order to comment but already finding useful . Thanks
I was just thinking this morning how important cults are and how I wanted feminists to write more about them. And be aware of the issues round them. And then you did :) I think I need to read again in order to comment but already finding useful . Thanks
I think we are just driven by our primitive biological brain . Survive reproduce the species
we have forgotten this.
If we remember the thing controlling us is our own primitive state then we can change that
we can alter our thinking once we look deep
into our motives choose not to be controlled
by out dated biological imperatives.
Well just an idea .
I enjoyed reading your article and will take a look at the books .