So, I was discussing my research in activities and clubs to join with my newly acquired free time due to retirement with one of my screaming liberal daughters today. She knows I’m a conservative Trump voter. She says to me, “don’t go joining any dangerous things” I asked “like what?’ She says, “you know Qanon, it’s a cult.” I said “First of all there is no such thing as Qanon, second of all Q is not a cult.” I imagine she’ll be featuring me in some liberal blog of how she’s trying to rescue me next…..
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She might be liberal, but can she still think?
What are the characteristics of a cult? Does your daughter think that Q made demands upon us? Threatened us in any way? Told us we are not supposed to think independently?
Below are characteristics of a cult:
https://andynaselli.com/sociological-characteristics-of-cults
[1] Authoritarian Leadership
Authoritarianism involves the acceptance of an authority figure who exercises excessive control on cult members. As prophet or founder, this leader’s word is considered ultimate and final. . . .
Often this authoritarianism involves legalistic submission to the rules and regulations of the group as established by the cult leader (or, as in the case of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, submission to the Watchtower Society). Cult members are fully expected to submit, even if they do not agree with the requirements. Unquestioning obedience is compulsory.
[2] Exclusivism
Cults often believe that they alone have the truth. The cult views itself as the single means of salvation on earth; to leave the group is to endanger one’s soul.
[3] Isolationism
The more extreme cults sometimes create fortified boundaries, often precipitating tragic endings (we have already mentioned the tragedies in Waco and Jonestown). Some cults require members to renounce and break off associations with parents and siblings.
[4] Opposition to Independent Thinking
Some cultic groups discourage members from thinking independently. The “thinking,” as it were, has already been done for them by the cult leadership; the proper response is merely to submit. .
[5] Fear of Being “Disfellowshiped”
Finally, some cults use fear and intimidation to keep members in line. Members may be told that something awful will happen to them should they choose to leave the group. Others may be told that Satan will attack them and may even kill them, for they will have committed the unpardonable sin. Such fear tactics are designed to induce submission. Even when people do muster enough courage to leave the group, they may endure psychological consequences and emotional baggage for years to come.
I’m going to borrow this if you do not mind.