Cult Culture

This question has mystified many people who throw the word “cult” around to explain groups of individuals they do not understand, or who have beliefs that seem “crazy.” But there’s something much more sinister happening under the surface of cults than can be seen. There’s a really great show on Netflix called Explained, which dives into a whole host of topics, and one of the episodes deals with cults. In the episode, the narrator (LaKeith Stanfield) explains that cults have three main characteristics: 1) A charismatic leader who wants to be a God-like figure 2) An indoctrination program known as “Thought Reform” 3) Some form of exploitation (sexual, financial, etc.) The episode argues that the main reason individuals are drawn towards cults is because they’re at a crossroads in their life and are searching for alternative forms of meaning. Sometimes, people become so dissatisfied with their lives and lack the support system to deal with their issues that it seems preferable to reac

What makes a cult, a cult? How do cults form? How do people become involved in cults? Are people aware they're in a cult? These are questions that I've wondered for years. Cults have been in the news for decades, and have garnered widespread public attention. Nearly everyone has heard of infamous cults like the Manson Family and NXIVM, but there are several cults that lurk in the shadows, drawing people in unwittingly, and going unnoticed by society at large. Cults don't just impact those who join; they have a deep, unrelenting effect on the friends and family members of their participants. This blog is going to explore how cults form, how they recruit members, how they shape the lives of their participants, and much more. If you've ever wondered the same things I have about the development and continuation of cults, then this is the blog for you. Each week, I'll be unpacking more and more information about the culture of cults in the form of weekly blog posts, with