Let's see, does it check the boxes?
Join us as we go through the warning signs as outlined by cult expert Alexandra Stein: Cult/Totalist Recruitment Warning Signs. This list comes from here website if you want to learn more here:
http://www.alexandrastein.com/warning-signs.html
- The group/person has the Total and Only answer. Only they have the right line, will make the revolution, solve your problems, empower you, make you loved, rich, effective, holy, etc.
- Attempts to isolate you from existing close relationships (friends/family) and the outside world
- Extreme, immediate and/or inappropriate friendliness or attention.
- Promises of perfection if only you adhere to their program
- Your “gut-feeling” tells you something is wrong. Trust this, and try to analyze it.
- The group creates conditions of extreme stress, threat or fear (emotional and/or physical)
- Not answering questions, or turning them back on the questioner.
- Inappropriate personal boundaries
- Loaded language: strange language or jargon you initially can’t understand. Canned, repetitive phrases.
- A hard sell for further commitment, programs or contact. If you resist, you’re selfish, ungodly, “bourgeois”, don’t believe in yourself, etc.
- Encouragement to cut ties with family or friends, unless you can recruit them.
- Secrecy, inappropriate “confidentiality”.
- Lack of privacy - constantly with group members, constantly busy with group activities.
- Ends justifies the means. It’s OK to lie to others in the name of the Cause, God, for success, etc.
- Challenging your fundamental identity: Your strengths are criticized as your weaknesses.
- Once you’re in, heavy pressure to stay in.
- Those who do leave are shunned. They become the enemy, or objects of pity.
- No criticism allowed of the group or leader. The group/leader is always right.
- Deception: what you thought you’d get on joining or attending an activity turns out to be something else.
And also...
***The views and opinions expressed on Journey Into Yoga Cults are just that: views and opinions; and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast or the hosts. Stories told by hosts and guests are their own personal experiences, viewpoints and perspective. Any content provided by our hosts, guests, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, institution, corporation, business, individual, anyone or anything.*** (thank you @alittlebitculty for letting us borrow your very awesome legal disclaimer)
More resources:
"Terror, Love and Brainwashing" by Alexandra Stein https://www.google.com/books/edition/Terror_Love_and_Brainwashing/ICslDwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=andrea+stein+cult+book&printsec=frontcover
"Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism: A Study of 'brainwashing' in China" by Robert J. Lifton https://www.amazon.com/Thought-Reform-Psychology-Totalism-brainwashing/dp/0807842532
