CULT STRATEGIES

Hukill, Traci (2005) Friends, METROACTIVE.COM, 3/13.

Some strategies include the following:

1. THE PROMISE OF INNER PEACE AND WORLD PEACE
2. MIXED MESSAGE- HEARING THE GOOD WORD (SECULAR OR SACRED) WITH SLEEP DEPRIVATION AND HARD TO SIT IN CHAIRS.
3. LITTLE TIME IS GIVEN FOR REFLECTION.
4. THE MIND IS BOMBARDED AND OVERLOADED.
5. THERE IS TIME TO VENT AND BE REPUDIATED IN COMFORTABLE WAYS.
6. SESSIONS ARE AFFORDABLE BUT NOT CHEAP SO THERE IS A FEELING OF COMMITMENT.
7. STATEMENTS ARE MADE SO THAT STAYING QUIET IS PASSIVE CONSENT.
8. A NEW VOCABULARY IS QUICKLY INTRODUCED THAT FAVOR THE AUTHORITY OF THE CONVERTING ORGANIZATION.
9. THE STREET SMART ARE WEEDED OUT BY THE HIGH FEE THAT IS AFFORDABLE TO IDEALISTIC UPPER MIDDLE CLASS.
10. SOCIAL ISOLATES ARE ATTRACTED AND HAVE ATTENDED OTHER ORGANIZATIONS OF LIKE MANNER.
11. ADVANCE SESSIONS COST MORE MONEY.
12. MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PROSELYTIZE.
13. THERE IS A LOTTERY CHANCE THAT ONE CAN MOVE UP IN THE ORGANIZATION.
14. THE ORGANIZATION IS ESSENTIALLY A PYRAMID WHERE FEW PROFIT FROM THE MANY.
15. THE ORGANIZATION GENTLY STRIPS THE INDIVIDULS DEFENSE MECHANISMS.