'Ive penned this in response to the TPV thread and where Worzel thought it deserved one of it's own. Hope that's ok. I've helped a few people immersed in cults to look beyond them and (hopefully) disassociate themselves and come to terms with real life again.
Well, what is a cult exactly? In it's simplest form I see it as a system of beliefs by a disparate group of adherents with devotion to a leader and mission. Cults are totalitarian by nature and socially addictive. They may practice deception, exploitation, abuse and manipulation of its members in various ways and guises. While not all cults are divisive of the family group, many are. These demand 100% loyalty as well as volunteered and / or financial support. Complete freedom of expression isn't tolerated.
Non-compliant members find themselves thrown out of an organisation. In the case of Jehovah's Witnesses, former members are completely shunned to such an extent that they become non-people. The Elders (group and congregation leaders) severely reprimand anyone even looking at ex-members let alone talking to them. In Scientology, controllers go to great lengths to stalk and intimidate former members, and this cult is notorious for extracting large sums from adherents. I knew one member personally who was convinced she needed to keep paying hundreds of pounds on a course to become 'clear' as it's described. When I sat and listened to her one time I started to fall into my protective cult awareness mode but I could see that nothing I might say would make a difference because she was totally indoctrinated and brainwashed into Scientology along with its bizarre beliefs (some of which they like to keep very secret lest it harm their beguiling and illusory recruitment methods). Anyway, my former friend was intent on her course and thereafter no doubt discovered (surprise surprise) that there was then a bucket load of further courses costing literally thousands.
As to whether Icke & Co can legitimately be called a cult is debatable. Thinking about the DIF certainly rings a few warning bells, and the devoted crowds in attendance wherever he appears is indicative of cult status and a cult following. And his deception is clearly evident, not least when he talks of non-compliance yet complies each step of the way (poll tax / Ofcom to mention two) so it's a matter of do as I say not as I do. He reputedly believes in free speech yet his forum is run by sheep-like devotees who stamp on it and continually ban people. This in itself is classic cult behaviour - silence the opposition so that they don't taint the followers and allow them to question the regime.
And it is a regime - an established system for control while those at the top cream off funds for their own purposes but which are said to be used for the good of all. Then there's the lack of transparency with TPV, and after the outcry over it, the contemptible lie of the hastily cobbled Account Sheet. There is obviously much to hide and I dare say a few revelations will surface before long which will show it in a sinister light. It is all beginning to look like a despicable hybrid of Animal Farm and 1984. When things don't run smoothly or someone questions authority, seek a scapegoat and execute them (Sonia Poulton for example). Then pour derisive scorn on them when, just a short time ago, they were so utterly brilliant and praiseworthy! And yet so few followers see through it. All quite disturbing when closely examined.
One of the problems with this kind of group is that they herd together and tend to have collective thinking to the extent that they shift their beliefs to what the regime dictates. This can be subtle, as with Icke lecturing on reptilians at length then saying no-one has to take it on board, but...but... People then come to believe it but don't worry about any incontrovertible evidence. When they are hoodwinked into the leader's beliefs they are drawn into allied ones because if the leader says it is so then it must be so, and anyone questioning it or demanding evidence is a troll, a troublemaker - someone who must be ousted and silenced.
Which takes me to another major concern. When does David Icke sit down for a polite discussion where his beliefs may be challenged? Even a moderate debate would suffice covering the theory of the hollow moon, aliens on the moon, the holographic universe, money and, of course, reptilians. It would be useful to see him quote his sources along with what evidence he has acquired to support his beliefs. I can only think of only one example, that being the Jesse Ventura one-to-one about reptilians, which Icke ended prematurely and angrily, retreated to an adjacent room and told JV to 'fuck off.'
Not exactly inspiring. The thing is, Icke is typical of the cult leader who thrives on absolute control. He knows that by allowing fair and serious debate he may be exposed as a fraudster and charlatan, and he cannot allow that to happen. After all, his books, TPV and his lectures are his livelihood. All we see are "yes men", RA for example on TPV, and people fawning over him, never daring to question, to sternly challenge. But with TPV he has overstepped his 'talent' and permitted his ego to create a TV channel which bleeds people dry of their money while offering precious little content of real significance or content which isn't available elsewhere. Was it not promised to be world-changing, something in stark defiance of the MSM?
And it is obvious that the donated money has been squandered, the details of which may later emerge. Sean & Co's trip to the U.S. for instance was unnecessary and wasteful, and reliable reports stated that they stayed in the best hotels, etc etc, and likely travelled first class living a luxurious lifestyle while it lasted. This is common to cults - the top echelons enjoying privileges paid for by the ignorant rank and file. Except in this case they overdid it and questions were being asked, hence the recent debacle.
Between them, Icke and Tabatabai have clearly pissed off a great number of people including some individuals they asked to be on TPV. So when it starts looking like a train wreck what does the cult leader do? Why, he plays the "poor me" psychological manoeuvre to generate sympathy amongst his followers. These can be relied upon to rally round, give up more of their money and keep the wheels rolling despite everything.
A cult relies on its addicts who cannot tell when they are being had. Because the regime seems to offer answers, solutions, camaraderie (DIF) and joyousness (non-compliance dance) within its ranks the members are obsessive and subordinate to the will of the leader without ever realising it.
Well, I think that's enough rambling on cults and Icke & Co for now.
Thanks for reading if you got this far. I will bow out if I may with just a few of many classic signs of a cult:-
- The regime has the answers you seek in life
- The leader presents him/herself as enlightened and 'the way'
- The leader is self-important and doesn't accept responsibility for failures
- The outside world is corrupt and catastrophe is near at hand
- Mainstream thinking is evil
- Opponents are viewed as a hostile enemy
- Members think they are special
- Members pay monies in one form or another
- Critical questioning is frowned upon or forbidden
- Promotion in the regime is via servility / money / special deeds / sexual favour
- A continual need to please the leader
- Increased isolation from the outside world
- A 'them and us' mentality is fostered
- Ongoing psychological manipulation of members
