Cults can exist in personal residences, but also in workplaces and in politics ... are you in a cult?

(I suspect people actually in cults would not recognize it, but just for humor sake)

Ten warning signs of a potentially unsafe group/leader
1. Absolute authoritarianism without meaningful accountability.

2. No tolerance for questions or critical inquiry.

3. No meaningful financial disclosure regarding budget, expenses such as an independently audited financial statement.

4. Unreasonable fear about the outside world, such as impending catastrophe, evil conspiracies and persecutions.

5. There is no legitimate reason to leave, former followers are always wrong in leaving, negative or even evil.

6. Former members often relate the same stories of abuse and reflect a similar pattern of grievances.

7. There are records, books, news articles, or television programs that document the abuses of the group/leader.

8. Followers feel they can never be "good enough".

9. The group/leader is always right.

10. The group/leader is the exclusive means of knowing "truth" or receiving validation, no other process of discovery is really acceptable or credible.


signs of a safe group leader

1. A safe group/leader will answer your questions without becoming judgmental and punitive.

2. A safe group/leader will disclose information such as finances and often offer an independently audited financial statement regarding budget and expenses. Safe groups and leaders will tell you more than you want to know.


3.A safe group/leader is often democratic, sharing decision making and encouraging accountability and oversight.


4.A safe group/leader may have disgruntled former followers, but will not vilify, excommunicate and forbid others from associating with them.

5. A safe group/leader will not have a paper trail of overwhelmingly negative records, books, articles and statements about them.

6. A safe group/leader will encourage family communication, community interaction and existing friendships and not feel threatened.

7. A safe group/leader will recognize reasonable boundaries and limitations when dealing with others.

8. A safe group/leader will encourage critical thinking, individual autonomy and feelings of self-esteem.

9.A safe group/leader will admit failings and mistakes and accept constructive criticism and advice.

10.A safe group/leader will not be the only source of knowledge and learning excluding everyone else, but value dialogue and the free exchange of ideas.

from http://www.culteducation.com/warningsigns.html

Good lists.

I want to add, that as with some other things, if you go down these lists and find that some, but not all of the items apply, that doesn't mean you aren't in a problematic situation. Lots of these elements and warning signs are, entirely by themselves, indications of big trouble.

In other words, just because you decide you aren't mixed up with a cult, doesn't mean that the opposite extreme is true, and that what you are involved with is wonderful and socially healthy.

Someone who is using part of the TOOL KIT of a cult leader to accomplish other goals, is still very dangerous to you.

NO

I guess I should throw those Moonies out of my house

Really, who thinks of this stuff?

behavioral psychologists? and those interested in psychology maybe ...?

Yawn.

Sounds like some ppls parents, Boss, School officials, credit card companies, bill collectors etc...

Are you in a Cult? More like, what cult has got you in this madness to begin with.

Free Ya Mind, and Ya Behind will Follow.

Also,not being a herd follower/ of the herd mentality...insomuch as one is able...becsause at the end of the day there's still bills to pay and you need a roof over your head...

No, I'm not in a cult. However I can't say the same for many of current followers in a certain cult like atmosphere. What you described in your bad leader or cult leader. Sounds like the DNC. If I had time I could give a example of each 10 items you listed. The second part made me feel better cause that part sounded like the the Trump era. Now I'm sure I'm not in a cult.

okay.

I'm in the bun club. We all wear our hair up and drink caffeine. We take a 50 hour class on how to be nice and not be negative. I haven't taken the class yet.

hhhmmm.....
does anybody else notice the strong resemblance between a 'cult',and 'the trump administration/his supporters'?

Well..I am here.

and yet you stay so strong and independent minded ...

After reading the OP....I suspect my current job may be a cult.

Sounds just like the upper management!

having left the traditional 'employment' arena, I can totally relate.

Ah indeed, that is an interesting topic, I'm afraid to say I believe this is the ONLY rational way to understand society. Corporations, military, religious sects, households, many strata of civilization are idiosyncratically governed. At one extremity of the spectrum we find varying degrees of voluntary consignment opposed to denizenry on the other. I'd say pick your poison, because sociologically, there is no escaping it if you cohabitate with large groups, work in a populated metropolis or practice any kind of religion.

You are, harmony. You have already decided that Kavanaugh is guilty. Apply those 10 rules of a cult, to your decision of Kavanaugh being guilty. You're going along completely with what your group think says about this.

How does it feel to be judge, jury and executioner?

Uh, there are more signs of a cult than those provided by msharmony.

I have made comments regarding the allegation and why or whether it should be taken seriously in regards to the CHARACTER of a potential LIFETIME SUPREME COURT JUDGE,

and as to applying the rules of a cult to this non related issue:

1. I obviously DON't support authority without accountability.
2. I obviously DO tolerate inquiry of the allegation (not cult like)
3. Kavanaugh-Blakey has nothing to do with finance records.
4. I have no fear of the outside world, et cetera.
5. I have not said anything about there being no legitimate reasons for either accuser or accused.
6. Kavanaugh-Blakey doesnt apply to 'former members'
7. There ARE records and documents that record the accusation, before it went to press.(psychologist notes and personal letter)
8. Kavanaugh-Blakey doesnt apply to followers feeling 'good enough'.
9. There is no group leader here, as everyone is sharing their opinions.
10. There is a process of discovery other than what any 'leader' puts forth, which is determined by the rules of SCOTUS appointment and the law.

KAvanaugh-Blakey, nothing to do with 'cult'.