From Robert Jay Lifton’s (1961) Control of environment, communication and information, isolating the person from outside world and from his or her own inner dialog. May include sleep, diet, schedule, living situation, etc. Deception is justified for the ‘higher purpose’ of the group. Certain experiences appear spontaneous to awe the recruit or cult member. The world is viewed as black and white (us vs. them) and group members are constantly pushed to strive for perfection. Guilt and shame become powerful control devices. Real or imagined ‘sins’ are to be confessed to the group. Boundaries of personal privacy are confused. The group’s doctrine (total ideology) is seen as the ‘Ultimate Truth’. No questions of this ‘Truth’ (and therefore, the group and leader) are allowed. Inhibits individual thought, imagination, creativity. Use of jargon internal to - and only understandable by - the group. Constricting the language constricts people’s capacity for independent thinking. One’s personal experience is subordinated to the ‘Truth’ of the group. Contrary experiences are shoe-horned to fit the needs of the doctrine. The person’s sense of integrity is lost. The group determines who has the right to exist and who doesn’t. Us vs. Them. Non-believers are considered ‘evil’ or non-people.
@@LucianoCruz Cancer. Don't smoke. Bois bas retreat in France, suicidals, self harms, eating disorders. Please help these humans, notify doctors, psychologists.
