Trump, Cult and Family Members.

[violetpastille]

I've been reading a little bit about cults, who is attracted to them and how to help loved ones leave them.

One interesting thing I've found is that cults impose a "pseudo-personality"

Flavil Yeakley, author of the book "The Discipling Dilemma" researched the effects of cultic influence upon individual personality traits. What he found was a cloning phenomenon. That is, members mirroring certain personality traits that corresponded to a preferred prototype, which was very similar to the group's leader. What can be seen from Yeakley's research and other examinations of cult members--is that a new identity is often developed and shaped through their influence. This new personality is often not consistent with the member's previous character and may seem like mimicry of other members.

Family members that were previously low-information Reagan conservatives with all of Reagan's smiling, rosy cheeked bigotry have turned into something quite different. They are socially-avoidant, addicted to television and letting their health run down. They are openly hateful when previously they had been mostly just insular. "They aren't the same person anymore."

The advice that I keep running into is
1. Don't confront the cult member openly about the cult. They will double down into their chants, doctrine and slogans.
2. Let them know that you love them no matter what. "You will always be my xxxx, and I will always love you.
3. Ask open ended questions that will stimulate critical thinking. "What do you see yourself doing in five years?" "What are your plans for retirement?"

4. Visit the cult member as often as is possible

Again, during a visit focus on positive things such as happy memories and/or something good that recently occurred. Try to draw out the submerged personality through a sense of humor and/or the rapport you may have historically established before that person's cult involvement. Bring photos of old friends and family. And encourage others to make personal visits too. Such visits may be the only meaningful personal contact the cult member has outside the group.

The cult member should treat you with courtesy too. If you are not treated respectfully feel free to say, "You know I am doing the best I can to understand you and be respectful, I would appreciate it if you would please treat me with the same consideration." And if during a visit you feel pressured or confronted say, "I really don't want to discuss anything that might lead to a disagreement--please let's try to make this a nice visit." And again it's almost always appropriate to say; "I love you." And/or "It's really good to see you."

5. When they express doubts or signs of leaving:

Most cult members will eventually walk away from their respective groups. Sadly, this may take place after years of exploitation and personally destructive involvement. Specifically, they may have experienced psychological, emotional and at times financial and physical damage.

It is vitally important to express your unconditional love. Never say, "I told you so" or act in a punitive way or guilt-inducing manner.

6. They joined a cult because they were in search of identity and community and some stability. When they leave they will need you, if you can still be there for them.

Although Trumps followers are showing all the traits of cult members; except for being a psychopath Trump isn't much good as a cult leader. He's pretty weak tea. The GOP still has its radio and FOX and Facebook waiting for their next guy.

If we can heal his followers - we will be in a much better position in 2020.


The followers are looking for a true leader.

[salin]

1. I think the "Cult Leader" is the amalgram of indignation/indoctrination of Fox News.

Trump is just the current figure head.

I agree with all else that you write. I have been reading a lot about the processes of mind-control (especially through the prism of Scientology) for the past 3-4 years. The mechanisms - esp when amplified through other in-bubble sources such as talk radio, internet forums - and even more so when also projected/reinforced/infused with "godliness" by blending far right Christianity with GOP politics (this is not new under Trump - it was in strong force under W as well) seem to work in similar ways.

[violetpastille]

3. The "Cult Leader" is the amalgram of indignation/indoctrination of Fox News

FOX, Facebook, and hate radio and those e-mails that they promulgate. Absolutely.

I am thankful that Trump is such a personal mess and isn't taking full advantage of his equipment.

It's bizarre that I am thankful that the President is a total physical and emotional mess. And I'm not that thankful.
Strange times.

[salin]

4. Very strange, and dark, times.

[AnotherMother4Peace]

2. Trump is now taking orders from Limbaugh, et al. Does that make them the cult heads?