Trump in comparison to Jim Jones - NPD and what we need to realize.
It has been common in twitter space to see people comparing Trump cultists to Jim Jones followers, however I think this is an apt comparison and one that has some very dire and dark warnings for people.
Just finished reading the book Seductive Poison by Deborah Layton who was a former member of the People's Temple. This was a could not put down book about how everyday people were drawn in and controlled by Jim Jones and an inside look at how his members were treated.
Please also see Jim Jones and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) by Gary Maynard: https://jonestown.sdsu.edu/?page_id=29416
I would like to provide some quotes from this article.
"The first characteristic of narcissism is having a grandiose sense of self-importance, Jones clearly used his talents of speaking and preaching to show and display to others his superiority and self-importance. He told Hue Fortson and others in the group, “If you see me as your savior, I will be your savior. If you see me as your God, then I’ll be your God” (The Life and Death of Peoples Temple, PBS)."
False Front:
He was charismatic, friendly, supportive, and seemed to have “divine” powers to heal the body and soul. But then slowly the truth became more and more apparent – the beatings, the theft of money, the paranoia, the drug use, rape, emotional abuse, and virtual imprisonment in Jonestown made it clear to many who Jim Jones really was or was becoming (The Life and Death of Peoples Temple, PBS).
Feeling they are special:"This characteristic can lead the narcissist to categorize the people in their life in a highly delineated manner, by grouping them into worthy and unworthy people. "
"Clearly, Jones did not believe that the rules and laws of society applied to him. This is apparent from the various accounts of his rape of women in the group, his abuse of drugs and alcohol – while simultaneously telling his congregation that these things were wrong – and his use of physical and emotional techniques to control and humiliate his followers. "
"The sixth characteristic of a narcissist – exploiting and abusing others in order to achieve their goals or satisfy their need for power – is indicative of a sociopathic or pathological narcissist."
"The seventh characteristic of a narcissist is a severe lack of empathy for the feelings, concerns and predicament of others"
"Luckily for the United States, it is very difficult for a singular narcissist to seize absolute power."
Does any of this start to sound familiar as it relates to Trump? Further it is a very interesting comparing people from all walks of life who were the supporters of Jim Jones and the Republican party and his minority base.
I just want to ask this question. 909 people died in the Jonestown massacre. Jim himself did not force the poison down people's throats it was his followers who did so, and also his followers who shot and killed the people who refused. Some of them in later recounting have stated if they had known of his deceptions they could have done something. And they were many who were armed but they were brainwashed into distrusting each other and believed they would be imprisoned, tortured and killed if they left the temple so they lived in fear of everyone else, all "Others" including each other. Again - sound familiar? His followers mixed the poison, killed their own children, and shot those who refused it. They themselves were abused, beaten and starved.
How did this happen? The unthinkable? Especially when former members warned that it would happen?
This is not a point that should be used to belittle people who are Trump supporters or even Trump himself.
I think the comparison is far more dangerous and should be taken seriously because Trump will follow the same playbook and history points out how this all ends time and time again.
I am going to hope that there are people in our government and security agencies that see this clearly and are acting accordingly. It could explain some of the reluctance of not immediately removing and impeaching Trump. Look what happened in Guyana when the congressional investigation was sent. Also he will not leave willingly. He will want to take everyone down with him.
= new reply since forum marked as read
