Beer in the Headlights

Control. Exerting power over people's lives. Coercing them to become emotionally bound to ideas or individuals. Intimidating followers into maintaining loyalty.

Cults are everywhere and in all forms.

Communism is a cult. The politics are the faith and the party is the church. The phrase "political correctness" was coined by Vladimir Lenin. It's a tactic and used to demagogue, shame and force people to only speak of what is approved by those in positions of power. We see it today from the political left.

There are cults based upon faith. Scientology comes to mind; as do the Branch Davidians, Raelians, and Heaven's Gate followers.

Veganism can be seen as a cult. The leaders of this movement seek to esteem its adherents with an air of superiority over those that consume animal flesh or products. Non-followers are subjected to ridicule and shame. Vegans are just better than those of us that enjoy a good burger or a cold glass of milk.

My first job out of college was with a company that was run very much like a cult. There were policies such as acceptable attire (no double-breasted suits), requirements for car allowances and encouragement to socialize almost exclusively with other employees.

Perhaps the single greatest common thread among the different forms of cults in existence is that of control. Control over what followers say, do, think, or eat. The leaders of cults all implore their followers to form a bond of trust. That trust is the fulcrum from which the lever of control is exerted against the followers. Members are to accept what the leader or leaders say and do as correct - dissent is not tolerated. Dissent is a violation of trust.

Cult members are not allowed to "go quietly." Verbal abuse and intimidation are the lightest tactics used to either quiet them or keep them in the cult against their will.

Cults of politics, faith, lifestyle and even celebrity. They're everywhere and none of them are good.