Friday, June 3, 2022

Is Trumpism a "Cult"?

 Consider the characteristics of a cult:


According to the Cult Education Institute, there are specific warning signs to look out for when considering whether a group might be a cult. Cults are characterized by:


  1. Absolute authoritarianism without accountability
  2. Zero tolerance for criticism or questions
  3. Lack of meaningful financial disclosure regarding budget
  4. Unreasonable fears about the outside world that often involve evil conspiracies and persecutions
  5. A belief that former followers are always wrong for leaving and there is never a legitimate reason for anyone else to leave
  6. Abuse of members
  7. Records, books, articles, or programs documenting the abuses of the leader or group
  8. Followers feeling they are never able to be “good enough”
  9. A belief that the leader is right at all times
  10. A belief that the leader is the exclusive means of knowing “truth” or giving validation

Here is Another one:

Cults have commonly been led by narcissists; harmful cults have been led by abusive narcissists.
The following are some common tendencies abusive narcissists share to different extents:

  • They believe they are always victims and are treated unfairly.
  • They consider their victims to be aggressors, and their opponents to be evil.
  • In their mind they are never wrong and never apologize; they will only rectify what they said if it will earn them power.
  • They consider themselves above the law.
  • They manipulate the hearts and minds of their enablers and create a group of unconditional fans or codependents.
  • They lie and believe their lies; whoever contradicts the lies will pay the consequences.
  • They lead their loyal and strong followers to commit crimes or unethical acts; they will not get their hands dirty publicly.
  • They produce codependents who will not question them or their character, since to do so would be a sign of weakness.
  • They are jealous if they are not at the top of the game, and until they convince themselves and others that they are at the top.
  • They are incapable of experiencing true empathy, and those at the bottom are in their mind losers; a win-win scenario is out of the picture.

Does the above apply to Trump and Trump followers? Are they a Cult?

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