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In Reply to: Is The Family a cult? posted by Acheick on July 26, 2004 at 13:05:05:
It's a semantics issue, and the more educated people are, the more they seem to love to argue the meaning of language.
It is correct that some companies operate in a cult-like fashion. But, it is also true that in the U.S. companies are strictly regulated in the way that they can treat their employees and customers. I run a business and I don't agree that nobody ever talks about the harm that business does. From where I sit between the Unions I negotiate with, the California Workers Compensation system and personal injury attorneys, it seems that all that ever happens is more regulation on business.
So, if you work for me for 20 years, and you are injured (physically, or emotionally), you have recourse. If you work for a group like The Family, and become injured, you probably have little or no recourse. But, I guess I don't have to tell you that.
Getting back to the term "Cult", in order for it to have any meaning, we have to agree that it means something specific. We could come up with a new name for groups like The Family, but unless we agree on the meaning, the new term is no better.
Most Americans agree that Websters Dictionary does a good job of defining what our language means.
I went to websters.com and typed in cult. Here is the #1 meaning:
"A religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader. "
So, let's go down the line:
Is The Family:
1. A religious sect?
2. Is it generally considered extreamist or false?
3. Do its followers often live in an unconventional manner?
4. Do its follers live under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader?
I guess that if you answer "Yes" to most of the questions above, then The Family fits the generally accepted definition.
But, some things are a matter of opinion. That's where semantics come in.
In my opinion, The Family does fit the definition.
