Can members of the Trump cult be deprogrammed after the leader falls?

[applegrove]

Can members of the Trump cult be deprogrammed after the leader falls?

Steven Hassan says yes. Author of "The Cult of Trump" on our president's similarities to famous cult leaders — and how to break the grip

CHAUNCEY DEVEGA at Salon

https://www.salon.com/2019/10/22/cam-members-of-the-trump-cult-be-deprogrammed-after-the-leader-falls-steven-hassan-says-yes/

"SNIP.....


How does Trump’s movement meet the definition and criteria for a cult?

Destructive cults are authoritarian, pyramid-structured groups where there is often a charismatic or authoritarian leader at the top who commands total power and loyalty. Destructive cults also use deceptive recruitment and specific control of techniques. These techniques include behavior control, information control, thought control and emotional control to keep people dependent and obedient within that group’s structure.

......

The group really demands a pseudo-identity. It is not your real conscience or your real self. You become someone who is a tool of the leader, an instrument to be used or to be thrown away. Much of the manipulation, aside from telling the members, "You're the chosen ones," is about guilt and fear. It is actually a very unpleasant experience to be in one of these cult groups long-term.

......

Trump tells his followers not to listen to his critics or former members of the group — meaning people who have left his administration or otherwise no longer support this presidency and movement. Trump also tells his followers not to listen to other information if it is critical of him. Outside information is essential for reality-testing and how we as human beings make our own decisions and practice free will. Donald Trump also tells his followers that if you don't follow him, terrible things are going to happen to you, the country and the world.

.....SNIP"

[RDANGELO]

1. It has been said that Trump is not the disease; he is a symptom.

The disease is Fox News and other right wing media. As long as these outlets operate as they do, pushing xenophobia and veiled racism, there is a chance of another Trump.

[dchill]

4. Typhoid Mary IS Rush Limbaugh.

[Aussie105]

2. It's an affliction

common in some societies. And cults seem to pop up in the US often.

To bring meaning and purpose to life, is difficult for some people. And any 'leader' who promises to provide that, has an easy audience.

When I come across someone like that, promising some insight into the Human Condition and telling me he knows better, has the answers, the cynical side of me fires up and I ask questions like . . . What is in it for you? . . . What is the source of your claimed superhuman insight?

Then, thinking about the events in Waco Texas, and Jonestown, and the Flavor-Aid, the Mothership to take them all away, the appeal of a spiritual 'leader' suddenly becomes abhorrent.

I picked Trump as someone pretending to be more than he was, from watching parts of The Apprentice years ago.

A healthy dose of cynicism and questioning never goes astray. Worth developing and honing.

Can Trump believers be deprogrammed? I'm guessing most will go into hiding, pretend they never followed him, and take their social cues and attitudes from those around them.
They will reintegrate back into normal society.
It will take time, though.

[stopdiggin]

3. or we could just pull the plug on FOX

and watch them disintegrate in real time.
--- ---

[Laffy Kat]

5. No, and they will and should lose all validity and respectability. nt

[NCLefty]

6. If they sense imminent and real Failure... many will break.

But not before.

[VOX]

7. As long as RW media continue to generate and support an alternative reality for the "faithful"...

[Insert RW talking point here highlighting the “great victories” Trump has won by playing golf & watching Fox on taxpayers’ nickel]

Those susceptible to such vitriol and hatred would worship a turd in a bottle if they were told to do so by Rush, Hannity, et al.

Their weirdness and unrelenting zeal give them an edge in communications resources that Democrats must overcome, and it is reasonable and feasible.

[Whiskeytide]

8. The people who voted for trump...

... in 2016 were either “need to wear a helmet stupid” or total dicks.

Maybe you can reach a few of the less stupid ones. But the dicks are a lost cause.

[2naSalit]

9. Conversion therapy?

they seem to think it's good for gays, maybe they should try it out.