In response to Bill's question, I am talking about the connection between
our behavior and our basic needs. While no one argues about food, shelter
and clothing, we also have a strong need to affiliate with others. This
need for affiliation can cause us to go along with what other people are
saying, unconsciously suppressing our own inclinations. The need for
affiliation is strongest when we are lonely, such as when we are new in
town--hence cult members hanging out in airports and bus terminals. Cults
also use food deprivation and other "brainwashing" techniques that
encourage dependency.
Of course, my "model" is not restricted to cults. Our need to relate to
others is fundamental in all of us, and it can strongly influence our
behavior. Our intelligence will not necessarily save us, especially if we
are too arrogant to perceive our own vulnerability.
>As a paraphrase of my response to John, is your model describing a causal
>link between contact with or exposure to cults and joining them? If so
>what explains people who have contact with or exposure to cults and don't
>join? I'm interpreting your example and the one's John offered as
>meaning
>that we are "acted upon", which seems to suggest that there is no element
>of "co-conspirator" behavior by the "target".
>
>Bill
--koebelin <koebelin@MCI2000.com>
Learning-org -- Hosted by Rick Karash <rkarash@karash.com> Public Dialog on Learning Organizations -- <http://www.learning-org.com>