The Effects of an American Cult:
Charles Manson and the Manson Family
Abstract
America’s foundation is based off of freedom. We generally have the right to do what we want, granted we don’t inflict any harm to any other individual. This includes having the control of our own thoughts and of the mind. The tragedy is that some people choose not to think for themselves. They believe someone else’s ideas because they are too weak willed to not think for themselves. This is the main force driving groups that are lead through irrational thoughts known as cults. A cult is a group of individual who allow a specific leader to fill their minds with non-sense and never question the rules within the group. This paper will focus on the cult formed in the sixties known as the Manson Family. It is clear how Mr. Manson started is illogical ideas through a lifetime of crime and abuse, however, his methods of manipulation and psychological breakdown are still researched today. He is the prime example of a cult and the ability to take a group and alter their entire beliefs of life.
The Effects of an American Cult:
Charles Manson and the Manson Family
When individuals lack a strong sense of self, they are usually weak and easily manipulated to conform to specific groups in order to feel connected by others. When the same individuals are tricked into living an unproductive life based around irrational beliefs and thought processes, it can be very detrimental to a person’s personality. The whole concept behind a cult, or a destructive cult, is almost a brainwashing process causing people to think irrationally for an unhealthy purpose. The toxic faith levels of a cult varies depending on the overall goals of the group, however, the goals always seem consisting of unhealthy values. The difference between a cult and a destructive cult is the presence of the group causing harm to others outside the group and within. A prime example of a damaging group that has irrational...