The term "woke social justice culture" refers to a prevailing spirit or trend that has gained significant influence and impact, representing a collective consciousness shaping attitudes and actions on social justice issues. However, more and more, we hear hear the social justice movement being characterized as a harmful cult or secular religion. Indeed, many concepts and behaviors associated with woke culture seem like secular analogies for religious ideas.
The comparison between "white guilt" and original sin highlights the notion that certain individuals are considered inherently guilty or responsible for historical injustices based on their racial identity. Just like original sin is believed to be inherited from Adam and Eve, "white guilt" is sometimes associated with collective responsibility for historical wrongs.
Some extreme expressions of environmentalism and veganism may be perceived as characterizing humans as inherently flawed and responsible for ecological destruction. This view can resemble the idea of humans as "damned" or "sinners" in religious contexts, leading to a misanthropic perspective.
Anti-capitalist views often criticize the inherent exploitative nature of capitalism and may characterize human nature as inherently selfish or evil. This notion can draw parallels to religious concepts of human depravity or original sin.
Some individuals who undergo gender reassignment surgery may use language akin to religious "born again" experiences, emphasizing a transformation or rebirth into their affirmed gender identity.
Furthermore, cults are known for using various manipulative techniques to control and influence their members, which are fundamentally antithetical to the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is a therapeutic approach grounded in evidence-based practices, aiming to help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors to improve mental health and well-being.
Cults often isolate their members from external influences, limiting their exposure to conflicting ideas or information. Similarly, in radical social justice culture, there may be instances of "cancel culture" or ostracization of individuals who hold opposing views, discouraging dissent and limiting open dialogue. In some instances, woke culture may encourage social isolation from individuals or groups that hold opposing views or are perceived as unsupportive of social justice causes. This isolation can lead to echo chambers where dissenting perspectives are not heard or considered.
Cults promote an "us versus them" mentality, encouraging members to adopt a group's beliefs and reject outsiders. In some radical social justice circles, a similar groupthink dynamic can occur, where certain beliefs are reinforced, and dissenting opinions are discouraged or criticized.
Cults use specialized jargon or loaded perversions of language to create a sense of belonging and identity among members. In radical social justice culture, certain terms or phrases can serve a similar purpose, fostering a shared sense of identity and reinforcing group cohesion.
Cults employ persuasive techniques that exploit emotional vulnerabilities to recruit and retain members. In some cases, radical social justice activism may use emotional appeals to rally support or sway public opinion on social issues. One example is the widespread myth that a child is more likely to commit suicide if parents do not support gender transitioning.
Cults discourage critical thinking or questioning of the group's beliefs. Similarly, some radical social justice activists may shut down debates or discussions by labeling dissenting views as "oppressive" or "violent," limiting intellectual exploration.
Cults control the information available to their members, promoting only materials that align with their beliefs. In certain instances of radical social justice culture, there may be a tendency to filter or censor information that challenges prevailing narratives.
While woke culture seems very cult-like and often adopts religious themes, the bottom-up nature of this culture, characterized by its lack of a centralized authority or leadership, distinguishes it from religions or cults, which typically have clear doctrines and hierarchical structures. Without centralized leadership, woke social justice activism is more diverse in its viewpoints, tactics, and strategies, making it less predictable than religions with established dogmas. Social justice culture, despite being very much cult-like, is more accurately characterized as a zeitgeist.
However, this very lack of central authority and predictability can be argued to make it more dangerous than religion. Religions, with their structured doctrines and top-down leadership, often have clear boundaries and established principles guiding their followers. This predictability can lead to a certain level of stability and consistency within religious communities.
On the other hand, woke social justice activism's decentralized and unpredictable nature can lead to varying degrees of extremism and radicalism among its participants. Without a singular set of guiding principles, different factions within the movement may push for drastic changes, leading to unforeseen consequences and potential for social division. The phrase "the Left eat their own", often used when progressives themselves are victims of cancel culture, highlights the fact that even those within the movement cannot predict where it will go.
It is crucial to acknowledge that a zeitgeist, despite its initial bottom-up nature, has the potential to evolve into something more resembling a religion or cult (or shelter smaller cultish subcultures within itself) If a prevailing social movement gains significant momentum and influence, there might be a tendency for charismatic individuals or leaders to emerge, garnering a cult of personality. This shift could lead to the centralization of power and decision-making, transforming the movement from a decentralized zeitgeist to one with hierarchical leadership.
In conclusion, while woke social justice culture can be described as a bottom-up zeitgeist due to its decentralized nature, it is essential to recognize that this very characteristic can make it more unpredictable and potentially dangerous than religions with their established doctrines and centralized leadership.
Produced by Clint Warren - Aided by ChatGPT
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