Personally, the most disturbing thing from watching a few of the "Occupy" movement is the characteristics of the movement which are so similar to cults. The repetition of what is said is the most obvious signal, which actually forced me to look up lists of characteristics of cults. One of the more interesting things I stumbled upon was a list of characteristics defined by Steven Hassan, and (in particular) his list of characteristics about thought control
From: http://www.prem-rawat-talk.org/forum/uploads/CultCharacteristics.htm
III. Thought Control
1. Need to internalize the group's doctrine as "Truth"a. Map = Reality2. Adopt "loaded" language (characterized by "thought-terminating clichés"). Words are the tools we use to think with. These "special" words constrict rather than expand understanding. They function to reduce complexities of experience into trite, platitudinous "buzz words".
b. Black and White thinking
c. Good vs. evil
d. Us vs. them (inside vs. outside)3. Only "good" and "proper" thoughts are encouraged.
4. Thought-stopping techniques (to shut down "reality testing" by stopping "negative" thoughts and allowing only "good" thoughts); rejection of rational analysis, critical thinking, constructive criticism.
a. Denial, rationalization, justification, wishful thinking
b. Chanting
c. Meditating
d. Praying
e. Speaking in "tongues"
f. Singing or humming
5. No critical questions about leader, doctrine, or policy seen as legitimate6. No alternative belief systems viewed as legitimate, good, or useful
For the most part, I have seen every one of these characteristics displayed by the Occupy groups ...
