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Cult Awareness
Cult on Campus
While you are a student at USF, many organizations and groups may ask you to join them. The great majority of these groups are well-meaning and constructive. However, some of the groups that approach you may use manipulative and coercive techniques of persuasion and mind control, which can ultimately be destructive to you. Destructive groups, commonly referred to as cults, are known to recruit students at colleges and universities across the country. You may be approached by a cult recruiter while relaxing in your residence hall, studying in the library, eating in a dining facility, walking around campus, among other locations. They may ask you to share ideas about your values, goals, and religious beliefs. Cult leaders also may invite you to attend one of their meetings, which may be scheduled on or off campus. Although you may feel flattered that someone is taking interest in you, this personal attention often leads to increased demands on a person's time and commitment to the group. Through the use of subtle and persuasive psychological manipulation, cult organizations can make the group seem so important that all previously held values, beliefs, and commitments to family and friends are abandoned and replaced with a cult identity.
Destructive groups entice recruits by deceptive methods; they avoid identifying themselves in a straightforward manner. Front names, which may appear innocuous and idealistic, are often used for these organizations. Cult recruiters build an initially small commitment (e.g., a Bible study or dinner meeting) into progressively larger commitments (e.g., a weekend retreat) and offer simple solutions to complex social problems (e.g., love, peace, friendship, and brotherhood). Cults sway opinions through the power of group dynamics and keep members so busy that they do not have time to think.
Learning About Cults on Campus is a free brochure that is available in the campus offices listed below or from the University Center Information Desk or by contacting Health Promotion and Services (415) 422-6702.
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Why are These Groups so Harmful?
- They tend to isolate you from family, friends, and other groups.
- They may ask you to give up control of your life, thoughts, and decisions.
- They tend to focus on guilt and shame.
- They may promote crises in your school, career, or personal life.
- They may resort to frightening you to the point that you stop making decisions and asking questions for yourself.
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How to Identify These Groups?
Observe the group's responses to you and how you feel. If you can answer yes to any three of these statements, you should seriously question becoming involved in the group:
- The group seems too perfect. Everyone agrees and follows all orders cheerfully.
- The group claims to have "all the answers" to your problems.
- You are asked to recruit new members or raise money soon after joining.
- You begin to feel guilty and ashamed, unworthy as a person.
- The group speaks in a derogatory way about your past religious affiliation.
- The group encourages you to put their meetings and activities before all other commitments, including studying.
- Parents and friends are defined as unable to understand or to help you with religious, philosophical, social, or political issues.
- Doubts and questions are seen as a sign of weakness. You are shunned if you persist in these doubts.
- Leadership in the group is mostly male, and males are believed to have different rights and abilities than females.
- You are invited on a retreat with the group, but they can't give you an overview of the purpose, theme, or activities before you go.
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How to deal with these groups?
- Ask the opinions of people you trust who are not members of the group--friends, professors, RAs,parents, counselors or members of the clergy.
- Research the group in the libraries.
- Do not be afraid to ask specific questions. Be skeptical. Don't accept evasive answers.
- Take a stand! Learn to say no!
- Get support from dorm advisors on how to protect your privacy.
- Examine yourself: are you vulnerable? Get the support and help you need.
- You are lonely
- You are hurting
- You are having a tough time socially
- You are having academic problems
- You are new at USF or preparing for graduation
- You are feeling overwhelmed or confused
- Resist their efforts to isolate you. Stay in touch with family and friends.
- Think about whether the group sets realistic goals and expectations.
- Make complaints to residence hall or campus staff about overzealous recruiters.
- Call the resources listed in this brochure!
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How to help a friend?
- Show an interest in the friend and encourage family and other friends to get involved.
- Inform yourself and others about the group.
- Build rapport and trust with your friend. Make yourself available to meet, to listen, to ask questions, and to give advice.
- Provide resource materials and referrals.
- Don't panic. Stay calm and patient. Do not confront, blame, or criticize your friend. Avoid lashing out at the group.
- Don't take on more than you can handle or take responsibility for any decisions your friend makes.
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Links/Resources
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