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MalcolmCrown Since: Jan, 2019

Dec 3rd 2019 at 7:46:48 AM •••

I think maybe someone should include a link in the description to a page providing advice and help on leaving a cult. I've got one here. https://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2014/06/the-seven-signs-youre-in-a-cult/361400/

VVK Since: Jun, 2009

Apr 26th 2015 at 2:58:37 AM •••

Changed the following in the trope description:

The word "cult" literally means "worship." In Real Life, the term has many slightly different uses, some of which carry a weight of negative connotations and thus are extremely controversial. (If you really want to go into detail, see the Analysis page.) Here's the short version:

Closer to how it was earlier, viz.:

The word "cult" has many slightly different uses in Real Life, some of which carry a weight of negative connotations and as such are controversial. (If you really want to go into detail, see the Analysis page.) Here's the short version:

For these reasons:

First, the statement that "cult" literally means "worship" seems to be at least roughly true in terms of etymology, but in terms of current English, it's no more the literal meaning than the others are. Secondly and more importantly, that factoid really has nothing to do with the trope, since the trope is about other meanings of the word. I put up the Analysis page precisely so that there would be no more need for editing the main page over the different meanings and/or for including irrelevant linguistic stuff there. I now put the etymology on the Analysis page as well.

There was also the word "extremely" before "controversial". I don't see a need for the emphasis (and I'm not sure how true it was anyway). Again, the Analysis page gives the proper details.

Edited by VVK

VVK Since: Jun, 2009

Sep 5th 2011 at 4:33:22 AM •••

If I recall correctly, I previously added a mention in the description that the term "cult" (or "dangerous cult") has been used as a technical term denoting a specific kind of group, which has similarities to the typical fictional depiction described here. If I did put it there, the mention is no longer there. I think the page is inadequate in implying it's all about the word having a bad sound to it. Has someone got some reason to give for why this should not be mentioned? This may be a loaded term, but giving it a pretty strict definition (based on the new way it is being used but defined properly) and then applying it to groups that can actually be shown to fit the criteria is no longer a "misuse in a political context".

Edited by VVK Hide / Show Replies

VVK Since: Jun, 2009

Dec 12th 2014 at 11:23:35 AM •••

Well, it doesn't matter now. I wrote an analysis page to cover the different uses of the word so that people don't have to try to edit the main page according to them.

JJames Since: Jun, 2012

Jul 1st 2011 at 11:06:05 AM •••

OH NOES!! SCIENTOLOGY HAS BEEN MENTIONED IN AN ARTICLE ABOUT CULTS!! Run for the hills! Save the women and children and handsome!! Prepare for litigatioooooon!!

Well, it IS a cult but that's beside the point! Those people are nuts! They'll sue you for looking at them funny, ESPECIALLY If you're on the Internet!

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bigword Since: Jul, 2012

Jul 15th 2013 at 7:41:58 PM •••

For the record, I got an advertisement for Scientology in the sidebar of this article. Lol.

Frank75 Since: Jan, 2001

Feb 9th 2012 at 5:04:51 AM •••

Maybe this should rather be called The Cult?

Fuhrmann, es kostet dir noch dein Leben

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