Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

BaronChocula

(4,042 posts)
19. That is how cults work
Sun Nov 30, 2025, 01:52 PM
Nov 30

And we've all been saying that it's a cult. It's not a joke at all.

What makes it atypical from other cults is that there was little recruitment required. They began as fans of Limbaugh who did all the groundwork. Politically, they highjacked the teabagger movement where Sarah Palin flashed in the pan and then they migrated to trump with his Obama Obsession, making them birthers and eventual magas.

But no one needed to take away what they wanted most (as in the Shield example). The validation itself has been the narcotic and it keeps them hooked. So far.

Recommendations

5 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

What does this mean? John Coktosten Nov 30 #1
In the case of people who vote for Trump, what he validates for them is their racism, their hatred of people who are Martin68 Nov 30 #3
It's Al Franken's "Stuart Smalley" character Miles Archer Nov 30 #7
Simple. White people need validation that they're the ones who are and should be in charge. paleotn Nov 30 #5
"doesn't even realize he's doing it most of the time" Seinan Sensei Nov 30 #6
I agree that Trump isn't intelligent... CBHagman Nov 30 #15
"A real life Elmer Gantry"...... 70sEraVet Nov 30 #12
Agree-- evolves Nov 30 #13
Even simpler: liberalgunwilltravel Nov 30 #14
I rarely (have I ever? Rhetorical) asked someone's post be its own post duhneece Nov 30 #17
Average people are now Mediocre - Disposable extras and "seconds ". haele Nov 30 #23
Brilliant explanation. Aristus Nov 30 #29
What they need validated Chicagogrl1 Nov 30 #10
That's because you are a normal human being. What I mean by normal is: reasonably well adjusted and comfortable with KPN Nov 30 #16
Thank you KPN John Coktosten Nov 30 #21
It means TSF is stupid enough... Trueblue Texan Nov 30 #24
It means TSF is the pimp... returnee Nov 30 #25
I would interpret "the need for validation" as "there's a type of person who needs to feel superior to other people." CrispyQ Nov 30 #26
That you matter. That you're special. That you're a winner. Joinfortmill Nov 30 #27
As Brolin said, they look to him for validation. He validates their hate by hating the same people they do. patphil Nov 30 #2
Not everyone can think for themselves. They are the slow running zebras. twodogsbarking Nov 30 #4
Even worse.... Roy Rolling Nov 30 #8
Good One !!!!!!!!!!! popsdenver Nov 30 #9
Probably includes the men around him too John Coktosten Nov 30 #22
I have no doubt about popsdenver Nov 30 #28
Exactly orangecrush Nov 30 #11
really kind of wish that peope would stop using the term 'genius' in ANY sphere or context .. stopdiggin Nov 30 #18
Totally BaronChocula Nov 30 #20
That is how cults work BaronChocula Nov 30 #19
he makes being an asshole a 'good' thing. pansypoo53219 Dec 1 #30
Looks like the same dynamics of relations between women and abusive men also Stargazer99 Dec 1 #31
Yes, but it's not that hard or so genius when you have a whole goddamn propaganda network LymphocyteLover Dec 1 #32
That's a really excellent observation. Happy Hoosier Dec 1 #33
Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Josh Brolin CONFIRMS what...»Reply #19