Spotting cultish language


 

On June 20th, 2024 PBS Storied uploaded this Otherwords video, by Erica Brozovsky, Ph.D., on how cult leaders use linguistic tricks to convince others to join their groups and follow their dictates.  What I find frightening is how often I've heard some of the phrases and types of phrases they use: "It is what it is," "Everything happens for a reason," "Let's agree to disagree," "Stinkin' thinkin'," and "Trust the plan."  And some words that fall under the category of Loaded Language are "toxic," "patriot," and "genocide."

This stuff is worth knowing, because entirely too many politicians, business people, and even humanitarians are using these tactics to garner support and commitment from the rest of us.  Brozovsky's answer to the problem is to read and absorb less loaded material from a broad variety of sources.


Posted by Jennifer A. Nolan




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