Jon Atack joins me again this week for another in depth discussion about cults, high control groups, and the dangers of undue influence. We begin by discussing the concept of being an “ex-Scientologist” or ex cult member in general. We talk about the stigma that this term carries and why it is unfair to categorize people in this way. Jon talks about the the term ex-Scientologist can become a negative defining characteristic of ones life. Jon also touches on the struggles that people go through after leaving a cult of high control group. Jon then defines the term undue influence and what it means in today’s society. We talk about how undue influence is much more complex and pervasive in our society than we may think. Jon and I then turn our focus to the undue influence of the school system and how it is damaging young people. We talk about how schools essentially create robots, and discourage independent thought. Jon also links this to adults desires to be obedient to an authority figure, even if that means inflicting pain and trauma on others.
In the second hour Jon and I talk about how we are all susceptible to undue influence and con artist’s. Jon talks about being nearly conned by scammers in India who allegedly wanted to fix his computer. We then return to the issue of children and young people and how they are continually the victims of predatory behavior. Jon discusses how predators can mean more than simply pedophiles seeking to abuse kids. Jon talks about the nasty every day predatory behavior of teachers, and the problems with the Western system of education. Later Jon and I discuss his recent work at the Open Minds foundation. Jon talks the foundations work in helping to better educate children about predators and toxic relationships. He discusses their work making short animations that will help to give young people a better understanding of the dangers out there. Jon also talks about how we need to better connect with young people through culture and popular cultural means. We also manage to touch on Stefan Molyneux, South Park, and Rick and Morty.
Show Notes:
The Open Minds Foundation – the Story So Far
PPR episode 118 Let’s Sell These People a Piece of Blue Sky with Jon Atack
Let’s sell these people A Piece of Blue Sky
Opening Minds: The Secret World of Manipulation, Undue Influence and Brainwashing
Porkins Policy Review 