From a correspondant on the Sokka Gokki thread--a contribution from another website. The material quoted may be useful in discussing UM, especially those all-important friendships that turn into recruitment.
In particular, I really like the section on "How to avoid getting into a cult" (the critical thinking portion is gold):
[
www.cultclinic.org]
"Learn to cope with stress. When stress is getting the best of us, we are more likely to be seduced by someone selling happiness. If you are having difficulty coping, seek help from reputable, trustworthy persons.
Common sources of stress include:
Troubled romances
Academic difficulties
Conflict with and tensions within the family such as parents’ marital problems, domestic violence, alcohol and/or drug abuse by a family member.
Confusion about values and goals.
Physical illness of self, family member, or other loved one
Loneliness
Transitions- for example, moving, changing schools, jobs
Death of loved one
Disillusionment regarding religion or people you once respected
Never be afraid to question other people.
Always be wary of anyone who tries to prevent you from questioning.
Protect your freedom and autonomy.
Learn to recognize common cult-recruitment tactics and situations, beware of:
People who are excessively or inappropriately friendly; there are few genuine instant friendships.
People who are very persistent in trying to get you to join, and won’t take no for answer.
People with invitations to free meals, lectures, and workshops
People who demand secrecy from you.
People who make you feel like there’s something wrong with you if you’re not interested in joining.
People with simplistic answers or solutions to complex world problems.
People who try to play on your guilt; you don’t always have to reciprocate a kindness, especially when it may have been a way to manipulate you
People who are vague or evasive. If they are hiding something, it’s usually because they don’t want you to know the real answer.
People who claim to be just like you, so you feel you have a lot in common.
People who confidently promise that they can help you solve your problems, especially when they know little about you
People, who make grand claims about how their group can save mankind, help you achieve enlightenment or show the road to happiness.
People who always seem happy
People who claim they or their group is really special, even the most special
People who promise quick solutions to difficult problems
People who put down reason and critical thinking, and tell you not to ask questions about the group - just open your mind to it.
Ten Steps to Critical Thinking
1.RECOGNIZETHE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN "A DEMAND" AND "A REQUEST"
Situations that seem to demand that you act in a certain way.
2. REMEMBER THAT YOU CAN SAY, "NO"
3. RECOGNIZE FALSE DILEMMAS
Always add "
None of the above" to any multiple choice before deciding.
4. SLEEP ON IT
Recognize pressure to decide quickly. Don’t act under stress.
5. LOOK FOR THE HIDDEN AGENDA
What is really being said? What is NOT being said? To whom, by whom, and why is it being said?
6. LOOK FOR LOGICAL FALLACIES
Trust your feelings when things you are being told don't make sense.
7. KNOW WHAT GROUP OR BELIEF A PERSON REPRESENTS
Ask blunt questions and don’t accept vague answers.
8. RECOGNIZE FLATTERY
When receiving lots of compliments, question whether there may be a hidden agenda.
9. ASK QUESTIONS
Challenge authority’s claims.
10. RETAIN YOUR SELF-WORTH
Don’t be afraid to be different."
*****
And the section on "Cult Prevention":
"Teach those you care about that cults are still a problem, that even those who are quite bright and accomplished get pulled in*, and how to ask the right questions about an organization in order to make a truly educated decision before getting involved.
*(Corboy note: health care professionals, attorneys, accountants, persons who are yoga teachers or massage therapists with clients--all are high value recruits and can be pulled in. High value recruits will be shown only the beauty of an organization. Its cruel impact on relationships and a leader's prior or current legal and financial boondaggles will be kept hidden from such high value recruits.
**Students training to enter these occupations are especially recruitable because they are good hearted, eager to be of service and often have not been told they are potential long term investments for a guru's human portfolio.)Don’t assume only certain people you know are vulnerable. Share what you know with all who will listen.
Remind people of the rights they have which no person or group has the right to take away:
the right to question
the right to doubt
the right to move about freely
the right to define for yourself if you are inherently good or bad
the right to formulate your own life’s goals
the right to decide with whom to spend time
the right to assert your own power in every situation"