Shimmer, thanks for your validation. The thing about a cult is that the people in the cult do not believe it is a cult. They are intelligent, idealistic people passionate about something and under the mind control of another. One of the things that helped me shift my perspective was how sad I was about what I was missing out on in other areas of my life. Leaving the Institute was like leaving an abusive relationship. I would trust my gut and know I needed to leave, then talk to leadership and labmates, get confused again, and then go back. They used my vulnerabilities to try and keep me hooked - plus fear and shame. One of the confusing things was that I looked around at the people at the Institute - beautiful, intelligent, successful people, and ask, how could they all be so misled? It took me a while and some sessions with a psychotherapist who had a similar experience in a LGAT cult to clear my head of the distorted thinking.
I felt shame that I was so misled and taken in, that I had spent so much money, time, and energy to further Bob and Judith's bank account. This website and others helped me understand that anyone can be taken in by a cult, especially in times of transition and vulnerability, and especially people who are idealistic and seekers by nature. Here is a quote that helped:
"When you meet the friendliest people you have ever known, who introduce you to the most loving group of people you've ever encountered, and you find the leader to be the most inspired, caring, compassionate and understanding person you've ever met, and then you learn that that cause of the group is something you never dared hope could be accomplished, and all of this sounds too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true!"
"Don't give up your education, your hopes and ambitions, to follow a rainbow."
- Jenne Mills, former member of the People's Temple and subsequent victim of assassination a year following the November 18, 1978 Jonestown suicide/murders of 911 adults and children.
No, WI is not Jonestown, but the principles are similar. I had given over the authority for my life to the Institute leadership. When I started thinking for myself, they were no longer the friendliest people I have ever known. I was actually frightened for a while to post anything not knowing who they know or where and what they might do to intimidate me from speaking out. I think now that this is part of the unspoken culture.
Check out this website: [
www.reallyweirdstuff.com]
He explains it very well. WI fits the mold.
Are you interested in what goes on at "Summer". When I saw a humorous utube clip "How to be a cult leader" I was stunned by how much Summer at the Wisconsin retreat center fit the pattern of this clip. Did Bob and Judith study how to be cult leaders or does it come naturally for them. Summer was a little bit of education and a lot of exploitation to further Bob and Judith's careers and bank accounts. If ever I would sue over anything, it would be Summer and the manipulation to attend to the tune of almost $2000.
On my last message, I sent a Yelp entry that is no longer accessible to the public. I am glad I bookmarked it and can access it. It was very damaging to the Wrights and I expect, Yelp was afraid of lawsuits. Would someone explain to me why this got deleted out of my message? I know the persons and know it is accurate information.
Glad to be out.