Crabgrass by Tauhid Bondia for November 02, 2024

Don’t drink anything, though.

Oh, this is not good.

And there you have it folks: the basic definition of a cult.

Ummm….uh oh….!

Not that there’s anything wrong with that. – Jerry Seinfeld.

Kevin, I think you just described what a cult is.

Not all cults are bad. Jesus had a good one.It is /was the ones who would misuse it, that rurn it.

I was going to say that someone being charismatic and having followers that would follow him (or her!) anywhere does not necessarily make a cult, but then “cult” is a poorly-defined word and that situation would fall under the current loose usage. Although I’d still like to say that how strict or serious the meaning intended is depends on just how far “follow anywhere” goes. As at least one other commentator has indicated, there have been a couple modern cases that tragically ended with mass suicide. On the other hand (and lighter side), I think popular usage has sometimes included the fans of celebrities.

Cult of Personality

I suspect this is a set-up for a story line sometime in the future.

A key characteristic of a cult: they don’t let you leave.

Most disappointing cult ever! Sorry, I was expecting that story line to be more reaching and diabolical, like previous stories. Remember when Keven got the huge purple brain and attacked the school and town?

Still one of my favorite comics though.

As a kid in the late 60s, we were often warned about cults after the Beatles popularized having a guru, and all sorts of eastern religious cults popped up to exploit the fad. There was another surge in the 80s (when this strip is set) with New Age cults. The Oregon Rajneeshies were probably the most outrageous example.

Some of the warnings I recall are:

A cult cuts off access to the outside world: you can’t see your relatives and old friends.You can only look at news sources approved by the cult, because all the others are “out to get us”You must turn over control of your possessions and finances to the cult leadership. That often included control of your body. I recall a writer talking about one of the hippie communes saying “they require all possessions to be shared, including their wives.”

Just being charismatic isn’t a bad thing, though impressionable people can get in trouble. Over the years, various popular, charismatic teachers have gotten in trouble for taking advantage of students. They were mostly coaches and the occasional drama teacher…

Accept Mr. Pritchard as an authority when he says ‘Question authority’.

Especially if he plays the flute

He’s obviously done you some good — nice compliment!

Hey, if nothing else it’s good to know your buddy has got your back.

Foreshadowing? Will there be an investigation by the district?

life’s a fight but trust im ready for a war