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Old 06-19-17, 05:55 PM
  #172  
tandempower
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Originally Posted by jon c.
This is in widespread occurrence with the recreational drug alcohol. That it is often omitted from the category of recreational drugs is testament to the power of the social pressure. Drinking alcohol is perfectly normal in this society and we are bombarded by ads cajoling us to join in. And yet the use of this drug has tremendous negative social and economic costs and no discernible benefits.

But I wouldn't call consumption of alcohol a cult behavior.
You should watch the classic Star Trek episode 'Return of the Archons.' Part of the cult in that episode involves a punctually-scheduled 'festival' where everyone goes completely wild, fighting, raping, and pillaging in the streets. It's very similar to our concept of working and staying sober during the week and then 'cutting loose' on weekends by drinking alcohol and releasing your inhibitions. It's not presented as a cult or people would question it. The whole basis for getting people into a cult is getting it to pass any aversion they might have to it as cultish. That's why fictional cult movies always exaggerate peer-pressure strategies and social sanctions, because otherwise the audience wouldn't get that the movie is shedding critical light on the cult.
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