BBC Panorama Investigates a Cult

So I was browsing the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s news (CBC News) website this evening and came across and article and video about a reporter loosing his cool with a spokesperson from a certain cult that I don’t want to refer to (so that I don’t give it credibility…let’s just say Tom Cruise is affiliated with it). After looking at the documentary online at bbc.co.uk/panorama and on Youtube, I was convinced that the reporter was not at fault for loosing his temper.

The person he was getting upset at appears to be a an uppity, self-righteous, pompous ass who simply drove the reporter to a breaking point. The pompus ass spokesperson did not have the respect/courtesy that is traditionally held by individuals within the respected segments of media. I feel that the reporter’s actions were fully justified and warranted, given the spokeperson’s rude behaviour.

On whether or not the specific organization being alluded to in this post IS A CULT!! or has expressed cultish behaviour, I say that it is, and has. The fact that this organization cannot accept criticism (and I’m sure that they’ll argue that its biased criticism that they don’t appreciate), shows the weakness of their views and claims. This is evident today in the BBC situation, and in 2006 when Tom Cruise threatened not to promote Mission Impossible 3, when the parent company of Comedy Central (also owner of MI3 production company) was about to air an episode of South Park, critical of the cult. Even if criticism is biased, the truth usually prevails over any biases. But, for Cruise to cause such a big fuss over comedy, it shows weakness on this cult’s part.

In addition, the fact that this organization is crafted on a highly commercial framework further diminishes its claims of legitimacy. If you really want to be a religion, don’t charge or demand huge payments for “religious” materials. If you really want to help and cure the world, offer unconditional love and assistance.

The fact that the organization in question is also endorsed by famous individuals such as Tom Cruise and others also means sh*t! Tom Cruise’s fame gives him no credibility. Being famous does not make you better than the rest of us. At one point, Tom Cruise and all famous people were nobodies like the rest of us. It is simply that through mass media, these individuals gained notoriety. The notoriety means that a lot of us recognize you, but should not amount to your opinion being elevated higher than the rest of us. William Hung was famous, but I’m sure he has the intelligence of a stick. The people with real credibility are those who are able to cure illnesses and heal the wounded.

I’m sick of half witted propaganda (like that propagated by famous people mentioned in this post) receiving so much attention in North American society. In fact, this rant of mine can be easily applied “entertainment news” reporting. Who the hell gives a damn whether or not Britney Spears is wearing underwear or if Lindsay Lohan is a crackhead…but that’s another post.

Anyway, back to the BBC Reporter, I’m totally supporting you buddy! I respect your passion in your work! To the fools out there, stupid enough to pay to join this cult, I say it serves you right for not being able to recognize a pyramid scheme. To the US government and other governments of the world, I say its time to conduct a financial audit of dirt-bag organizations like those being alluded to here. Not all good things are what they seem, (insert list of tele-evangelist arrested for tax evasion, fraud, and other criminal charges here).