Cult of Personality
Outline
Cult of Personality:
Why is it Evident and Why it is Dangerous?
Introduction – Throughout time, some leaders managed to create an aura around themselves which has made them more respected and loved by their followers. These leaders are called cult of personalities. Thesis statement: Despite its changing meaning over time, the term ‘cult of personality’ was and is being used to define leaders who have successfully created a public image of charisma and used their image to make their followers believe that they are working towards a common goal for their own benefits.
I. The Change of Meaning of the Term ‘Cult of Personality’
A. The term was used to describe dictators of totalitarian regimes that managed to create positive public emotions about themselves
B. Currently, the term is used to describe charismatic leaders regardless of nature of intentions
II. How a Leader Creates his/her Personality Cult
A. Cult of personalities dress according to the periodic fashion trends to create an ‘ideal’ image of themselves
B. Cult of personalities create a caring and thoughtful image of themselves to make the public think that they are being thought of and being looked after
C. Cult of personalities put or at least show that they put their people’s need ahead of their own needs
III. The Dangers and Benefits of Existence of a Personality Cult
A. The public has an image to look up to and an example to be like
B. The cult of personality becomes a ‘hope’ for the citizens and their self-confidence is raised
C. There becomes a mutual value that holds the society together
D. Since the public thinks their leader is working for themselves, they can be fooled and be blind to evil doings of the leader, and even contribute to their dangerous objectives
E. The public might fanatically protect the leader and fail to see the mistakes and therefore fail to correct it.
Conclusion – Despite being a bonding effect, entity of a cult of personality is dangerous since it
Cult of Personality:
Why is it Evident and Why it is Dangerous?
Introduction – Throughout time, some leaders managed to create an aura around themselves which has made them more respected and loved by their followers. These leaders are called cult of personalities. Thesis statement: Despite its changing meaning over time, the term ‘cult of personality’ was and is being used to define leaders who have successfully created a public image of charisma and used their image to make their followers believe that they are working towards a common goal for their own benefits.
I. The Change of Meaning of the Term ‘Cult of Personality’
A. The term was used to describe dictators of totalitarian regimes that managed to create positive public emotions about themselves
B. Currently, the term is used to describe charismatic leaders regardless of nature of intentions
II. How a Leader Creates his/her Personality Cult
A. Cult of personalities dress according to the periodic fashion trends to create an ‘ideal’ image of themselves
B. Cult of personalities create a caring and thoughtful image of themselves to make the public think that they are being thought of and being looked after
C. Cult of personalities put or at least show that they put their people’s need ahead of their own needs
III. The Dangers and Benefits of Existence of a Personality Cult
A. The public has an image to look up to and an example to be like
B. The cult of personality becomes a ‘hope’ for the citizens and their self-confidence is raised
C. There becomes a mutual value that holds the society together
D. Since the public thinks their leader is working for themselves, they can be fooled and be blind to evil doings of the leader, and even contribute to their dangerous objectives
E. The public might fanatically protect the leader and fail to see the mistakes and therefore fail to correct it.
Conclusion – Despite being a bonding effect, entity of a cult of personality is dangerous since it
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