After watching the excellent horror movie Weapons, I think of mind control. I wonder at the psychology of cults. How do you convince a rational person to accept irrationality? When did lying to another human being become a daily occurrence on a mass scale? How do we stop believing what our lying eyes tell us and accept an alternate reality? When did our brains shut off?

Contrary to popular belief, cults appeal to both educated and uneducated individuals alike. We listen for words that support our bias and conspiracy theories. When we hear supporting rhetoric, we want to hear more. The mystery of how one leader’s fever dream can become many’s reality is difficult to understand. It is a bit of a Spell or Hex. Some magic was involved to lead so many to follow and fight for something that is based on a lie and against their own interest.

What causes prejudice, bias, and demonization of people who are not white by the majority white race? There is no logical answer. Prejudice is taught from generation to generation. Bias is born in ignorance and hate. Some of the nicest people to me during my University career were black. Many of my friends are black. I am honored to be their friend.

I think we must have the Spirit of the Lemming. It is said that lemmings will follow each other off a cliff, committing suicide. This bizarre behaviour has been exhibited in several cults. The Heaven’s Gate Cult committed mass suicide in a mansion in Rancho Santa Fe, California.

‘Class was disrupted today when Tommy C and Buckley got into a fight,’ Chet said. ‘They both were sent to the principal’s office,’ Chet continued. ‘Buckley fights dirty,’ Chet observed. ‘He had brass knuckles in his pocket,’ Chet informed. ‘Buckley opened a bloody gash over Tommy C’s eye, and he could not see to fight,’ Chet intoned. ‘Tommy C said that the next time he would break into his father’s gun cabinet and bring a pistol,’ Chet shuddered. ‘I think the violence is only beginning,’ Chet observed. ‘What if kids who have access to guns begin thinking it is alright to settle their differences with bullets,’ Chet asked softly. ‘There are guns in almost every rural home and Americans love their right to bear arms afforded to them by the Constitution…who are the weapons…the guns or have we weaponized our children,’ Chet said with tears in his eyes.