Changed the following in the trope description:
Closer to how it was earlier, viz.:
For these reasons:
First, the statement that "cult" literally means "worship" seems to be at least roughly true in terms of etymology, but in terms of current English, it's no more the literal meaning than the others are. Secondly and more importantly, that factoid really has nothing to do with the trope, since the trope is about other meanings of the word. I put up the Analysis page precisely so that there would be no more need for editing the main page over the different meanings and/or for including irrelevant linguistic stuff there. I now put the etymology on the Analysis page as well.
There was also the word "extremely" before "controversial". I don't see a need for the emphasis (and I'm not sure how true it was anyway). Again, the Analysis page gives the proper details.
Edited by VVKIf I recall correctly, I previously added a mention in the description that the term "cult" (or "dangerous cult") has been used as a technical term denoting a specific kind of group, which has similarities to the typical fictional depiction described here. If I did put it there, the mention is no longer there. I think the page is inadequate in implying it's all about the word having a bad sound to it. Has someone got some reason to give for why this should not be mentioned? This may be a loaded term, but giving it a pretty strict definition (based on the new way it is being used but defined properly) and then applying it to groups that can actually be shown to fit the criteria is no longer a "misuse in a political context".
Edited by VVK Hide / Show RepliesWell, it doesn't matter now. I wrote an analysis page to cover the different uses of the word so that people don't have to try to edit the main page according to them.
OH NOES!! SCIENTOLOGY HAS BEEN MENTIONED IN AN ARTICLE ABOUT CULTS!! Run for the hills! Save the women and children and handsome!! Prepare for litigatioooooon!!
Well, it IS a cult but that's beside the point! Those people are nuts! They'll sue you for looking at them funny, ESPECIALLY If you're on the Internet!
Hide / Show RepliesFor the record, I got an advertisement for Scientology in the sidebar of this article. Lol.
Maybe this should rather be called The Cult?
Fuhrmann, es kostet dir noch dein Leben
I think maybe someone should include a link in the description to a page providing advice and help on leaving a cult. I've got one here. https://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2014/06/the-seven-signs-youre-in-a-cult/361400/