Question P

[Jonetta]

Was Unity Farm a cult or just an alternative lifestyle led by a diabolical man? Did the story provide you with new insights as to how seemingly normal people can be susceptible to groups like this?

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

A cult to my way of thinking. I'm always amazed how people are taken it. Although the story did do quite a good job of showing how vulnerable people do get sucked in to it.

[Sharon]

It was cult. Jake expected his followers to give up their free will, and follow his directives without question. Once he had them, he didn't let them go.

In an alternative lifestyle, you can contribute your personal assets as needed, but you don't have to cut out all communication with the outside world. Most importantly, you can leave without fear of death or retribution.

[Jonetta]

It was definitely a cult as most of the people leading these groups have a devious agenda. Jake was all about the money and I believe he enjoyed manipulating people.

The people isolated in this story weren’t necessarily damaged (except Eric), just at a point of vulnerability in their lives. He damaged Britney, as would be the case with young adults who would be more susceptible to his manipulation. Without his influence, I think she might have been okay.

I’m always intrigued at how normal, seemingly well adjusted people get sucked into this stuff. The Jake Black’s of the world prey on their hopes and dreams with the promise of a more ideal life.

[Lynn]

It's a cult. Without a forceful, charismatic leader, a group like this will fall apart. The manipulation is necessary to keep people from leaving and to keep money flowing in. Communes are a completely different type of group that includes some of the characteristics of a cult but without the same level of manipulation.

[Jonetta]

Thanks for that distinction, Lynn!

[Lauren]

Definitely a cult. The scene in which the women meet and Lorna dissuades them from reaching out to their families is a clear indication that they did not have the members' best interests at heart.

Lorna is now in charge, but she is not as charismatic as Black so I think the cult will probably disband. Nevertheless, the members are in a very risky situation without their leader and might be at risk for suicide. They would need deprogramming to get back to their lives.

[Jonetta]

That’s distressing but completely plausible.