On the History channel there is a new series called “Gangland” which covers the history and practices of various gangs The Arian Brotherhood, La Eme, The Hells Angels and The Mongol Nation to name a few. Many of these gangs are “blood in, blood out”, meaning one must commit violence to join and must be killed to leave.
After watching a few episodes it became clear what no one else is seeing from these gangs is that they constitute a form of cult. What is unique about this form of cult is their overt willingness to do violence and engage in illegal activity.
What these gangs/cults provide to it’s members highlight what a good functional cult should provide:
* A sense of family
* A feeling of uniqueness
* A feeling of superiority
* It gives its members a special place to feel at home within the cult
* Huge amounts of reward in the form of money, drugs, sex and freedom as well as an outlet for them to practice whatever talent they have.
* if the leader gets removed the cult/gang can keep going, and possibly no one feels vulnerable or unworthy just because they are at the bottom...