The Impact of Jonestown and Waco on the Cult Perception

This chapter discusses the influence of the Jonestown tragedy in shaping the perception of cults, leading to the term 'cult' becoming synonymous with danger and violence. It also explores the unequal treatment and perception of cults compared to other religious institutions, as evidenced by the Waco incident with the branch Davidians in 1993. The chapter highlights the media responses and indifference towards the lives of the people in the cult during the standoff.