Persecution Watch

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  • The Cult Label – How “Othering” language is used to justify violence.

    The Cult Label – How “Othering” language is used to justify violence.

    The Cult Label – How “Othering” Language is Used to Justify Violence

    The term “cult” has become synonymous with danger and fanaticism, evoking images of brainwashed followers and apocalyptic prophecies. But is the label fair, or does it perpetuate a harmful narrative that justifies violence against minority groups? In recent years, high-profile cases like the FLDS and NXIVM have brought the concept of cults into the public eye, sparking heated debates about free will, manipulation, and the boundaries between religion and criminal activity.

    The Power of Language

    Sociologist and author Jeffrey Hadden argues that the term “cult” is often used as a pejorative to describe minority religions or groups that don’t conform to societal norms. “The label ‘cult’ is used to discredit, dehumanize, and delegitimize,” he says in an interview with The Conversation. “It’s a way to say, ‘These people are not like us, they’re weird, and they’re dangerous.’”

    A History of Prejudice

    The term “cult” has its roots in the 17th-century European witch hunts, where anyone deemed outside the mainstream was labeled a “witch.” This “othering” language served as a justification for violence and persecution. Today, the same pattern is seen in modern society. A study by the University of California, Berkeley found that anti-cult rhetoric often relies on stereotypes and misinformation to discredit minority groups.

    The Cult Label’s Consequences

    The use of the term “cult” can have devastating consequences for individuals and communities. In a New York Times piece, journalist Rachel Aviv describes how the label has been used to justify violence against minority religions like Jehovah’s Witnesses and Muslims. “When people are labeled ‘cults,’ it allows them to be treated as an enemy, rather than a group of human beings with beliefs and practices,” she writes.

    A Call for Nuance

    Scholars argue that the term “cult” is too broad and lacks nuance, failing to distinguish between legitimate religious groups and those that may warrant concern. A report by the International Cultic Studies Association emphasizes the importance of understanding the complexities of minority religions and avoiding sensationalized language.

    Beyond the Label

    So what’s the solution? Experts suggest focusing on the individual actions and behaviors, rather than making sweeping judgments about entire groups. “We should be concerned with people’s behavior, not their beliefs or affiliations,” says Hadden. “Let’s focus on creating a society that values free speech, assembly, and association – without resorting to demonizing labels.”

    Related Reading

    “The cult label is a tool of oppression, used to silence and marginalize minority groups. It’s time for a more nuanced understanding of religious freedom and the importance of respecting all belief systems.” – Jeffrey Hadden

    January 8, 2026
  • The Census Trap – How “Other” checkboxes are used for state surveillance.

    The Census Trap – How “Other” checkboxes are used for state surveillance.

    The Census Trap – How “Other” Checkboxes are Used for State Surveillance

    The 2020 United States Census was hailed as a major milestone in the country’s history, providing crucial data on demographics and population growth. However, what went unnoticed by many was the inclusion of a seemingly innocuous “other” checkbox option for respondents to report their race or ethnicity.

    But experts warn that this simple-looking box is actually part of a larger effort by government agencies to monitor and control marginalized communities.

    “We’ve been warning about the dangers of census data collection for years,” said civil rights attorney, Miguel Garcia. “The ‘other’ checkbox is just one example of how the government is trying to capture people who don’t fit neatly into their categories. It’s a trap.”

    According to a recent investigation by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), census data has been used to identify and track minority communities, often with devastating consequences.

    “The census data is being shared with law enforcement agencies, immigration officials, and other government entities,” said Katharine Sawyer, an ACLU spokesperson. “It’s a clear violation of people’s privacy and civil liberties.”

    The ACLU has launched a lawsuit against the U.S. Census Bureau, alleging that the collection and sharing of census data is unconstitutional.

    “This is not just about collecting numbers; it’s about creating a database for government surveillance,” said David Cole, legal director at the ACLU. “We’re talking about a system that can be used to track people based on their race, ethnicity, religion, or political beliefs.”

    The inclusion of the “other” checkbox is just one example of how the census data collection process has been manipulated by government agencies.

    “The ‘other’ category was deliberately designed to capture people who don’t fit into the dominant narratives,” said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a sociology professor at New York University. “It’s a way for the government to identify and monitor marginalized communities, often with harmful consequences.”

    As concerns grow about the misuse of census data, experts are calling for greater transparency and accountability.

    “We need to be vigilant in monitoring how our personal information is being used,” said Miguel Garcia. “The ‘other’ checkbox is just one example of how government agencies can use seemingly harmless data collection practices to surveil and control marginalized communities.”

    For more information on the census data collection process and its implications, visit the American Civil Liberties Union’s website at aclu.org.

  • The Paper Wall – How bureaucracy is used to stifle minority faiths.

    The Paper Wall – How bureaucracy is used to stifle minority faiths.






    The Paper Wall – How Bureaucracy is Used to Stifle Minority Faiths


    The Paper Wall – How bureaucracy is used to stifle minority faiths

    Minority religious groups around the world face unique challenges in exercising their right to freedom of religion or belief. One significant obstacle is bureaucratic hurdles that can effectively silence their voices and restrict their practices.

    • Permititis: In some countries, minority faiths are forced to navigate a complex web of permits and licenses just to hold religious services or construct places of worship. For instance, the African Institute for Advanced Christian Studies (AIACS) reported that in Nigeria, the Muslim-majority government requires Christian churches to obtain special permits, which can be denied arbitrarily.
    • Red tape: Minority faiths often encounter unnecessary administrative barriers when trying to register their religious organizations or obtain legal recognition. The International Association of Religion Journalists (IARJ) noted that in India, the government requires non-Hindu religious groups to undergo a lengthy and cumbersome registration process.
    • Lack of representation: Minority faiths may not have adequate representation on government-appointed bodies or interfaith councils, limiting their ability to advocate for their rights and interests. The National Council for Therapeutic Communication (NCTC) reported that in the United States, Muslim and Sikh communities face significant underrepresentation on state-level religious freedom commissions.

    “The bureaucratic hurdles we face are not just obstacles but actual barriers to our very existence.” – Dr. Ngozi Okoro, Director of AIACS

    These challenges can have serious consequences for minority faiths. They may be forced to operate in secret or go underground, leading to increased risk of persecution and violence. The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief has repeatedly emphasized the need for governments to respect and protect the rights of minority faiths.

    By recognizing and addressing these bureaucratic barriers, we can help create a more inclusive environment where all religions and beliefs are valued and respected. As Dr. Okoro noted, “We must not be silenced by red tape. We must use our voices to demand justice and equality.”