Why You Could Be Vulnerable To A Cult | Ashley Easter | TEDxDanville
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- Опубликовано: 29 янв 2024
- Your autonomy, ability to have free thought, and personal differences are your most precious assets. Cults come with the intent to steal those so they can control you and bend you towards their agenda. So, before you join a new group or go back to your old ones, ask yourself this: Am I free to be me here, or am I only allowed to be like them?
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx
Ashley is a cult survivor turned Intuition Coach who helps people escape self-doubt and harness the science and practice of intuition so they can take control of their destiny.
She is an activist, author and the founder of Courage 365, a non-profit for abuse survivors (especially those abused in high-control faith contexts) and a television producer focused on highlighting stories of meaning and mission. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
When she said, "I am a cult survivor!", I had to pause and affirm aloud, "I am a cult survivor!". I was raised in the same cult, I did not recognize it as a cult until I deconstructed that faith over 12 years ago. Best thing I ever did! Thank you for your ted talk Ashley!
It's hard to see it when you are on the inside. I'm so glad you broke free!
Amazing as always, Ashley! So proud to be able to call you a friend! Keep spreading the word about avoiding cult manipulation!❤️
No one sets out to join a cult, and yet many people do indeed find themselves in cults & high-control cult-like groups. Great info from Ashley Easter on the dynamics of cults and on why cults are far more prevalent than you may imagine.
Thank you! Yes... cults are so sly. If you aren't born into it they often use advanced tools to keep you free realizing the danger until your already deep within.
Cult survivor here. Thank you for addressing this.
I'm so glad you are free.
Wow, the point at which you gave yourself permission to think critically for yourself, the illusion crumbled and you saw the exit door. So powerful, thank you!!
Yesss! Critical thinking is key. It is not easy in a high-control environment, though.
Such a great talk!!!! I've known Ashley for years and have worked with her. Her wisdom is deep and I appreciate how she's helping survivors survive!
Thank you! I know you've played a vital role in helping so many break free.
Ashley is an important leader in a powerful movement to challenge the abuse of religious authority & help build up healthy communities. Important wisdom here.
Thank you, Jonathan! That means so much coming from you! Here's to safer communities!
You are taking a BITE out of cults. Bite control, love the acronym.
haha I love that!!
"meaning, purpose, connection and direction" - what we seek in times of personal transition (8:50). . . "your autonomy, your individuality, the things that make you you, those are your most precious assets" (11:55)
Such important information here! Any organization that discourages critical thinking, questions, and interaction with former members should give you pause. Those are certainly red flags and traits of cult-like behavior.
Yes! Questions and thinking for yourself are paramount to safety and freedom.
Wow!!! Everything about this talk is amazing! I was part of a high control organization. So glad I’m awake now.
Minute 11:15 🔥
4 things to look for in a SAFE Community:
1. It is safe to be different. You don’t have to assimilate.
2. It is safe to ask questions and, when you do, they are honest, transparent, non-manipulative with their answers.
3. It is safe to disagree and you won’t be face with shunning or shaming.
4. It is safe to leave whenever you want without threat of punishment.
“Your individuality, the things that make you YOU, those are your most precious assets”
Certain organizations come with the intention of stealing those so they can control you and bend you towards their agenda.
So, before joining a group, ask yourself: am I free to be me here, or am I only allowed to be like them?
Very well done! So great to see Survivors taking their place informing the wider community of the dangers of these groups and sharing their experience.
Yes, I am so glad so many survivors are speaking up.
Cult survivor here of the IFB! Got to hear Ashley live and her message is spot on! So thankful for the work you are doing!! ❤
It was so good to meet you in person!
As a fellow cult survivor, thank you for sharing your story and your insights. This is such an important topic that many people are unaware of or afraid to talk about. The picture in the beginning broke my heart, but to see who Ashley is now is inspiring. It's incredible to see how you have transformed from a victim to a survivor, and how you are using your experience to help others. Go Ashley! I’m cheering you on!
Thank you, Andrew!! I hardly recognize that girl in the picture anymore. It hurts to think back on what it felt like but it makes freedom so sweet.
**Four things to look for in a safe community!! Listen to this whole thing! Ashley has been someone I have admired in the advocacy scene. I respect her and trust her. That’s not an easy find when being harmed as I have. I was vulnerable to join a cult. She defines what a CULT is very well and gives examples of types of cults. Those which u may be surprised. At the end she explains what a safe community is. We r all vulnerable! It is more simple than u may think. Critical thinking is key. It is not biased and it affects all races genders and socioeconomic statuses.
Thank you! Yes, cults have a broad reach and they do not target just one type of person.
Powerful story
WoW! This is the best summary of what a cult is and how easily we could all be duped into joining one. I never thought it was possible but she gave so much useful information and signs to look out for. Definitely something worth listening to!
Great presentation, Ashley! I love the BITE acronym! And I could see this example clearly in highly controlled FAMILIES & SEEMINGLY HARMLESS CHURCHES!!!
It's sad but true. Any group can be turned into a high control group with the right factors in place.
Yes! “Am I free to be me here?” is a great question!! Thank you for all that you are doing to use your experiences to lead others to freedom!
Wow, thank you so much! That SAFE model is eye opening and so, so many churches out there are not SAFE.
Thank you for this presentation, Ashley. The “bite” model is new to me - so helpful to better understanding what cult dynamics are like and how to recognize red flags. And the “safe” test is fantastic - thank you, thank you!
I am so happy it was helpful. I'd encourage you to look up the BITE model because it has way more detail than what I could fit into a 12min talk.
Thank you for using your voice, Ashley! So true and such a good reminder when going through life transitions to be vigilant and keep your eyes and ears open and to keep thinking for yourself.🩷
Yesss! Always leave space to ponder things for yourself before getting caught up in the excitement of something new.
Cult survivor here! Thank you so much for spreading awareness and educating people about what to look for ahead of time-it’s so hard to see once you’re on the inside of a cult. We are all much more susceptible than we think. And thank you also for sharing how to recognize a safe community!
It is my pleasure! Thank YOU. I am passionate about protecting people in anyway that I can.
Nailed it as always, Ashley! As a cult survivor myself this talk summed up so much. From the B.I.T.E. model to knowing how to find a safe space. So thankful for you!
My life ticks off every single letter of
B. I. T. E.!
This is such an inspirational talk. Thank you for speaking out and advocating for fellow survivors! ❤❤❤
Uggg. I'm sorry. It's so hard to come to that realization. I'm glad you are here.
Love this! Nailed it on the Quiverfull. It’s always about the Patriarchy. These men consider themselves KINGS over the woman and children.
Thank you Ashley, what an insightful and thought provoking talk 🩵
Thank you!! That means so much!!✨
Fantastic overview of high control groups and how common they are. Growing up a missionary kid with New Tribes Mission/Ethnos 365-your 4 things to look for in a safe community really hit home. Evangelical missions are not safe spaces.
I'm so sorry you had that experience. I've heard so many New Tribe stories. Very glad you are safe now.
Wow. I think my Mom still gets letters from that mission. I'm a former MK also.
@@msmaryrehbein There are a lot of news articles available if you google it. It might shed some light.
I know Ashley and am so proud of her work advocating for survivors. Amazing talk!
Thank you for sharing this Ashley. I feel to proud to know you and thankful for you ❤
Love that you included characteristics of safe communities.
Thank you! It's important to me to highlight how we can create environments that are truly healthy.
This is a powerfully focused presentation by Ashley who brings a depth of expertise and experience on the dangers of cults. Her story is empowering, enlightening, and encouraging to anyone who has come out of a cult and to anyone who is still struggling to get out of a cult. Thank you.
Thank YOU! My hope is that more and more people will break free!
Fascinating observations - my prom date was clearly part of a cult or cult-like environment, and he had no idea! He needed this talk!
I'm so sorry to hear that. It's really hard to see people we care about in dangerous situations.
As a fellow cult survivor, thank you! I will be sharing this with our survivor community. This ia like the cliff notes of what a cult is, how you can get sucked into one, and how to determine if you are in a safe group.
Excellent!
Thank you so much Ashley!! Your voice and story is giving others hope. ❤❤Could tell the audience was really tracking with you.
I appreciate that.
Ashley’s story and work helping survivors is unbelievably powerful! This message is so important to educate and open peoples’ eyes to even the subtle signs and will undoubtedly help change countless more lives!
Thank you! That is my deepest hope... to help more people.
Cult survivor here too. Thank you, Ashley for your clear and concise talk about how to identify a cult.
Great talk! It feels like we are living in a time when cults are growing and multiplying around us because "BITE" works and people in power use it to maintain and expand their own power. Thank you for sharing this talk and your story with us and thank you for all of your hard work to help others get free.
You are so right. There is so much control out there. More than ever we need people asking questions and being intentional about the groups they are a part of.
Brilliant job, Ashley! A must listen. Anyone is vulnerable to a cult.
Thank you! Yes, and the sooner we realize it the more safe we can become.
Thank you!
Excellent presentation! Ashley challenges our notions of what a "cult" looks like, and how anyone can be vulnerable to control during a life transition. I'm so glad she did her research and critical thinking to free herself. That's difficult and scary. Thank you for your courage in freeing yourself and now supporting others!
Thank you!! That means so much. I've found that when people truly understand what isn't ok they are more likely to take steps to protect themselves.
Such an important conversation to be having. Thank you for sharing! So proud of you, Ashley 🙏💕
So thankful you had this opportunity, and are educating people with this information!
It was truly and honor to have the opportunity.
Thank you for all your hard work, research and wisdom. Your experience in a cult makes you an expert in empathy towards those who've been entangled. I am so thankful for you, for your daily texts, the sweet little gift during the holiday. It's the small things in life that show care and concern.
Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and your story. 🙏
Thank you! 💕🙏
Thank you for helping others escape! Set the captives free!
That means a lot. So thankful to be free and to see others becoming free.
So helpful in knowing what to watch out for in any group setting! There is a fine line between an unhealthy group/church dynamic and a cult…either way, run! Great Ted Talk and great work, Ashley! We need your courage and your voice!
Thank you!! And, you're right... no matter where it falls on te cult spectrum run if it's unhealthy!
Thank you for using your voice to bring help and hope to others! 💗
It is truly my pleasure. 💕
That is truly my deepest desire.
Thank you, Ashley, for sharing your wisdom with us! I'm grateful for your work in the world.
Excellent talk with such an important message. Thank you, Ashley, for all of the meaningful work you’re doing.
I wish the work did not have to be done, but since it does, I'm glad I can play a part.
Very eye opening. Great points to avoid ever becoming part of a cult.
I'm so glad it was helpful!
Ashley I'm so glad that you had the opportunity to do this. You're so good and such a natural on stage. Such an amazing speaker. The biggest take away I got from this is the very end when you said being free to be yourself.❤
Great information. You made me think deeply about what a cult is and how easy it can be to become involved in one.
I like the way you presented everything in a clear order. Thank you.
Thank you for your work!
Absolutely beautiful talk and I’m not surprised. As always - you crush everything you put your mind to.
So proud of you for this opportunity and so thankful for the work you do helping survivors. ❤
That means so much. We are in this together! Let justice roll.
Amazing to see Ashley doing this! What a great talk. A must-watch.
Thank you, Jeremy. Your work has been so vital in helping people in isolated communities.
Thank you Ashley for sharing your powerful story, and for being an advocate for others. Proud of all you are achieving in the name of helping others.
So insightful and inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story and speaking your truth!
I'm thankful for the opportunity.
Great talk! I am a cult survivor too! The safe community tips were a great way to end the talk. Thanks for the advocacy work you do ❤
I am so glad you are free!! Safe community is everything.
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing.
💕✨
So important for everyone to be aware of.
What an informative and eye opening talk! I never would have guessed one day I'd be able to relate so well. This is excellent, Ashley!
That's a hard conclusion to come to but once you realize you can relate you can take steps to keep yourself safe. Thank you for your words.
The love bombing, manipulation, and gaslighting can bring anyone into a cult.
Great presentation, Ashley. (Eleni)
You're a real one for taking this mission head on, Ashley! Thanks for all you do.
I really appreciate you saying that!
Loved this! I love that you left us with a way to find safe community.
YES!! Community done well can be so good.
This is an excellent TED Talk, Ashley! That you educated yourself on cults and high control religious groups, by watching TED Talks, and and now fast forward these years and you have your own, is so awesome! Dr. Steven Hassan will be proud of you for incorporating his B.I.T.E. Model into your talk. Perhaps you will be on his podcast some day, and he on yours! 😊
I definitely learned a lot from TED talks. They offer so much helpful information, especially when you are first experiencing life outside.
This was excellent, Ashley. Thank you for sharing the wise insight you’ve gained and for so courageously sharing your story.
I am grateful for the opportunity.
I'm happy to see you spreading your message in every way possible Ashley. You are making a difference.
Thank you!! I am hoping good comes from it.
So powerful. Thank you for sharing your insights and wisdom!
This is so relatable, unfortunately. Thank you for this 💚
I'm sorry to hear it.
Ashley! You are awesome! Thank you so much for sharing your story.
Great talk. So glad you escaped. Thanks you for this insightful talk.
I am too! Freedom feels so good.
What a great message! Thank you! I adore this girl!
Thank you, Ashley, for such an accessible and practical overview of what high-demand groups/cults are, how they function to entice and exploit us, and key features of what a truly safe space looks like. I've benefited from your work with COURAGE 365 and your stellar teaching!
Thank you, Brad! We are in this together... brining education so more people can be safe.
Food for thought. Thank you!
Thank you. I especially loved the end.
Thank you. Creating safe communities is important to me.
Great insight - it's important to recognise when you aren't safe to be yourself, and when people won't give you straightforward answers.
Amazing! Thank you for sharing and for all your work with all survivors.
Really important talk! Thanks for your work on this!
I appreciate that.
Thanks so much for sharing
Thank YOU!
So helpful!
Very informative and well presented. Thank you!
I appreciate that. I'm really hoping it will make a difference.
Beautiful Ashley!
💕
Scary - good information!
You are such a light for spreading your message, mission and gifts out into the world!!!!!! Celebrating you so BIG ❤
Thank you Ashley! Great talk! I appreciate you!
This was super informative! I've always been interested in cult psychology and it's awesome to see and hear from people who come out the other side while making positive change.
Thank you. Positive change is the goal!
So powerful and inspiring to see this come full circle for you. And so much helpful information delivered with confidence and power as always 🙌
Thank you! That means a lot.
Great informative TED Talk!
That was so powerful. Thank you
A great storyteller - thanks for sharing vulnerability
Thank you so much for sharing your message Ashley. ❤ This is soo needed.
I appreciate it.
I learned so much from your eye-opening talk and really appreciate you making us aware and observance so that we can see the signs when they occur
Such a good talk and so necessary! Thank you, Ashley!
So good Ashley! Helpful to so many! Thank you!!
So valuable💙
💕✨
I am a survivor. What a great talk. I would love to find a support group near me.
Ashley is amazing! Such an inspiration! I love her work! Been following her for a while now!
The group that Ashley grew up in was definitely a high-control group. SUCH an informative video! The information was succinct and helpful. I loved the tips at the end about what a non-cult group looks like. We need this information. Thank you, Ashley. ❤
Awesome work, Ashley!! You are amazing!🤩 so powerful and instructive message. The bite model sounds familiar😞 And great point on the characteristics of a safe community. Loved that.
What a powerful message, Ashley. Thank you for your courage to share you experience to bring awareness and help others.
Thank you. Awareness is so important. I hope this helps.