left/right cults (was re: Lefty Despair)

[Peter K.]

>On a different but related note: Dave Arnott's _Corporate Cults_ is an
>interesting read. His assertion? Many corporations could be called cults
>as well. They fit the criteria, according to him: devotion, charismatic/inspirational
>leadership, and separation from community. He doesn't discuss all
>corporations as being cultic, just certain ones that for example have much
>of the "team building" type workshops, getaways, on-site facilities,
>pep rallies, bowling teams, etc etc.

The Chicago-based accounting/consulting giant Andersen often seemed
very cult-like. It's numerous employees were often arrogant and cultish in their
behavior, especially young, new indoctrinees. Its self-inflicted troubles and finally
its going out of business, was a cause of great schadenfreude here,
especially among the less business-oriented who had to suffer Andersen
employees' hubris during the roaring Nineties.

Peter