The Woke Cult vs. Americans |
I grew up navigating a complex web of cultures, ideologies, and belief systems. Born in Iran and raised amidst the revolutionary chaos of a theocratic regime, I eventually found myself in America, where I embraced various identities: socialist, vegan, Muslim leader, and finally, a conservative Christian member of the LDS Church. My life’s journey has given me a unique vantage point to analyze why so many people in our society gravitate toward radical ideologies such as LGBTQ extremism, woke cultism, leftism, communism, and Islamism. From my observations and experiences, I argue that these ideologies attract people who are often mentally unstable and searching for meaning in the wrong places.
The Nature of Ideological Extremism
Radical ideologies—whether woke progressivism or Islamist fanaticism—are often rooted in a rejection of reality. They promote an alternate worldview that contradicts biology, history, and common sense. For instance, the radical LGBTQ movement pushes ideologies that deny basic biological facts, such as the reality of two sexes. Similarly, Islamism seeks to rewrite history and impose a seventh-century worldview on the modern world.
These movements thrive on victimhood narratives, emotional manipulation, and the demonization of dissenters. Such characteristics make them appealing to individuals who struggle with mental instability or emotional turmoil. Radical ideologies provide these individuals with a sense of purpose, belonging, and moral superiority while encouraging them to reject accountability and personal growth.
My Journey Through and Out of These Movements
As someone who was once deeply embedded in progressive and Islamist circles, I witnessed firsthand how these ideologies prey on vulnerable minds. During my tenure as the executive director of CAIR-Columbus and president of the Muslim Forum of Utah, I observed countless individuals who joined these movements not out of genuine conviction but out of a need to fill emotional voids. Many were struggling with depression, anxiety, or unresolved trauma. Instead of seeking healing or accountability, they found solace in ideologies that encouraged blame-shifting and victimhood.
Similarly, my time as a vegan and a socialist was marked by a deep dissatisfaction with the world and myself. I believed that radical change was the only way to fix society’s problems. However, these beliefs did not bring me peace or clarity; they only exacerbated my mental and emotional struggles. It wasn’t until I embraced the truth of Christianity, the principles of the U.S. Constitution, and the conservative values of accountability and self-reliance that I began to heal and grow.
Mental Instability and Radical Ideologies
Numerous studies support the connection between mental instability and radical ideologies. Research has shown that individuals who identify as far-left or far-right are more likely to report poor mental health compared to moderates (Pew Research Center, 2020). The radical LGBTQ movement, in particular, has a disproportionately high prevalence of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. While these issues are often attributed to societal oppression, the reality is more complex. Radical ideologies often exacerbate mental health struggles by encouraging individuals to reject objective reality and embrace victimhood.
Islamism similarly attracts individuals who are struggling with identity and purpose. Many young Muslims who join extremist groups do so not because of a deep understanding of Islamic theology but because they feel alienated, angry, or directionless. These groups offer a sense of purpose and belonging but ultimately lead to destruction and despair.
The Cult-Like Nature of Woke Progressivism
Woke progressivism has all the hallmarks of a cult: unquestioning adherence to dogma, demonization of outsiders, and a refusal to engage with dissenting viewpoints. Its followers are encouraged to abandon critical thinking and instead adopt the group’s narrative wholesale. This cult-like behavior is particularly appealing to individuals who are emotionally or mentally vulnerable. By joining the woke movement, they gain a sense of identity and moral superiority while avoiding the difficult work of self-reflection and personal growth.
The Way Forward
As a society, we must recognize the dangers of these radical ideologies and their impact on mental health. We must also offer better alternatives for those who are struggling. Faith, family, and community are powerful tools for healing and growth. Conservative values, rooted in accountability, self-reliance, and a respect for truth, provide a stable foundation for individuals and society.
My own journey is a testament to the transformative power of truth and faith. By rejecting the lies of radical ideologies and embracing the eternal truths of Christianity and the principles of the LDS Church, I found peace, purpose, and stability. I urge others to do the same—not out of hatred or intolerance, but out of a genuine desire to see individuals and society thrive.
Citations
- Pew Research Center. "The Partisan Divide on Political Values Grows Even Wider." October 5, 2020. https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2020/10/05/the-partisan-divide-on-political-values-grows-even-wider
- American Journal of Psychiatry. "Mental Health Issues Among LGBTQ Populations: A Critical Review." January 2022. https://www.ajp.psychiatryonline.org
- Roy, Olivier. Globalized Islam: The Search for a New Ummah. Columbia University Press, 2004.
- Lindsay, James. Cynical Theories: How Activist Scholarship Made Everything About Race, Gender, and Identity—and Why This Harms Everybody. Pitchstone Publishing, 2020.
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