Published on Jun 22, 2014
"Jonestown" was the informal name for the Peoples Temple Agricultural Project formed by the Peoples Temple, an American religious organization under the leadership of Jim Jones, in northwestern Guyana. It became internationally notorious when on November 18, 1978, 918 people died in the settlement, at the nearby airstrip in Port Kaituma, and in Georgetown, Guyana's capital city. The name of the settlement became synonymous with the incidents at those locations.
A total of 909 Temple members died in Jonestown, all but two from apparent cyanide poisoning, in an event termed "revolutionary suicide" by Jones and some members on an audio tape of the event and in prior discussions. The poisonings in Jonestown followed the murder of five others by Temple members at Port Kaituma, including United States Congressman Leo Ryan. Four other Temple members died in Georgetown at Jones' command.
A total of 909 Temple members died in Jonestown, all but two from apparent cyanide poisoning, in an event termed "revolutionary suicide" by Jones and some members on an audio tape of the event and in prior discussions. The poisonings in Jonestown followed the murder of five others by Temple members at Port Kaituma, including United States Congressman Leo Ryan. Four other Temple members died in Georgetown at Jones' command.
Questions for discussion:
How does this video illustrate the concepts from the chapter on religious communities? Charismatic leaders? Founded religions? Why do you think people would be attracted to join a suicide cult?
This is totally insane. I cannot even imagine how an entire population can commit suicide by getting convinced by a "man". I think all of this also has to do with illiteracy. Illiterate people are easy to convince, they can be brain washed easily.
ReplyDeleteIt is so terrifying to see how such a large group of people can be so influenced by the opinions of one person. According to Criminal Minds, most people join and stay in cults because they grow a sense of 'us against the world', or feel insecure without the identity that the cult provides them.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe people willingly followed his beliefs. Individuals with charisma should be influencing others towards good actions, not suicidal sacrifices.
ReplyDeleteIt's so sad to think about how Jim Jones successfully brainwashed so many people into committing what was really mass suicide. Jones was charismatic, manipulative, and deceitful, which unfortunately was more than enough to get a huge group of people to blindly follow to their deaths for the promise of salvation and belonging, something they believe they otherwise wouldn't have found.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard about the Jonestown Massacre but found myself very frustrated in class watching the short film. Although it is hard to understand WHY people would follow in this suicide cult, I don't think they realize the possibility or are actually willing to commit suicide at the loss of their leader. I still think that Jones was the one responsible for the death of everyone at the camp- which goes against the entire idea of what is deemed a suicide cult.
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