Blog #3 On what I have gained from Synanon

Sitting here the reflecting on what I have learned this past semester, and I would say that the majority of my time was spent on this Synanon project, and I am glad that I have at least gained something substantial from it. I wasn't that interested in communes or cults before this class, and now that I've been exposed to it-- i'm really truly interested. I think its one thing to read and do research on a cult/commune, but to actually be engaged in the class and outside of the class in Synanon helped me really grow as researcher. 

I thought that Synanon wouldn't interest me at the slightest, but it was really interesting when I really dug into it. What I thought Synanon-- not even close. I thought it had the same outcome as Jonestown, and when I found out that it didn't-- it was a relief. Only because when our class was focusing on Jonestown and then we followed up with that documentary on Jonestown, it truly broke my heart because of the pain those people endured. It still makes me sick to my stomach even thinking about it-- I can't imagine learning that, that would be the last day I would see anyone I loved. 

I think once a person learns about the horrible things that went on within these two cults specifically, they can't feel anything but sympathy because it's so hard to put yourself in their shoes-- and I think it's actually really humbling. 

It's not everyday that you take a class on cults and communes specifically, and now that it's coming to an end, I think i've come out with the knowledge and wondering mind that I want to seek more information about different cults that are in midst. 

I think doing research on different cults, is not only giving us the knowledge of that specific cult but its also helping us understand people more. The more information we acquire, the more we can understand different religions, and cults.