Of Cults and Culture
Illustration by Chloe Geschwind
The word “cult” is like the word “love”; both have been overused to the point of senselessness. Everyday, people say they “love” things that they certainly wouldn’t marry or die for. Pop culture elements that tout a dedicated group of fans are quickly dubbed as a “cult” following, though the fans likely wouldn’t drink poisoned Flavor-Aid to show their devotion to, say, Rocky Horror Picture Show. To be fair, with Rocky Horror fans, you never know.
When it comes to the Golden State, some pretty big names rule the scene. Children of God, the People's Temple, Buddhafield, the Source Family; these aren’t band names (although The Source Family did release 65 psychedelic rock albums based on member improvisations). These cults, who are some of the largest, most harmful, and most influential cults in United States history, all share California as their birthplace. Even Santa Monica has a history of nefarious cult activity.
By definition, most organized religions and many spiritual groups fit under the umbrella of “cult”. Having a complex etymology, the simplest and most commonly used definition of “cult” in Merriam Webster’s dictionary is “a system of religious beliefs and ritual.” Netflix original docu-series Explained says the characteristics of a cult include a charismatic leader, evident use of brainwashing, and finally, widespread exploitation. This list explains why many cults target young adults and college students. Synanon, founded by Charles Dederich, clearly fits the bill for a cult no matter which definition you choose. It started right here in Santa Monica.
Rehab systems already existed when Dederich started his own style of doctor-less treatment for addicts in a Santa Monica storefront in 1958, according to LA Magazine. Before the existence of Synanon (which got its name from Dederich fusing the prefix "syn", which denotes togetherness, with the suffix for anonymity: "anon"), addicts were considered to have an incurable ailment. Some were treated by medical doctors, most were jailed. Enter Dederich and his supposedly-positive new philosophy.
In Synanon, former addicts served as drug counselors, and admitting a problem became the first step for more than 1,300 followers treated as inpatients at Synanon facilities. While Synanon did help members kick their addictions, like any cult, exploitation was abound.
"The Game", a form of group therapy where members were encouraged to talk about themselves and then face violent verbal abuse from other group members, was imposed on members as part of the healing process. Newcomers were hazed by being forced to shave their heads. By 1969, the messages of hope and the goal of graduating from the program were all but forgotten. Now called the Church of Synanon, members were taught that staying sober meant residing in Synanon indefinitely.
Because Dederich didn't think children were a good investment for Synanon's vast funds (the cult had $22 million in assets and $8 million in annual revenue by 1976, including Santa Monica's Casa Del Mar hotel), members of the group were pressured to get abortions and vasectomies.
Spiraling deeper into the abyss, Synanon turned more violent. Dederich threatened and conspired to kill Paul Morantz, a lawyer who had begun an investigation into the cult and found out that they were not licensed to be doling out rehabilitation treatment. Dederich pleaded no contest to the conspiracy to commit murder charges in 1980. After a long and financially draining trial, the court ruled in favor of Morantz in 1984. By 1991, Synanon declared bankruptcy and disappeared almost completely. However, a small leg of Synanon still operates in Germany.
While California has seen its fair share of cults, Synanon stands out in its focus on Santa Monica. The Casa Del Mar still stands on the oceanfront, though the American branch of Synanon rests in peace. The building stands as a secret reminder that folks come to California looking for love, healing, and a new life. The Santa Monica beach at sunset is the only reminder one needs that joining a cult is a step that may be skipped on the journey to find love.