Join us at Maria’s for a discussion of “Cultish – The Language of Fanaticism” by Amanda Montell!
“What makes “cults” so intriguing and frightening? What makes them powerful? The reason why so many of us binge Manson documentaries by the dozen and fall down rabbit holes researching suburban moms gone QAnon is because we’re looking for a satisfying explanation for what causes people to join—and more importantly, stay in—extreme groups. We secretly want to know: could it happen to me? Amanda Montell’s argument is that, on some level, it already has . . .
Our culture tends to provide pretty flimsy answers to questions of cult influence, mostly having to do with vague talk of “brainwashing.” But the true answer has nothing to do with freaky mind-control wizardry or Kool-Aid. In Cultish, Montell argues that the key to manufacturing intense ideology, community, and us/them attitudes all comes down to language. In both positive ways and shadowy ones, cultish language is something we hear—and are influenced by—every single day.
Through juicy storytelling and cutting original research, Montell exposes the verbal elements that make a wide spectrum of communities “cultish,” revealing how they affect followers of groups as notorious as Heaven’s Gate, but also how they pervade our modern start-ups, Peloton leaderboards, and Instagram feeds. Incisive and darkly funny, this enrapturing take on the curious social science of power and belief will make you hear the fanatical language of “cultish” everywhere.”
Please bring a snack or drink to share. Hope to see you there!
Bring the whole family to get crafty at Made by: You on Saturday, May 4 from 3-5 pm. Each crafter will have the option to paint and decorate cement plant containers or birdhouses. Adults can craft too! Cost is $25 per person (adults not crafting are free!) Feel free to bring a snack to share. Please register and pay at the link below by Wednesday, May 1: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=31120542&appointmentType=57651113
Bring your brunch appetite and unwanted gems – let’s brunch, swap, and shop our way to a refresh!
Guests will provide 5-7 gently used items….they can be anything from around your house that you no longer want! Think clothes, accessories (jewelry, purses, etc), home decor, kitchen gadgets, books, etc! Anything as long as it’s still in decent condition. The hostess will set up a “boutique” and guests will shop each other’s stuff over brunch and mimosas! You can shop for as many items as you provide, or fewer if nothing strikes your fancy. Anything left over at the end of the event will be donated!
Let’s get together and look for our summer reading at Beyond Bedtime Books, an independent used bookstore located in Dormont, PA! On the last Friday night of the month they offer an after hours event where you can browse their books with a complimentary glass of wine and enter to win a raffle that supports a local business.
Join us at ballpark to root on the Buccos as they take on the Cincinnati Reds! We will have a private rooftop location filled with food, drinks, and friends.
To RSVP for this event, you *must* pre-pay by sending $92 PER PERSON to Julie on Venmo (Julie-Potash-1, last 4: 4659). Please do not record your RSVP before doing this step!
Payment will be non-refundable as it covers our cost for the event. If you need to cancel, you will be in charge of reselling your own tickets.
Gates open at 5:40 First pitch is at 6:40
What’s included: Admission Pop/water 2 16oz Miller Lites Buffet: Popcorn, chips, salads, hot dogs, hamburgers, cookies, and more
