Are the Mandalorians in a Cult?
BITE Model Breakdown- Din Djarin’s Children of the Watch:
Today I am here to once and for all answer the pressing question on everyone’s minds: Is Din Djarin’s Mandalorian tribe (Children of the Watch) actually a cult? Bo Katan Kryze refers to The Tribe as a cult when speaking with Din, but does the group actually qualify as such? Here I will be laying out an in-depth analysis using Steven Hassan’s BITE Model of Authoritarian Control to effectively answer the question that Mandalorian fans have been asking since the beginning.
TDLR for those who do not want to read the entire post: no, it is not a cult.
*Please note, I will only be including tactics and traditions seen on screen in The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett, and therefore only delving into the specific subsect known as “Children of the Watch” or “the Tribe”, not the original Deathwatch or other sects.
First, a little background. What is a cult?
Most dictionary definitions of a cult read something like the following:
“a religious group, often living together, whose beliefs are considered extreme or strange by many people”
If we are going off of this definition alone, the question seems to have a clear-cut answer. The Watch is an orthodox religious sect, the members live together in a covert, and many characters throughout the series express confusion, disapproval, and judgment towards their beliefs. However, the issue is much more complicated and nuanced than this, as there are many facets to what makes an organization a cult. Thankfully, we have a very useful tool at our disposal: Steven Hassan’s BITE Model of Authoritarian Control. Created by Hassan in 1988, the BITE model aims to identify and flesh out a set of criteria characterizing dangerous cults and other authoritarian groups.
BITE stands for:
Behavior control
Information control
Thought control
Emotional control
Breaking down each criterion one by one, here is how the Children of the Watch measure up:
Behavior Contro
1.Regulate individual’s physical reality
The physical reality of individual Tribe members is significantly regulated. The group controls where its members live and what they may wear, demonstrating a degree of power over the physical realities of members.
2.Dictate where, how, and with whom the member lives and associates or isolates
Members of the Children of the Watch live together in compounds called coverts, where they remain hidden for their own safety. In Din’s covert, only one member of the Tribe is allowed to leave the covert at a time.
3.When, how and with whom the member has sex
We do not see any restrictions placed onto the Mandalorians when it comes to sex– though they are not allowed to show their faces or remove their helmets, there are realistic ways in which Mandalorians could still engage in Creed-compliant sexual activity (see: popular fanfiction tag “the helmet stays on”.
4.Control types of clothing and hairstyles
The Children of the Watch are very strict when it comes to attire, requiring members to never remove their helmets at risk of excommunication/exile. Once a member of The Tribe is old enough to speak the Creed, they are awarded a helmet that they may never remove in the presence of another living being.
5.Regulate diet – food and drink, hunger and/or fasting
We see no dietary restrictions, fasting, etc. implemented by the Children of the Watch.
6.Manipulation and deprivation of sleep
Though members of the Tribe likely may become sleep deprived while on missions or other outings, we do not see sleep deprivation intentionally utilized as a means of control.
7.Financial exploitation, manipulation or dependence
While members of the Children of the Watch maintain the ability to seek out their own employment (Din working as a bounty hunter, for example), we see the income earned from this work being presented to a spiritual leader within the organization. After Din is paid for collecting a bounty to the Guild, he extends the Calamari Flan and beskar that he earned to the Armorer. This implies a degree of financial control within the Tribe. I hesitate to include this point, though, as Mandalorians bring beskar to the Armorer not out of a sense of fear, obligation, etc, but because they believe they are returning it to its rightful spiritual owners. The beskar given to the Armorer is also often returned to members in the form of newly forged weapons and armor.
8.Restrict leisure, entertainment, vacation time
An argument could be made that the leisure and vacation time is controlled by the Tribe, as only one member is allowed to leave the covert at a time. This is not, however, done with the intention of authoritarian control– it is a matter of safety.
9.Major time spent with group indoctrination and rituals and/or self indoctrination including the Internet
Considerable chunks of time appear to be used for battle and combat training, which in this context can be viewed as ritualistic. There are also initiating rituals for young foundlings and apprentices, during which they recite the Creed and are given their first helmet which they may never remove.
10.Permission required for major decisions
We do not see members of the Tribe seeking permission from leaders for any major decisions. Though members may seek guidance from spiritual leaders such as the Armorer, they are not required to.
11.Rewards and punishments used to modify behaviors, both positive and negative
Rewards and punishments may be given within the Tribe, but they do not appear to be used to modify behavior.
12.Discourage individualism, encourage group-think
Members of the Children of the Watch are all required to wear standard helmets, and all are required to follow the doctrine of the Creed (walk the way of the Mand’alor). Still, despite these points, leadership within the group does not appear to discourage individualism or creative thinking. Helmets and armor are allowed to be personalized however the wearer sees fit, and the Creed itself does not facilitate group-think.
13.Impose rigid rules and regulations
The most rigid regulation members must follow seems to be regarding helmet-wearing. There are other fairly strict rules laid out by the Creed, such as those surrounding foundlings, the darksaber, and rulership over Mandalore. The Creed also lays out a number of other rules members must follow, but these are closer to a moral and ethical code than to regulations.
14.Punish disobedience by beating, torture, burning, cutting, rape, or tattooing/branding
There is no evidence of the Children of the Watch engaging in any violent forms of punishment against members.
15.Threaten harm to family and friends
We do not see evidence of the Tribe engaging in threats against the families or friends of members.
16.Force individual to rape or be raped
The Children of the Watch do not engage in this kind of behavior.
17.Encourage and engage in corporal punishment
There are no examples of corporal punishment being encouraged or practiced within the Tribe.
18.Instill dependency and obedience
The Tribe does not appear to foster dependency, but it does instill obedience among its members. Mandalorians who do not obey the Creed may be exiled.
19.Kidnapping
The Children of the Watch do not engage in kidnapping. They do take in foundlings, or children who have been abandoned or orphaned, but I do not believe this qualifies as kidnapping.
20.Beating
There is no evidence of beating being employed by members of the Tribe.
21.Torture
There is no evidence of torture being utilized as a means of control by the Tribe.
22.Rape
(See 16.)
23.Separation of Families
The Children of the Watch hold strong family values, especially honoring foundlings and their training. Though families likely became separated during times of war, splitting up families intentionally has never been part of the Creed. In fact, when told that Grogu must forgo attachment to become a jedi, Din states that this is “the opposite of our creed”.
24.Imprisonment
The Tribe is not seen to engage in systemic imprisonment of either members or non-members; though bounty hunters like Din Djarin likely lead to individuals being imprisoned, this is not representative of the group as a whole.
25.Murder
The ideology of the Children of the Watch, as well as many other Mandalorian sects, heavily revolve around war, weapons, and violence. Consequently, murder is normalized, and has become routine practice within the Tribe. At one point, when Din explains that he did not kill Moff Gideon, Paz Vizsla and the Armorer have the following interaction:
Vizsla: “Death would have been justice for his atrocities.”
Armorer: “This is true.”
Information Control
1.Deception:
a. Deliberately withhold information
b. Distort information to make it more acceptable
c. Systematically lie to the cult member
Spiritual leaders within the Children of the Watch do not deliberately lie, distort, or withhold information at any point we see on screen.
2.Minimize or discourage access to non-cult sources of information, including:
a. Internet, TV, radio, books, articles, newspapers, magazines, media
b. Critical information
c. Former members
d. Keep members busy so they don’t have time to think and investigate
e. Control through cell phone with texting, calls, internet tracking
The Children of the Watch do not minimize or discourage access to outside information through any means. Former members are exiled, but this does not appear to be related to management of information for the sake of control.
3.Compartmentalize information into Outsider vs. Insider doctrines
a. Ensure that information is not freely accessible
b. Control information at different levels and missions within group
c. Allow only leadership to decide who needs to know what and when
All members of the Tribe appear to have access to the same level of information; every member knows and has access to the Creed, as well as other crucial information. The Armorer does not have control over who knows what, nor does she compartmentalize information (from both inside and outside sources).
4.Encourage spying on other members
a. Impose a buddy system to monitor and control member
b. Report deviant thoughts, feelings and actions to leadership
c. Ensure that individual behavior is monitored by group
Members of the Children of the Watch are not encouraged to spy on each other. There is no evidence of buddy systems, reporting “deviant” actions, or monitoring within the group.
5.Extensive use of cult-generated information and propaganda, including:
a. Newsletters, magazines, journals, audiotapes, videotapes, YouTube, movies and other media
b. Misquoting statements or using them out of context from non-cult sources
The Children of the Watch do not have any sources of cult-generated information that we see, such as newsletters, holotapes, etc. There also does not appear to be intentional misquoting of non-tribe sources.
6.Unethical use of confession
a. Information about sins used to disrupt and/or dissolve identity boundaries
b. Withholding forgiveness or absolution
c. Manipulation of memory, possible false memories
If a Mandalorian confesses to removing their helmet in the presence of another living creature, they will be exiled from the Children of the Watch. Forgiveness and/or absolution are possible, but can only be given by bathing in the living waters on Mandalore. Information is not used to disrupt identity boundaries, nor to manipulate memory.
Thought Control
1.Require members to internalize the group’s doctrine as truth
a. Adopting the group’s ‘map of reality’ as reality
b. Instill black and white thinking
c. Decide between good vs. evil
d. Organize people into us vs. them (insiders vs. outsiders)
The Children of the Watch require every member to follow “the way of the Mand’alor” and adhere to the Creed, a doctrine laying out rules members must follow– as well as a singular view of what a “true” Mandalorian is.
2.Change person’s name and identity
Members of the tribe maintain full control over their names and identities.
3.Use of loaded language and clichés which constrict knowledge, stop critical thoughts and reduce complexities into platitudinous buzz words
The Children of the Watch does not appear to utilize loaded language and cliches to stop critical thinking. The phrase “this is the way” is a saying often used as a simple response to questions or as an affirmation, but I do not believe it is used to reduce complexities or stop critical thought.
4.Encourage only ‘good and proper’ thoughts
There does not appear to be any encouragement or discouragement of certain thoughts within the Children of the Watch.
5.Hypnotic techniques are used to alter mental states, undermine critical thinking and even to age regress the member
Hypnotic techniques are not employed by the Children of the Watch.
6.Memories are manipulated and false memories are created
We do not see any evidence of memory manipulation within the Tribe.
7.Teaching thought-stopping techniques which shut down reality testing by stopping negative thoughts and allowing only positive thoughts, including:
a. Denial, rationalization, justification, wishful thinking
b. Chanting
c. Meditating
d. Praying
e. Speaking in tongues
f. Singing or humming
While certain members are seen meditating, this meditation does not appear to be utilized as a tool to control thoughts. Din Djarin does use denial, rationalization, and justification when he comes to learn that his sect is considered extreme or abnormal, but these tactics do not seem to be systemic within the group.
8.Rejection of rational analysis, critical thinking, constructive criticism
The Children of the Watch do not appear to reject critical thinking at any point in the show.
9.Forbid critical questions about leader, doctrine, or policy allowed
At no point do we see questions being discouraged or forbidden by members or leaders of the Children of the Watch. All questions asked by members receive genuine answers, such as when Ragnar Vizsla asks why Grogu doesn’t wear a helmet, or when Din Djarin asks the Armorer about Bo Katan Kryze.
10.Labeling alternative belief systems as illegitimate, evil, or not useful
Other groups of Mandalorians are viewed as “illegitimate” by the Children of the Watch, as removing their helmets does not adhere to the way of the Mand’alor. This can be seen when Din Djarin first meets the Nite Owls: they remove their helmets, and Din immediately assumes the armor has been stolen and that they are not really Mandalorian.
11.Instill new “map of reality”
Members of the Tribe must adhere to the Creed, which acts as a “map of reality” and outlines what a “true” Mandalorian is. We also see this new “map of reality” discussed when Bo Katan Kryze asks the Armorer about the Mythosaur: Bo Katan says that she saw it under the living waters on Mandalore, and the Armorer simply tells her that “When you choose to walk the way of the Mand’alor, you will see many things.” This shows that members believe in a shift in reality surrounding membership.
Emotional Control
1.Manipulate and narrow the range of feelings – some emotions and/or needs are deemed as evil, wrong or selfish
At no point do we see emotions or needs deemed as evil, wrong, or selfish by the Children of the Watch. Most members do appear unexpressive and monotone, but this is likely due to the constant wearing of face coverings.
2.Teach emotion-stopping techniques to block feelings of homesickness, anger, doubt
We do not see any emotion-stopping techniques used by the Tribe.
3.Make the person feel that problems are always their own fault, never the leader’s or the group’s fault
There is no evidence of blame-shifting within the Children of the Watch.
4.Promote feelings of guilt or unworthiness, such as:
a. Identity guilt
b. You are not living up to your potential
c. Your family is deficient
d. Your past is suspect
e. Your affiliations are unwise
f. Your thoughts, feelings, actions are irrelevant or selfish
g. Social guilt
f. Historical guilt
Mandalorians in the Children of the Watch likely do experience some degree of guilt, as they are required to follow a strict moral code in the form of the Creed. However, these feelings do not seem to be actively promoted by leadership within the Tribe.
5.Instill fear, such as fear of:
a. Thinking independently
b. The outside world
c. Enemies
d. Losing one’s salvation
e. Leaving or being shunned by the group
f. Other’s disapproval
f. Historical guilt
The Children of the Watch engage in shunning, excommunication, and banishing. This occurs when a member of the group does not adhere to the Creed, for example by removing their helmet. By Creed, once a member is exiled they are no longer considered Mandalorian and may only seek redemption by bathing in the living waters under the mines of Mandalore.
6.Extremes of emotional highs and lows – love bombing and praise one moment and then declaring you are horrible sinner
Love bombing and extreme highs and lows are not utilized by the Tribe to manipulate members.
7.Ritualistic and sometimes public confession of sins
Din Djarin, after taking off his helmet in the presence of another living creature, is questioned by the Armorer and forced to confess in front of Paz Vizsla before he is swiftly excommunicated and exiled. Whenever asked, Mandalorians are required to vow that they have been loyally adhering to the Creed.
8.Phobia indoctrination: inculcating irrational fears about leaving the group or questioning the leader’s authority
a. No happiness or fulfillment possible outside of the group
b. Terrible consequences if you leave: hell, demon possession, incurable diseases, accidents, suicide, insanity, 10,000 reincarnations, etc.
c. Shunning of those who leave; fear of being rejected by friends and family
d. Never a legitimate reason to leave; those who leave are weak, undisciplined, unspiritual, worldly, brainwashed by family or counselor, or seduced by money, sex, or rock and roll
e. Threats of harm to ex-member and family
(See 5.)
Conclusion
After analyzing each individual point on the BITE model and applying it to The Children of the Watch, I have come to the conclusion that no, Din Djarin’s covert is not a cult. Though the group is quite orthodox in its beliefs, it does not engage in authoritarian control over its members.
If you enjoyed this breakdown and would like to see more posts like this in the future, let me know! I may do a BITE model analysis of the Jedi order if enough people are interested.
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weak hero antagonist writing appreciation
One thing I really enjoy about Weak Hero is the way it bothers to flesh out and develop the antagonists. No, I'm not talking about the throwaway random thugs, I'm referring to the main bad guys like Jimmy, Wolf, Forrest, Donald, Teddy, Jake and hell even Helmet and Philip.
When I say development I mean both character growth and regression, and also general fleshing out of their personalities and backstory, as well as what they do in the story outside of battling the heroes.
During story arcs where characters other than the main Eunjang crew get the focus, there's always a group of people complaining about wanting to see the main characters and how they don't want to see the "evil bad guys". I get it, people want to see their favourite characters instead of ones they dislike. However, what these people don't understand is that it is NECESSARY to flesh out the antagonists, almost as much as the protagonists in order for a story to go from simply good to fantastic.
Giving antagonists attention in the story, such as writing little moments for them here and there to all out story arcs and mini-backstories aids in broadening our understanding of who they are as people. If done well, it builds intrigue and interest in the characters. Sometimes this can make an antagonist more likeable, for example with Jimmy's backstory. He is presented as an arrogant jerkwad, but over time we get to see more sides to him aside from his huge ego.
He is insecure about his place in the Union and is desperate to show Donald what he's made of. He cares about those he's close to, most notably Jack. He is tenacious and determined, as shown when he got back up after being knocked out by one of the Cheongang executives. He's not just some one-dimensional punching bag for the good guys to beat, he's a person with strengths, flaws, and emotions. He may not be a good person, but he's not completely bad.
Even Dongha, who is shown to be downright crazy and ruthless in battle, is given a sympathetic background. He really values and cares for Seongmok as a friend, and remembers the kindness others show him, like when a kind woman gave him a scarf when he was cold. Dongha's behaviour can be explained by his desire to not let anyone look down on him. When he was a child, he was poor and other kids made fun of him for it. The one way he thought of to show dominance was violence, which carried through to his teens. This also explains why he loves money so much, and adds depth to his interaction with richboy Philip.
On the other hand, Helmet's development showcases how much of a horrible ass he is. He doesn't grow as a person, but we see how he gets worse after he is kicked out of the Union. Firstly, we see him as a coward, a loudmouthed bully who picks on those weaker than him for no other reason than so he seems stronger. He has no ambition to grow stronger, because he has such an inflated and downright delusional view of himself. After getting kicked out, his social media description is "Lone Wolf"... as if he chose to be alone on his own will. Sad. He lurks outside the cram schools to pick on kids for money, instead of getting a part time job like Teddy or Gerard.
At least he has the common sense to be utterly terrified of Gray when they met again. But after that, he tried to make a name for himself again by joining "Jailbreak" a group of dropouts who take pride in acting like petty thugs and not having a proper education (despite having the opportunity. so many kids would love to go to school!!) Helmet got rejected of course. This shows how desperate Helmet is to be powerful, and how he refuses to change himself or realise that he is wrong. Finally, he comes running back to Jimmy, his tail between his legs, begging to be let back into the crew. He even brought a gift! An entire plastic bag full of boiled eggs. What the hell kind of peace offering is that? Helmet is so focused on himself and honestly pretty stupid to think that Jimmy would accept him because he begged and also because of boiled eggs. Helmet didn't have the thoughtfulness to bring drinks, causing Jimmy to choke. He is chased away again and I guess that's where his story ends!
Therefore developing the antagonists adds to their character and enriches the story. It also serves as great worldbuilding because we get to see more of how the setting works. The Union is involved with shady business deals, slowly expanding their control of their region. We get to see what other organised crime groups are like with the Cheongang arc, and what happened with Manwol.
I have a lot to say but im just gonna end to post here it's 3am im tired. Thanks for reading this far :D
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The Laser Hair Removal Experience: Understanding the Procedure and Its Numerous Advantages
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