Asset-stripping

Techniques > Conversion > Asset-stripping

Dematerializing | Reframing wealth | See also

One thing that most groups need to survive is money, and one source of this is new members. If the group can strip them of their assets, then this be a great contribution to group funds. With no way back, the person is also now trapped in the group.

Dematerializing

In their focus on what it right and wrong, the group removes material wealth from being worthwhile and good from their list of values. It is seen as a distraction from the core ideology and purpose of life in the group. Ownership of wealth and any other assets is thus shown to be a transgression of those values and hence bad and unworthy. It is also described as 'holding the person back' from personal development as well as progression within the group and its values.

The individual is thus encouraged to rid themselves of any assets. This may also be symbolized by simplified clothing and shared accommodation.

Of course, once they no longer own anything, they are now dependent on the group and its leaders. They do not have the money to return to their former life, and may have alienated former friends and family by their giving away of assets.

Reframing wealth

Assets and their pecuniary value are re-framed as being useful not to the individual but to the group and its purposes. Thus, rather than handing the money over to their relatives or other charities, the person is urged to donate the assets to the higher purpose of the group. Whether this is 'for safe keeping' or as a direct donation, the result is the same.

The act of doing this is richly rewarded with praise and attention and may lead to the person being promoted to a higher level within the group.

Where the money goes is another question. Many group leaders have burgeoning bank accounts and live in great luxury whilst their members live in very sparse conditions. This, if it is visible, is accounted for by their 'needing' this environment in order to do their good work. As an effective god, they live by different rules.