Admire. Obey. Defend. The Cult of Personality

A cult of personality happens when a public figure (usually a political leader) builds an image of themselves that is larger-than-life. Their followers start to treat that image as unquestionable and central to their own identity. It’s not literally a “cult” in the religious sense, but it shares some similarities in the way people admire, obey, and defend the leader, often blindly.

While this picture is one example, where the leader’s image or ideology becomes part of a followers clothing, slogans, rituals, and social norms, there are other ways that cult of personality is exhibited:

• The leader is portrayed as uniquely strong, brilliant, or chosen, often exaggerating personal achievements.
• Their face, name, and slogans dominate public life in rallies, on TV, in social media, and on merchandise.
• Anyone who challenges the leader isn’t just a political opponent, but an “enemy of the people.”
• Personal Loyalty is greater than Institutions. Citizens and officials are expected to pledge loyalty to the leader, not the constitution, laws, or democratic values.
• Followers feel a personal connection to the leader, almost like devotion to a parent or deity. Identity is tied to the leader’s persona, making criticism of them feel like betrayal.
• Questioning or criticizing the leader can be seen as disloyal, immoral, or even criminal.
• Blind Defense of the Leader. Followers often defend everything the leader does, even actions that contradict logic or ethics.