Cult
At the end of 2024, I decided to watch Shen Yun. As an Asian immigrant, the concept of the performance felt familiar—perhaps even a bit old-fashioned. However, their tagline, “China Before Communism,” always intrigued me. I remember seeing their commercials as far back as 2008, and I couldn’t help but think there must be something special about the show that has continued to run for more than 15 years (I later learned it was founded in 2006).
I was aware that Shen Yun was founded by Falun Gong, which left me curious about what I was supporting if I watched it—a movement against Chinese communism or (simply) a cult. The performance itself was impressive, and I’d say it’s worth seeing at least once (though probably not multiple times). The comedy parts were particularly well-executed and unexpectedly enjoyable.
It was great to experience front rows at the San Jose Center For the Performing Arts.
My final takeaway? Well, it became clear that it’s "an anti-Chinese communism cult," both! The moment that truly tipped the scale for me was the translated lyrics of one of the vocal performances. Let’s just say, how can I accept the line that evolution is fake? Perhaps they should have skipped the subtitles altogether.
Coincidentally, there was a lengthy article in The New York Times about Shen Yun. True to the style of many NYT pieces, it was a calm accusation of the organization. According to the article, the group had generated $144 million in revenue by 2019—that's good. However, it also highlighted allegations of performers enduring abusive conditions and emotional manipulation (a detail NYT wouldn’t omit) and noted the growing legal scrutiny the organization faces (an almost inevitable outcome).
What ultimately made my position, though, was learning that the movement appeared focused on obeying and glorifying its founder. That realization added a layer of discomfort to me.
What exactly defines a cult? According to the Oxford English Dictionary, it’s “a relatively small group of people having (especially religious) beliefs or practices regarded by others as strange or sinister, or as exercising excessive control over members.” In my view, it becomes particularly dangerous when the focus shifts to glorifying or obeying a specific individual.
In my 50 years of life, I’ve admired many people—captivated by their insights, brilliance, and decisiveness. However, over time, I’ve watched many (if not most) succumb to their own egos, revealing their darker sides. This realization initially drew me to "Principles" by Ray Dalio, a book that seemed to promise a framework for clarity and balance. But I felt deeply disappointed when I learned that it, too, reflected a cult-like reverence for a single, inflated ego.
My conclusion is simple: if a movement or principle revolves around a specific person, it’s a red flag–a sign to steer clear. It should never be about an individual—those are the ones likely to exploit you. Instead, we need to look beyond the figurehead and focus on the true intentions behind the movement. That’s the direction worth following.
