Just how well do signifiers float, you ask? Well, we’re back with a corporate case study whose labels could serve as lifesavers. Examples include but are not limited to: “charisma” (=yelling + boss energy + money), “revolution” (=paying a fair wage), and, of course, “cult” (=a group of people trying hard for someone who’s a jerk). Pull on a comfy v-neck and go window shopping with us at American Apparel, which recently received Trainwreck treatment from Netflix. CEO Dov Charney first made waves by not subjecting workers to sweatshop conditions (revolutionary!) and then made waves by creating an abusive work environment of his very own (just another day at the office!) and then...went on to launch a new brand and keep making money elsewhere (you saw it coming!).  As “cult” shows up with increasing frequency in public discourse about harm, the element of “religion” becomes more and more nebulous. We talk about this and then some, leaving you with our cult favs in the way of some TV recs for your consideration.  

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Production assistance from the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Alabama.  

Theme music produced with Udio.