Reflecting on past threads 'why doesn't The Simpsons have a Muslim character' led me to South Park (they're re-running that 2-parter where Muhammed is cut from the screen). Which led me to remember Isaac Hayes quitting South Park after the 'closet' episode.
I am assuming that 'The Joy of Sect' was pretty much about Scientology, although it could be argued that it was about cults in general. Does anyone know if the Church of Scientology took offense? Or any Scientologists that work on 'The Simpsons?' I know they can be quite vociferous when roused.
I never got the impression that it was about Scientology. The actual cult seemed too much like other cults that worshipped someone and communally. The Rajneeshes (I've spelled that wrong, but the cult that had a big commune in Oregon, and all dressed in red) fit the bill. The Moonies, at least in the early days (I don't know how much they've changed in recent years, but of course there was a famous book, "Moonwebs" by Josh Freed about his friend Benji who got hooked into the Moonies, and the kidnapped him and made into the film "Ticket to Heaven"). Probably the "Children of God" would have made a good model for the episode. Locally, there are the Raelians, who are combination sex cult and flying saucer cult.
I see nothing specific in the episode that says Scientology. It sounds more like you are making the connection simply because Scientology they may be the most prominent cult these days. There doesn't seem to be the level of worship of L. Ron Hubbard that other cults have to their leader and the rural commune doesn't fit. And of course, the key part of Scientology is the psycho-babble, and that's not part of the episode.
What was that mob who had David Koresh as their leader and they all commited suicide ? Who were they ? "Michael Black" wrote in message news:e96tvv$ckn$[email]...
"Andy Upton" wrote in message news:O4Vtg.43610$[email]...
The Branch Davidians - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Branch_Davidians
And as far as suicide... it wasn't the "Heaven's Gate" variety. Some would argue it was not suicide at all. They holed up in their compound until the ATF raided the place. Then they set fire to the building, or the ATF did, depending on whom you want to believe. There were survivors.
The episode seems to be a take on all "UFO religions" from an outsider's perspective, as there are parrallels to more than one of these cults throughout the episode. Including mass suicide suggestions in the episode was probably too risky at the time, since it wasn't aired long after the Heaven's Gate suicides (not that I can imagine the press having a sympathetical stance, more likely "so some wackos have topped themselves... WHOOPIE SHIT"), plus the show used to draw the line.
I can't remember there being any backlash. If anyone stood up, they probably weren't taken seriously.