Many people who have attended or witnessed an Amway convention have compared the experience to that of being in a cult at times. However, while an Amway conference is not in the traditional sense a cult, there are numerous similarities between it and a gathering of Independent Business Owners (IBOS). There are some characteristics that IBOS adhere to that give the impression that Amway is a cult-like organisation.
They appear to be devoted to the leader. The diamond is treated like a rock star, receiving adoration and standing ovations whenever they go into a room, and Amway IBOS will almost willingly risk their lives to protect their upline diamond. It is common for people to physically queue up and even move extra Amway products in order to be given the opportunity to drive the diamond to a meeting or spend an hour with the diamond. During my time as an IBO, I recall having to achieve a certain requirement in order to attend a picnic with the upline diamond.
With the way the IBOS treated the diamonds at meetings, you'd think they were divine beings, and at the very least, they were treated as if they were royalty or celebrities, which they certainly were. Additionally, IBOS dress and conduct in a similar manner, making them incredibly predictable. When you see it in action, it's almost amusing to watch.
Despite the fact that no one appears to have achieved financial independence, the IBOS all share a shared aim of financial freedom. They make the assumption that the diamond is extremely affluent, despite the fact that no one knows for certain what the diamond's net worth actually is. Whatever it is, I'm aware that diamonds are always in demand, whereas normal people eventually retire as they grow older.
Is Amway, as well as associated organisations such as WWDB, a collection of cults and cultists? I don't know much about them, but I am aware that they exhibit numerous cult-like qualities. Despite the fact that you are free to come and go, there is peer pressure to remain in the group. The parallels are remarkable in their similarity.
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