Charles Manson and The Family Utopia or Dystopia? By Ms. Brown

Who? Charles Manson was the leader of a cult called “The Family.” The cult members worshipped him and often referred to him as “Jesus.” There were over 100 members in the cult

What? Manson manipulated his followers into murdering for him. They were responsible for the notorious “Tate” murders in which they stabbed three people over and over again, including Sharon Tate who was eight months pregnant Manson’s followers believed that they were following the orders of Jesus Christ

Where? The cult members lived together at Spahn Ranch, 30 miles northwest of Los Angeles, California.

When Manson started the cult in the 1960’s. He was eventually arrested in 1969, but Lynette Fromme, one of his most devoted followers, kept the cult going until her arrest in 1972.

Why Manson was psychotic and hated traditional society He had been rejected by the music industry and wanted revenge He had an unusual ability to control and dominate others He believed that the end of the world was coming. He thought that there was going to be a war between Blacks and Whites, and that only his followers would survive. He wanted to start the war, so he murdered prominent white people and tried to blame it on African Americans. He told his followers that they would escape the war by going through a hole in the desert. They would eventually come out of hiding to rule the world.

Utopia or Dystopia? Charles Manson’s cult is an example of a real-life dystopia. Charles was worshipped by his followers, but they also feared him. He taught them to banish and distrust society by convincing them that the only way to avoid death in a war was to follow him.