Cult of Personality

Definition

A cult of personality arises when an individual uses mass media, propaganda, or other methods to create an idealized and heroic public image, often through unquestioning flattery and praise.

Analogy

Imagine if your favorite pop star used their music videos, social media posts, interviews - basically every platform they have - to constantly portray themselves as perfect beings who can do no wrong. That's similar to how leaders create a cult of personality around themselves.

Related terms

Propaganda: Information used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view.

Authoritarianism: A form of government characterized by strong central power and limited political freedoms.

Totalitarianism: A system where the state holds total authority over society and seeks to control all aspects of public and private life.