Criticism and the future Lord Voldemort

I have learned to recognise signs and symptoms of behaviour and scenarios commonly found in and associated with cults, cult leaders and cult members.

Now that I know what to look for, I can see examples everywhere. 

There is even some relevant material in the Harry Potter books: Lord Voldemort speaks and behaves like a cult leader.

The young Tom Riddle, Lord Voldemort to be, shows signs of what is to come. His response to criticism is very typical of the way people involved with cults react; I have encountered this reaction many times myself. 

Response to allegations and criticism

We need to be informed, balanced and objective and consider the source when deciding whether allegations involving cults and cult leaders are true or not. There are such things as revenge, spite and envy; people do lie and exaggerate; people do try to drag down or even destroy someone who is above them or sabotage the work of an organisation that is working to make the world a better place.

The reactions of the accused and their supporters to allegations and criticism may help us decide whether or not the claims are justified and true. Automatic dismissal and denial, ad hominem insults, counter-accusations and the attack-dog syndrome are all dead giveaways!

Tom Riddle and the rejected criticism

J. K. Rowling nails it when writing about the future Lord Voldemort and his first group of supporters.