Furious Seasons

July 28, 2009

Scientology Mounts New PR Campaign

I just wanted to note this column in the Los Angeles Times that picks apart a new PR campaign by the Church of Scientology. I haven't seen the ads myself, as they seem to be running in the LA Metro area only.

"And yet, as splendid as these spots are, I do have a couple of questions: What if you're not good-looking? Nearly everyone in these ads is pretty, handsome or better.
"And some of these dewy, dreamy creatures are downright distracting, they are so beautiful. Does Scientology offer hope to the plain? What about the homely? Or should they stick with Catholicism?

"I'd also note that almost everyone in these ads is under 30. Now, reasonably, this is an age group that is more susceptible to the message, still searching, still curious, still credulous. However, it is also much less likely to be affluent. If money was important to my client -- and money, it seems, is truly the dark matter that binds Scientology's universe -- I'd pitch to an older and better-heeled crowd.

"These ads might recruit only an anguished army of baristas and part-time shoe clerks."

Methinks Xenu likes coffee and loose shoes.

Posted by Philip Dawdy at July 28, 2009 10:44 AM

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Comments

The Ancient Greeks dismissed Christianity as an obscure and irrelevant cult that would never gain ground...
And look what happened there..

Posted by: truthman30 at July 28, 2009 11:40 AM

http://www.xenu.net/

Take a look at the link above. Operation Clambake exposes the dark side of L. Ron's organization.

Posted by: Not Xenu at July 29, 2009 01:09 AM

Church of Scientology Online Videos... might be the same as the ads being televised

Posted by: borderlinenos at July 29, 2009 11:01 AM

Hi again... here are the TV Public Service ads... The Way to Happiness

Posted by: borderlinenos at July 29, 2009 11:06 AM

I'm a little confused as to what direction this blog went in...
Does Dawdy have the cliche, "I don't understand Scientology so I'm going to protest it" viewpoint, or is he pointing out how ridiculous protesters of Scientology are?

Methinks Dawdy should clarify that ...

Philip Dawdy responds: i only comment on the CoS on occasion. i'm not a fan of CoS, but people are welcome to believe whatever the heck they want abotu the universe and humans.

Posted by: Heather at July 29, 2009 02:14 PM

scientology ...

christianity ...

psychiatry...

they all peddle the same product ...

they all prey on human nature...

none are truth ....

Truth is as elusive but also as deeply resonant as the moment you realize your own personal human condition and your own individuality ...

There is no universal truth, narrative or correct way ...

There is only our own subjective experience ...

Posted by: truthman30 at July 29, 2009 08:19 PM

Aside from the science fiction references, how do you see your web site is different from the point of view of the Scientologists. I hope you won't dismiss this question, as it is serious.

Philip Dawdy: this site has nothing to do with scientology. that's how it's different.

Posted by: Blogreader at July 30, 2009 07:47 AM

Mr. Dawdy:

In reading your web site, including the posting above mine, I need to ask you, aside from the science fiction references, how is your site and your perspective different than that of Scientologists? This is a serious question, and I hope you will answer it.

Posted by: Blogreader at July 30, 2009 08:11 AM

Blogreader, rather than demanding that Philip list the thousand or more ways that this site's philosophy differs from Scientology, perhaps it would be easier and faster if YOU just clarified how you think they are similar.

Posted by: Francesca Allan at July 30, 2009 12:23 PM

L. Ron Hubbard documents unsealed in UK.
The Times Online exposes L. Ron's fake degree, the organization's coercion of doctor and worse.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article6740831.ece

Posted by: Not Xenu at August 5, 2009 08:42 PM

I think you meant to drop that link over at Operation:Clambake Not Xenu. The folks here already know all about how insane scientology is. We just don't make as big a deal out of it as you young guys with your Guy Fawkes masks who are just now learning all this stuff.

Posted by: Jane at August 6, 2009 05:00 AM