No thanks, I prefer Earl Grey

[butmadnnw]

If you spend any time at all on Internet discussion boards - particularly boards that address controversial topics such as same-sex marriage, or indeed any form of "liberalism" - you've likely been overexposed to the phrase "Drinking the Kool-Aid" or some variation thereof.

I know I have been. And I hereby officially declare it to be the one phrase

Comments

[venturous1]

well, my dear, let us enjoy a cuppa Earl Grey, hot.

I consider it the beverage of clear thinking!

**squoobles!!**

[butmadnnw]

Ven!! *squoobles* Long time, no hear.

*gets out electric kettle and tea bags*

[fiona64]

I suspect you are correct; most people have no idea where it comes from. Unfortunately, I am not only old enough to remember the Peoples' Temple ... but also, in one of my anthro courses, met someone whose aunt died at Jonestown.

The whole "you're drinking the Koolaid" thing is intended to shut down discourse, as you point out, when the person who slings the phrase out there is completely out of his or her depth.

[butmadnnw]

Like most idioms, the origin is likely lost on most of the people who use it. The question is, would knowing the source change how they feel about it? I think that's doubtful, as they're probably of the mindset that anyone who "fell for" a cult "deserved what they got." Which saddens me, as my understanding of psychology expands...