We all agree that the JWs are a cult, but are they also a dystopian society? Do the two go hand in hand? I found some characteristics about dystopian societies, which usually appear in fiction. The link is
http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/dystopia
- a hierarchical society where divisions between the upper, middle and lower class are definitive and unbending
- a nation-state ruled by an upper class with few democratic ideals
- state propaganda programs and educational systems that coerce most citizens into worshipping the state and its government, in an attempt to convince them into thinking that life under the regime is good and just
- strict conformity among citizens and the general assumption that dissent and individuality are bad
- a common view of traditional life, particularly organized religion, as primitive and nonsensical (JWs
shun many "wordly" ideals.)
- a fear or disgust of the world outside the state
- a penal system that lacks due process laws and often employs psychological or physical torture (You could count disfellowshipping, or even the fear of it, as psychological torture.)
- the banishment of the natural world from daily life (In some ways, such as holidays, etc.)
- insistence by the forces of the establishment that
- it provides the best of all possible worlds
- that all problems are due to the action of its enemies and their dupes
This isn't all of them listed on the site, but I think these are the most applicable items. Some of them are dead on matches, while others may be a bit of a reach. I'm convinced their society is definately a dystopia.