So, as promised, the English version of what I tweeted earlier, about the phrase “drink the Kool-Aid”.
But if BM is more your thing, the Bahasa version may be read here: threadreaderapp.com/thread/1275821…
But if BM is more your thing, the Bahasa version may be read here: threadreaderapp.com/thread/1275821…
1. You’ve probably heard the phrase “drink the Kool-Aid” being used on Twitter, in speech, or in writing.
But do you know the meaning of the phrase? And if you do know, do you know how it originated?
This thread will provide both meaning and background...
But do you know the meaning of the phrase? And if you do know, do you know how it originated?
This thread will provide both meaning and background...
2. First off, the phrase “drink the Kool-Aid” means an unwavering belief in an idea or information, without challenging its veracity, usually because it came from a reliable source, and/or has a possible benefit from holding on to said belief/idea
3. For example, believing that DAP is racist, wants to destroy the Malays, etc., without question or the need for proof, solely because that idea has been propagated by a credible and influential person, or groups. And, it is something often repeated by those deemed credible.
4. So you could say that those who believe DAP is racist, wants to destroy the Malays, etc., have “drunk the Kool-Aid”.
5. In case you’re unaware, Kool-Aid is a brand of flavored drink mix in powder form that’s popular in the US. I’m uncertain if you can find it here in Malaysia or not.
Background:
6. In 1978, around 900 or so members of the Peoples Temple of the Disciples of Christ (or simply the Peoples Temple, for short) committed mass suicide after drinking flavored drink mix laced with Potassium Cyanide.
6. In 1978, around 900 or so members of the Peoples Temple of the Disciples of Christ (or simply the Peoples Temple, for short) committed mass suicide after drinking flavored drink mix laced with Potassium Cyanide.
7. The unquestioning adulation of their leader Rev. Jim Jones led to this mass suicide, willingly drinking the drink mix without question (although it’s reported a good number were forced to do so).
8. Investigations later revealed that the flavored drink mix was actually Flavor Aid (a cheaper equivalent), and not actually Kool-Aid. But because there were empty containers of Kool-Aid found - and being a more popular brand -the name stuck in association to the mass suicide
9. But the widespread use of “drink the Kool-Aid” in the context of blind obedience/belief didn’t come about until the 1990s. Prior to that, analogies to the Jonestown incident and Kool-Aid had more to do with death and suicide.
10. I hope that you’ve learned something new this evening. At the very least, the next time you see “drink the Kool-Aid” being used, you’ll know what it means...
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