Are There Any Active Cults in Queensland, Australia?

When we think of Australia, we often imagine a diverse and vibrant society with a strong sense of independence and individuality. However, like many other places in the world, Queensland, being a state within Australia, harbors its own unique beliefs and subcultures that can sometimes be seen as cult-like. In this article, we will explore the notion of active cults in Queensland, focusing on a particular subculture known as the 'Cult of the Retro Faux Ocker.'

The Cult of Retro Faux Ocker

One of the more intriguing subcultures to emerge in Queensland is the 'Cult of the Retro Faux Ocker.' To become a member, one must have a distinctive haircut and a unique sense of style reminiscent of outer suburban Australia in the 1980s. While this particular aesthetic could indeed pass for a snapshot taken in 1982, it is quite clearly the product of a modern reinterpretation of past fashion and culture. The term 'faux ocker' refers to an exaggerated and often comical style associated with Australian working-class culture, and the 'retro' aspect adds a layer of intentional homage to a bygone era.

Other Cult-Like Groups in Queensland

It's worth noting that any country, including Queensland, can have its fair share of individuals who might be considered 'religious nuts.' These are people who are dissatisfied with the status quo and seek to escape into utopian communities or beliefs that sustain their lifestyle and worldview. One example that often springs to mind is the Australian Liberal Party. Like many political parties, it has its share of extremist members, individuals who are more interested in ideological purity than in practical or democratic governance.

Queensland and the Southern Queensland Belief

While not exactly a cult, the spirit of suspicion and resentment towards 'Southerners' is a deeply ingrained belief in Queensland. My father, a Colonel in the Army during WWII, a senior public servant, and a university lecturer, with a genius-level IQ, sincerely believed, and so did the majority, that 'Southerners' were out to get Queensland. This belief was so strong that it influenced his daily thoughts and actions, and as a result, he instilled this belief in me, having left Queensland in 1978.

As a Southerner, I was indeed doing my best to make his belief come true, further ingraining this intricate and often bizarre belief among the people of Queensland. This belief has a deep and complex history rooted in regional pride, cultural differences, and economic disparities. It reflects a broader phenomenon of identity politics and the tension between regional and national identities in Australia.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the term 'cult' is often associated with religious or fringe groups, it can also be used metaphorically to describe strong subcultures and beliefs. In Queensland, the 'Cult of the Retro Faux Ocker' and the belief that 'Southerners' are out to get the state are just two examples of this. Whether these are considered active cults depends on one's perspective, but they certainly shape the cultural and political landscape of Queensland in unique and powerful ways.