Pretendians

jon atack, family and friends

"Pretendians" falsely claim to be members of Native American or Canadian First Peoples. Famous examples are folk singer Buffy Sainte Marie and Little Feather - who accepted an Oscar on behalf of Marlon Brando. As Joe points out, cult leaders are often Pretendians in the sense that they pretend to be enlightened or part of a spiritual heritage. Jon suggests that cult members become Pretendians by entering the imaginary world of their leaders. Link: The disappointing backstory to the "Crying Indian" advertisement: https://www.newslaundry.com/2017/11/09/crying-indian-iron-eye-cody-keep-america-clean