"How the hell did this happen?"
An ideology can behave in a parasitic way when it embeds itself into an existing institution, organization, or cultural framework.
It exploits the host's resources. Like a biological parasite, the ideology draws on the credibility, infrastructure, funding, or membership of the host organization without necessarily contributing to its original purpose. A political ideology such as GI infiltrates a charity or educational institution and redirecting its resources toward ideological activism rather than its stated mission.
As a classic TRA tactic it suppresses dissent. A parasitic ideology often discourages questioning or criticism, enforcing conformity through social pressure, reputation damage, or internal policies. Employees or members may feel unable to challenge the dominant ideology for fear of being ostracized or labelled as a bigot.
Over time, the ideology can reshape the organization’s language, values, and objectives to align more with its own goals, often distorting or replacing the original mission.
Parasitic ideologies often spread via training programs, mandatory workshops, or policy changes, embedding themselves deeper and ensuring replication across departments or organizations. "Diversity and inclusion" frameworks that include ideological tenets have become required in hiring, curriculum, or performance reviews.
Ultimately, the host organization is weakened and becomes less effective at fulfilling its original function because decision-making becomes ideologically driven rather than evidence-based or mission-focused.