This exhibit uses a diachronic approach to demonstrate the difference between the outward appearance of Scientology, more specifically the Sea Organization, in the 1970s and the 2010s. The Church of Scientology was created in 1952 by L. Ron Hubbard based on his book Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health. Scientology focuses on clearing the mind of negative experiences from one's past through a process called auditing. It is believed that auditing and becoming “clear” is the solution to many personal and societal issues. As one moves up in Scientology they can become trained in how to audit others. People become heavily invested in this process and many devote their whole lives to it. The Sea Organization, also known as the Sea Org, was developed in 1967 and consists of Scientology’s highest-ranking members. People make great efforts to be invited into the Sea Org so they can continue their spiritual growth and become closer to obtaining the benefits said to come with the high levels training offered in this program.
The first two artifacts in this exhibit focus on the outward facing appearance that The Church of Scientology was trying to develop in the 1970s. They were trying to create a very positive image that would make people want to join their organization. Scientologists have always been interested in protecting their public image and they are willing to go to great lengths to do so. During this time period Scientology had just recently lost its tax-exempt status with the IRS, so they were scrambling to gain more membership and therefore more funding. These artifacts both put forth the idea that Scientology is the answer to problems and a necessary part of human functionality. The Sea Org was relatively new at this time which sparked a sense of curiosity. There was not information available to the public yet about what actually went down in the Sea Org, so the only information to go off of was whatever Scientologists decided to say about it. Statements made by Scientologists were often not factually correct, but they knew how to convince people to believe them. When presented with the opportunity to join high ranks of Scientology, people were immediately intrigued. The Church of Scientology had more control over their public image in the 1970s because there was less public information about what was really going on.
The second two artifacts in this exhibit shift to the public appearance of Scientology in the 2010s. As members continued their time in Scientology and specifically the Sea Org, they realized the mental and physical abuse that was occurring. Many members left the Sea Org or Scientology in general and decided to share their experiences after they left. It became harder and harder for Scientologists to maintain their image. An increase in media consumption allowed for awareness of these issues to spread and gave ex-members a voice. Scientologists can try and do what they can to defend their image still, but there is factual evidence that demonstrates the abuse to those involved. People have become weary of Scientology as a whole as more information comes out about the organization. These first-hand accounts are hard to dispute because of the untrustworthy reputation that has become associated with The Church of Scientology.