They are known as those computer-nerd cult members who were stupid enough to kill themselves. Anytime one person, let alone 39 people, feel the need to murder themselves it shouldn't warrant a sigh of relief or a chuckle from the general public.
People are people.
Despite being labeled as moronic cult leaders who based their existence on the possibility that an extraterrestrial might sweep them up in a UFO and take them to the next level, these people died and the masses seem to be missing the point as to what motivated them. It's not so deviant to think that a group of people sacrificed earthly desires in hopes of attaining a better world and a better way of life after they left this world. Most of the Western religions seem to be loosely based on that basic premise. What's deviant about the Santa Fe group is that they chose to kill themselves. Most Western religions regard such a practice as contrary to gaining eternal life and happiness.