Publisher’s Points to Ponder: The buzzword: Gaslighting

The political pundits are at it again. Lately, they have been tossing around the word “gaslighting,” a word that has been associated with narcissism and presented as one of the tactics used to convince someone that a lie is believable. I have no shame admitting that sometimes I don’t know what’s true or who’s right.

Ironically, I tuned in to Turner Movie Classics the other night, and a 1940s film titled “Gaslight” was on television. Intrigued by the title, I decided to watch the old black and white movie. The flick is centered around the shaky relationship between a husband and wife. Or should say a husband who wants to get rid of his wife by all means necessary. The husband has no interest in the wife but destroys her and takes her money by driving her “mad.”

On the other hand, the wife is submissive to her husband and tries to please him. She hangs on every word that he says. At least until she begins to question her sanity, he tells her little lies such as, “You stole my watch.” The sad part is that his wife believes him.

The daunting wife also believes a ghost messes around with the gaslights inside the house. At night, she lies in bed, watching the lights go on and off. She shares it with her husband, who once again convinces her that she is nuts. However, he is the one fooling around with the gaslights. Many believe that the term gaslighting may have originated from this movie. The husband convinces his wife that all roads lead to insanity.

Fast forward to 2021 and reflect on American politics as of lately. Republicans are convinced they are telling the truth just as much as the Democrats. Who should you believe? These present-day politicians are building a political foundation made of lies.

It is important now more than ever to research the facts. Don’t allow others to tell you how to think. Research the facts yourself and made wise decisions. Remember that just because something is on the internet does not make it true. Search for the truth. Stay away from narcissists. And for Pete’s sake, don’t gaslight others.