The term Gaslighting has gained usage over the past decade as a fixture of pop psychology. Broadly, the term describes a pattern of manipulation that victims experience in abusive relationships.
Psychology Today defines it thusly
Gaslighting is an insidious form of manipulation and psychological control. Victims of gaslighting are deliberately and systematically fed false information that leads them to question what they know to be true, often about themselves. They may end up doubting their memory, their perception, and even their sanity. Over time, a gaslighter’s manipulations can grow more complex and potent, making it increasingly difficult for the victim to see the truth.
Today, New York City announced that it will be suspending all vaccine requirements and mask mandates in schools. This rollback is just one of a growing wave across the nation, and even the globe.
BREAKING: @NYCMayor lifts mask mandate in public schools, and ends vaccine screening at restaurants and other private businesses. Effective Monday, March 7.
— Mark D. Levine (@MarkLevineNYC) February 27, 2022
While some have pronounced that the COVID regime is crumbling, the web of inconsistent and illogical policy, and the pattern of restrictive easing and reimposition of lockdowns has always been the main feature of COVID-tyranny.
It is also a feature of gaslighting. It is especially intense when the abused attempt to leave the relationship:
A primary goal of gaslighters is to keep the victim hooked. If a victim disagrees with or questions their abuser, he or she may try to make themselves seem as if they themselves are being victimized by their targets. Alternately, they may try to lure a partner back with positive reinforcement. Many people eventually find a way to escape a gaslighter’s influence, leaving the manipulator to search for a new target; often, they already have another victim in mind.
The primary goal of a gaslighter is to get the victim to doubt their own sanity to make them easier to control. A gaslighter’s main weapon is information.
Does the following sound familiar?
A gaslighter will initially lie about simple things, but the volume of misinformation soon grows, and the gaslighter may accuse the victim of lying if he or she questions the narrative. They typically deploy occasional positive reinforcement to confuse the victim, but at the same time, they may attempt to turns others against the victim, even their own friends and family, by telling them that the victim is lying or delusional.
So, as restrictions lift across the nation, and indeed, the world, should advocates of liberty declare victory? Shall we take to the streets in celebration?
Or, as before, is this just another cycle of abuse?
