Is the American main-stream media, elected politicians, and others ‘gaslighting’ the public with disinformation, logical fallacies, omissions, and outright lies?

 

Gaslighting ~ Various forms of deception and psychological torment with the intent of making victims doubt their own memory, perception, and sanity. Instances may range from the denial that previous incidents of deception ever occurred, up to the staging of bizarre events by the abusers that are meant to disorient and traumatize a victim. This psychology term is derived from Patrick Hamilton’s 1938 play Gas Light, about a woman whose husband slowly manipulates her into believing that she is going insane.

Video courtesy of Permission To Exist

 

What is gaslighting?

Gaslighting is a form of mental abuse in which false information is presented with the intent of making a victim doubt his or her own memory, perception, and sanity. Instances may range simply from the denial by an abuser that previous abusive incidents ever occurred, up to the staging of bizarre events by the abuser with the intention of disorienting the victim. The term “gaslighting” comes from the 1938 play Gaslight.The term is used in clinical and research literature generally in the context of abusive relationships but it can also be applied in the context of media propaganda.A good gaslighter will make all efforts to control the environment of their victim so the lies and manipulations go unchallenged. In the scenario of an abusive relationship, this might mean limiting the victim’s contact with friends or family (isolation). In a geopolitical context, things like censorship and disinformation are used to control environments.The book State of Confusion by Dr. Bryant Welch, (2008) discusses gaslighting in regards to US media and its effects on the American public. Dr. Welch is an American psychologist and attorney who spent half of his 30-year career in Washington DC working for the American Psychological Association.He explains that the human mind does not cope well with uncertainty. It will always gravitate towards a reality that feels correct based on our own perceptions but that may not be actual reality. He goes on to explain that it is much easier to gaslight someone who has dealt with some sort of traumatic situation.A mind that is already on shaky ground will grasp onto any scenario that seems accurate, as long as it simplifies a confusing situation.He also cites instances of smear tactics and negative campaign ads as contributing factors to gaslighting. Even though we (the general public) may feel we are intelligent enough to recognize character assassinations as manipulative – they still have devastating consequences for their victims and lasting subliminal effects on our attitudes towards their targets.“State of Confusion” focuses on US politics & media manipulation, pre-Obama. We were curious to know the author’s thoughts on international gaslighting practices so we emailed him. His reply:

“The most apparent aspect of international gaslighting to me is the use most authoritarian regimes make of simply asserting a false reality and then “mandating” that people will treat it as true. After a while it becomes very destructive for people. This has happened in most authoritarian regimes.” – Dr. Bryant Welch

It would seem logical that people living under repressive governments are much easier to gaslight. Countries dealing with wide-scale censorship are not informed and without correct information, there can never be any true debates on issues.Discussing authoritarian regimes, we might instantly think of countries in the Middle East or maybe China, but in terms of censorship, we must also put the USA into this category. US media is heavily sanitized. For example, US mainstream media rarely if ever shows dead bodies where in other countries the gory realities of death, destruction, and war are shown in broadcast media. We have noticed on the Revolution News Facebook page, our US fans are far more sensitive to images showing blood and death.There is a fundamental problem with sanitizing media to the point that media consumers never view a realistic representation of events like the aftermath of a drone strike or photos of torture. If those victims are not represented in mainstream media then the public becomes disconnected from the reality of human suffering. If MSM were to give equal airtime to victims, the public might feel empathy and not blindly support when their government starts up a fresh round of drone strikes.

Gaslighting & Propaganda in Social Media

It has become increasingly more difficult for governments and mainstream media to control news narratives with the advent of social media.Social media has revolutionized the media landscape. We are in the middle of a media revolution right now and it’s a pretty exciting thing. Previously, the news would report events on our TVs and radios (in varying degrees of truth) but now the audience talks back – and talks to each other. When MSM misrepresents something, we can count on twitter to make them correct their narratives. Social media is breaking the spin cycle.Unfortunately, social media is also an easy platform to spread propaganda and misinformation. An interesting example of this is found in Sara El-Khalili’s study of the counter-revolutionary propaganda that was spread on Facebook by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) which ruled Egypt for a transitional period of 16 months after Mubarak stepped down. Analysis of SCAF Facebook posts shows subtle changes in their rhetoric over time.

“SCAF published communiqués extensively during the first few months. A total of 93 communiqués were published in 2011 alone with the year 2012 witnessing a significant drop in the number communiqués which only reached 11 in total. Although SCAF issued 26 letters in February 2011 alone, the number and frequency of its communiqués dropped significantly reaching their lowest in the month of October with one communiqué only (Naguib, 2011).

A careful reading of the SCAF’s 93 letters reveals a shift in its discourse, particularly in its understanding of its role vis–à–vis the revolution, its perception of national interest and its depiction of the revolutionaries” (Naguib, 2011). In her article ‘A year in review: the SCAF rules in 93 letters,’ Rime Naguib (2011), noted a shift in SCAF’s discourse. A gradual and total evolution: The military started with guarantees of protecting and fulfilling the demands of the revolution, shifted to maintaining stability and “the unity of the national fabric,” and finally threatened to use an iron fist against protesters who are disrupting social peace. SCAF legitimized its threat saying it was safeguarding the state and “higher interests of the country.”

Our own sources in Egypt told us the SCAF Facebook posts regarding the Jan25 revolutionaries went from a love letter to a hate crime. We have heard unconfirmed reports that facebook pages were infiltrated by government agents and that admins of Egyptian Facebook pages were paid off to spread certain messages and gradually alter their discourse to tow the government line and smear activists and protesters.We might notice if a Facebook page or twitter account was supporting one clear position on Monday and completely changed course on Tuesday. We would not as easily spot a shift in discourse if it was spread out over 1-2 years, gradually seeding information to influence public opinion. This is a clear example of gaslighting in social media and the effect of it (besides 42,000+ activists, protesters, and journalists currently in Egyptian jails) is a public that appears to blindly support a military dictator who is far worse than the dictator they unseated in 2011.

What are the expected results from gaslighting?

From a clinical standpoint, usually, a gaslighting victim becomes anxious, depressed, confused, and demoralized. When gaslighting is done effectively the victim is rendered incapable of logical thinking and relies solely on the gaslighter to dictate what is “real.” A properly gaslighted victim feels helpless to rebel against the gaslighter.Perhaps the most insidious aspect of gaslighting is that when it is done well, it is so subtle that the victim never knows they have been gaslighted. To an outsider, someone who has been gaslighted might appear slightly crazy and that’s exactly the intended result.Please note, we are not suggesting that some Illuminati lizard people have intentionally manipulated the public and it’s important to not give credence to conspiracy theories, especially in an environment laden with propaganda. As Dr. Welch explains in his book:

“Political gaslighters have consciously and ruthlessly tried to impose a reality beneficial to their own cause without regard to the long-term psychological effect their behavior has on the individuals they are trying to influence.”

Overcoming the effects of gaslighting

So how do with fix this mess? If we add censorship, media distortion, and propaganda to swirling conspiracy theories, the end result is a clusterfuck of extremely misinformed people not to mention anonymous masses of victims we know nothing virtually about.A 2008 TED talk by Alisa Miller, head of Public Radio International, is particularly revealing in regards to US media filtering. Although it’s somewhat dated, it drives home some very important points regarding international media that are broadcast to US audiences. Not much has changed since 2008, most MSM still recycle news stories picked off international news wires like Reuters and AP news service and fail to put those stories into any meaningful context.

Article by Erin Gallagher, a multimedia artist, translator, and writer for riseuptimes.org.

 

 

How to Recognize and Respond to Common Gaslighting Tactics Biblically

by Esther HoseaAs the Bible warns, let’s remember that the misbehavior of others does not give us an excuse to misbehave ourselves. We must respond with integrity and refuse to play games in response. At the same time, we must be vigilant. We can’t bury our heads in the sand. We are called to be as shrewd as snakes and as harmless as doves. May the Lord give us everything we need through the power of His Holy Spirit to accomplish it.

Projection

Romans 2:1 – You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. And we know that God, in His justice, will punish anyone who does such things.

This is a way for the manipulator to defend himself against his own faults by attributing them to another. It is different from deflection (which we talked about last week) in that it is not in response to an accusation or confrontation, but rather in anticipation of one. He will be sure to spend so much time accusing his target of a wrong he is in fact guilty of that the target will have no room to ever bring the issue up in the opposite direction. Most of the time he will also express great anger and disdain for anyone who would engage in such terrible sin, likely believing that his glaring hatred for someone who would participate in such a thing would exonerate him from suspicion of the same.

Example = A manipulator who is cheating on his wife will constantly accuse the wife of cheating or find reason to raise suspicion while railing against anyone who would cheat on her husband so that the wife becomes so focused on proving her own innocence that she doesn’t notice the signs of his infidelity – or she is so afraid to bring up the signs she has noticed for fear they will somehow implicate her or validate his accusations.

Response – First of all, as the verses above promise, understand that no one will escape God’s justice forever. Trust Him first. Second, absolutely do not try to defend yourself against the accusations. They are nothing more than gaslighting, and a defense only validates the manipulator. Simply state the truth, and refuse to engage further. Finally, understand that if you are being unreasonably accused by a manipulator chances are pretty good, you’re being told what he is actually doing or planning to do. Don’t look the other way and pretend this isn’t true. Do what you need to do and prepare boundaries accordingly.

Moving the Goal Post

Psalm 106:3 – There is joy for those who deal justly with others and always do what is right.

In this scenario, the manipulator is constantly changing the expectations set for her partner, but without acknowledging it has been changed. This creates a great deal of confusion for the partner, causing him to question his memory and sanity.

Example = The gas-lighter may ask that dinner be ready by 6:00 every day, but then get home from work at 5:30 one day and ask why dinner isn’t ready, insisting she had requested dinner be ready when she gets home from work.

Response – As in so many of these cases, the best response is no response. Don’t measure yourself according to the standards of people, answer only to God. If your conscience is clear before Him, then let it be clear. If a response to the gaslighting is necessary, keep it to the true facts and try your best to keep emotion out of it.
So in the example above, you might say, “It’s nice that you were able to get home early today. We agreed that dinner would be ready by 6:00, and it will be.” And that is all.

Doublespeak, Minimization, & Rationalization

Psalm 141:3-4 (ESV) – Set a guard, oh Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! Do not let my heart incline to any evil, to busy myself with wicked deeds in company with men who work iniquity, and let me not eat of their delicacies!
Psalm 86:11 – Teach me Your way, oh Lord, that I may live according to Your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor You.

These are three different things, but they have in common the end goal of making light of the inadequacies of the subject.Doublespeak is a broader term that includes any language that intentionally distorts the meaning of words to make a situation more palatable.Minimization more specifically uses language that makes light of inadequacies, whileRationalization makes excuses for or explains away the problems.

Example = If a manipulator got fired for cause he might use doublespeak to minimize the situation and say that he was “laid off” and then rationalize it by saying the boss had it out for him.

Response – The response to untruth is truth. When reality is twisted, we must respond with what is real. If a situation is minimized it needs to be restated plainly and realistically.

These tactics are particular favorites of the Narcissistic Abuser who desperately needs his partner (supply) to both adore him, and require nothing from him. If he senses tension or waning interest he will overwhelm her with over the top signs of affection for a time. Just long enough for her (and everyone around her) to believe she is the center of his world.Then it will very abruptly stop, (except in public) and often be followed with the exact opposite behavior. The intent is to stay in control and keep her confused – completely unable to trust her evaluation of the relationship. This is classic gaslighting! There is also the secondary motive of bolstering his image to the people of influence in her life so that if she does seek advice people will be more likely to have his back.

Example – After a fight in which you confront his abuse, you receive grandiose gifts delivered to you at work, back rubs and lots of extravagant physical affection at home, suggestions to do some big splashy thing like take an elaborate trip together or take on that big project you’ve been wanting to be done. These last for about a week, or just long enough for you to let go of any boundaries you tried to implement after the fight that triggered the whole thing and then suddenly stop and are followed by extreme anger if you bring up the change as if you are being bratty or spoiled to expect that kind of behavior.

Response – The goal here is to keep your head, and not be sucked into believing the temporary behavior of the love-bomb. As the proverb above states, if you are full, you won’t be duped into thinking the bitter food tastes sweet. Understand who you are in Christ, and go to Him to have your cup filled. If you’re not desperate for the affection of the manipulator you will be able to see these tactics from a mile away and not be taken in by them. Put good strong boundaries in place, and keep them no matter how affectionate and “changed” the manipulator seems to be. One who is truly changed will support and live within your boundaries. Not try to get around them or get you to give them up.

Playing the Victim

James 1:2 – Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

When someone is playing the victim, she can turn any situation into abuse against herself. Even when her own actions have caused a situation to go bad, she will find a reason why it wasn’t her fault and was, in fact, the result of the intent of the world at large to destroy her.

Example – Instead of apologizing for her bad behavior, admitting she has an anger problem, and seeking help after getting into a screaming match with a co-worker, she will tell you how her father was abusive and she never learned how to deal with anger, and no one seems to understand how damaged she was by her childhood.
*While the childhood trauma may be real, a healthy adult does not use it as an excuse to act badly, but instead, will seek the help needed to overcome the trauma and take responsibility for her own behavior.

Response – A healthy adult takes responsibility for her own life. When a situation turns to victimizing herself, gently and lovingly remind the manipulator that she is a grown-up and gets to choose to grow beyond the injustices in her life. Don’t try to do the work for her. Ever. This only further enables the victim mentality. Encourage her to set boundaries for herself, and set a good example by having good, strong, healthy boundaries in your own life.

Misrepresentation (Fabrication, Falsification & Omission.)

Jeremiah 9:1-9 – If only my head were a pool of water and my eyes a fountain of tears, I would weep day and night for all my people who have been slaughtered. Oh, that I could go away and forget my people and live in a travelers’ shack in the desert. For they are all adulterers – a pack of treacherous liars.
“My people bend their tongues like bows to shoot out lies. They refuse to stand up for the truth. They only go from bad to worse. They do not know me,” says the Lord.
“Beware of your neighbor! Don’t even trust your brother! For brother takes advantage of brother, and friend slanders friend. They all fool and defraud each other; no one tells the truth. With practiced tongues they tell lies; they wear themselves out with all their sinning. They pile lie upon lie and utterly refuse to acknowledge Me.” says the Lord
Therefore, this is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: “See, I will melt them down in a crucible and test them like metal. What else can I do with my people? For their tongues shoot lies like poisoned arrows. They speak friendly words to their neighbors while scheming in their hearts to kill them. Should I not punish them for this?” says the Lord. “Should I not avenge myself against such a nation?”

Here, the manipulator will re-frame what you’re saying or doing to make you look bad, or what he is saying or doing to make him look good.

Example – You tell him you don’t like the way he talked to you when he got home from work, and he says, “Oh, I didn’t realize you always handle yourself perfectly when you’ve had a bad day.”
Additionally, there are three common forms misrepresentation might take, and these are basically just ways of lying to get the outcome he wants.

Fabrication – Making things up, whether it be elements of a conversation, actions, or situations, to support whatever point he’s trying to make

Example – When asked about his bad mood all evening, he says you rolled your eyes when he told you he had a bad day at work (when you did not) and it hurt his feelings and made him feel uncared for.

Falsification – Rather than flat out making things up, falsification changes the details to better fit the objective of the manipulator.

Example – After telling you about a bad day at work, you rolled your eyes (to express frustration in support of his story) and expressed your understanding of his frustration when he told you how his boss made everyone stay late to fix a problem the boss had created. Later, he says you rolled your eyes because you thought he was being petty.

Omission – This tactic leaves out relevant information rather than adding or changing it in order to support his objectives.

Example – In counseling, he tells the therapist that you have been frustrated with him over the past week and things have been tense, but fails to mention the fact that he has come home from work every day in a bad mood, and retreated to the bedroom to pout instead of engaging with the family in the evenings.

Response – As we’ve said, again and again, the best response to a lie is the truth. Simply stated. When you encounter the lies of the manipulator, speak the truth in love. Refuse to engage in debate. Refuse to continue a conversation that is not based in reality. State the truth with gentleness, then walk away, making it clear that you will be happy to continue the conversation when it can be done from a place of reality.

Overt Abuse (Name Calling, Bullying, Threats, Physical Attacks)

1 Corinthians 5:11 – I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people.

Where most manipulation tactics are covert, which means they are more subtle, overt abuse is right out in the open and obvious. Its purpose is to scare the victim into capitulation and to demonstrate the power of the abuser over his victim.

Example – When you state that you need to make some boundaries, he screams at you and verbally belittles you, threatens to make it impossible for you to survive without him, or to take away your children, or even physically punishes you for making such a suggestion until you back down.

Response – When you’re dealing with an abusive manipulator of any kind, boundaries are very important. But when the abuse is overt, you need to get out! Leave. Get yourself and your children to safety. You can make a plan for the future from there. You can set up a gate in your boundaries that makes a way for the repentant abuser to come back in. But only when very specific parameters have been met – and never quickly!

Conclusion 

1 Timothy 4:1-2 – Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead.

Proverbs 26:24-26 – People may cover their hatred with pleasant words, but they’re deceiving you. They pretend to be kind, but don’t believe them. Their hearts are full of many evils. While their hatred may be concealed by trickery, their wrongdoing WILL be exposed in public.

Dealing with abusive manipulators bent on gaslighting you into insanity is not easy. The responses we’ve given are next to impossible to actually do with consistency. Learning to detach emotionally from a spouse feels wrong, and in a healthy relationship, it is! But when we’re dealing with a person who is not mentally healthy, we have to learn new ways to put them in God’s hands.

In the end, we are not responsible for the behavior of our spouse. It’s not our job to fix him/her. We are only responsible for our own behavior, and we will answer to God for it one day.

If you need some help learning how to define, establish, and implement healthy Biblical boundaries, I have written a workbook to help with exactly that. Just follow the advertisement link below. But more than I want to sell you a book, I want to convince you of this truth: the answers you need can be found in Scripture. Your situation did not catch God by surprise, and He has given you His Word to lead you to every answer you need. Go find them!

2 Timothy 3:10-17 – But you. Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra – but the Lord rescued me from all of it. YEs, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived.

But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the Holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work.

Read more on the subject at hisdearlyloveddaughter.com

 

Back to Glossary