Unmasking the Truth: The Real Meaning of Gaslighting
Explore the origins and true definition of 'gaslighting' - the manipulative tactic that has become a buzzword. Gain insights from the classic film that birthed the term.
In the modern age, the term 'gaslighting' has become a buzzword, thrown around casually to describe any situation where someone might feel misunderstood or invalidated. However, therapists warn that the true meaning of gaslighting is often misunderstood. To fully grasp this insidious manipulation tactic, we must revisit its origins and the classic film that birthed the term.
The term 'gaslighting' stems from the 1944 psychological thriller film Gaslight, starring Ingrid Bergman and Charles Boyer. In the film, Boyer's character systematically manipulates Bergman's character, making her question her own reality, memories, and sanity. This form of emotional abuse, where the perpetrator makes the victim doubt their own perception of events, is the essence of true gaslighting.
Source: NPR
