"‘Question. Question. Question.’"
"‘Question. Question. Question.’"(Part 2)
We proceed from where we took off in our December 11 column where we gave space to an abridged version of a very incisive write up by Ted McCoy on "Gaslighting" which partakes of the "systematic psychological manipulation of a person's environment (thought processes) to convince him/her and others that he/she is mistaken, remembering things incorrectly or delusional when pointing the changes."
Of late, the same has been attributed to manipulation by media (both traditional and social) where one is told or shown things which are in complete odds with what we are seeing or what we actually know. And when one questions this false reality which is being presented or told, he/she is vilified, demeaned and, worse, accused as being crazy or delusional. It has infected almost in the blink of an eye our public discourse and even private conversations which has turned the national debate into a highly polarized, toxic one. This sad turn of events need to be reversed as we all endeavor to bring truthfulness, transparency and civility in national life. Here is the second part of that abridged write up:
"The United States of America accepts more immigrants than any other country in the world. The vast majority of the immigrants are "people of color"and these immigrants are enjoying freedom and economic opportunity not available to them in their country of origin, but we are told that the United States is the most racist and oppressive country in the planet, and if disagree we are called racist and xenophobic.
"So, we ask ourselves, am I crazy? No, you are being gaslighted.
"Capitalist countries are the most progressive countries in the world. The standard of living is the highest in capitalist countries. We see more poor people move up the economic ladder to the middle and even the wealthy class through their effort and ability in capitalist countries than any other economic system in the world, but we are told capitalism is an oppressive system designed to keep people down.
"So, we ask ourselves, am I crazy? No, you're being gaslighted.
"The most egregious example of gaslighting is the concept of ‘white fragility.’ You spend your life trying to be a good person, trying to treat people fairly and with respect. You disavow racism and bigotry in all its forms. You judge people solely on the content of their character and not by the color of their skin. You don't discriminate based on race or ethnicity. But you're told you are a racist not because of something you did or said, but solely because of the color of your skin. You know instinctively that charging someone with racism because of their skin color is itself racist. You know that you are not racist, so you defend yourself and your character, but you are told that your defense of yourself is proof of your racism.
"So, we ask ourselves, am I crazy? No, you are being gaslighted.
"Gaslighting has become one of the most pervasive and destructive tactics in American politics. It is the exact opposite of what our political system was meant to be. It deals in lies and psychological coercion and not the truth and intellectual discourse. So trust yourself: believe what is in your heart. trust your eyes over what you are told. Never listen to the people who tell you that you are crazy, because you are not, you are being gaslighted.
"Sophocles said: What people believe prevails over the truth. And that's what the media are trying to exploit.
"Question why you are being told whatever by whoever. Question the motives. Question who benefits. Question if there is a hidden agenda behind the propaganda. Question. Question. Question. Then do your own research and use some of your own critical thinking skills to get to the truth. Listen with your heart and with your mind.