…By Jack Sylva for TDPel Media.
Carol Vorderman, the presenter currently appearing on I’m a Celebrity, has accused the Bank of England’s chief economist, Huw Pill, of gaslighting after he stated that the British people need to accept that they are poorer due to inflation.
Mr Pill made these comments on the Beyond Unprecedented podcast, saying that the reluctance to accept that everyone is worse off is causing further inflation.
Vorderman disagreed, citing non-dom bankers, tax havens for hedge funds, and loopholes for private equity firms as examples of why people should not accept being poorer.
Commentary:
Vorderman’s tweets highlight a common issue in economic discussions – the inequality that exists in society.
She points out that there are certain individuals and entities who benefit from the current economic system while others suffer.
Vorderman’s comments also draw attention to the responsibility of those in power to ensure that economic policies benefit everyone and not just a select few.
What is Gaslighting?
Gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse and manipulation in which the perpetrator causes their partner to doubt their sanity, memories, and judgment.
The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “the action or process of manipulating a person by psychological means into questioning his or her sanity.”
Gaslighting is not specific to romantic relationships and can occur between family members, friends, or colleagues.
Commentary:
The term “gaslighting” has become more commonly used in recent years, particularly in discussions around emotional and psychological abuse.
Understanding what gaslighting is and how it works can help individuals recognize and avoid abusive situations.
The Origin of the Term
The term gaslighting originates from a 1938 play by Patrick Hamilton, Gas Light, and a 1944 film adaptation starring Ingrid Bergman. The story revolves around a man who manipulates his wife into believing she is losing her mind.
Commentary:
The origins of the term gaslighting are a reminder that the issue of psychological abuse has been present for a long time.
The use of gaslighting as a plot device in a popular movie and play indicates that this form of abuse has been recognized and depicted in popular culture for decades.
Gaslighting as a Form of Abuse
Katie Ghose, chief executive of Women’s Aid, notes that gaslighting is an “insidious form of domestic abuse.”
She says that gaslighting can make survivors doubt themselves, their perception of events, and even their own sanity.
Abusers use every tactic available to them to exert power and control over survivors, and gaslighting is one of these tactics.
Commentary:
The recognition that gaslighting is a form of abuse is important, as it helps survivors and their loved ones to understand and name what they are experiencing.
It also helps raise awareness of the tactics that abusers use to control and manipulate their partners.