Gaslighting, a tactic used by emotional abusers to manipulate their victims, is not a new phenomenon. In fact, it bears striking similarities to the tactics employed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The Soviets used a variety of tactics to control their narrative and manipulate their citizens, including propaganda, censorship, and disinformation campaigns.
At its core, gaslighting is about controlling the narrative. By manipulating their victims’ perceptions of reality, gaslighters are able to maintain control and power over them. This same principle was at work in the Soviet Union, where the government controlled the media and censored any information that did not fit their narrative. They also used propaganda to manipulate public opinion, and spread disinformation to confuse and mislead their enemies.
The effects of gaslighting and Soviet propaganda are similar. In both cases, victims are left feeling confused, disoriented, and unsure of what is real. They may begin to doubt their own perceptions and memories, and may even question their own sanity. This is a powerful position of control for the gaslighter or propagandist, as it allows them to manipulate their victims and maintain their power.
But the effects of gaslighting and propaganda go beyond just the individual level. They can also have a profound impact on society as a whole. When a government or other entity controls the narrative, they are able to shape public opinion and control the course of events. This is a position of immense power, and one that can be very difficult to challenge.
In order to protect ourselves from gaslighting and propaganda, it’s important to remain vigilant and question what we are told. We should seek out multiple sources of information, and be wary of those who seek to control the narrative. Only by maintaining our own sense of reality can we hope to protect ourselves and our society from those who seek to manipulate and control us.
Gaslighting and Soviet propaganda may seem like relics of the past, but their effects are still being felt today. By understanding the tactics used by those who seek to control the narrative, we can begin to challenge their power and create a more open, honest, and just society.