In the realm of political discourse, every decade seems to be marked by a word or phrase that is so excessively utilized that it loses its original meaning and becomes a vague term.
The 1970s were marked by the term "malaise," a word that was ironically never used by President Jimmy Carter in his speech, yet it became synonymous with his era. The 1990s were characterized by the term "gravitas," a word that was often used to describe the confident demeanor of President Bill Clinton, particularly when he chose a power tie.
However, according to the Western Journal, the current decade has been dominated by the term "gaslighting," a term that has been so overused that it has lost its original meaning. The term "gaslighting" was initially used to describe a psychological manipulation tactic where one person convinces another that their perception of reality is delusional. The term originated from a 1944 film titled "Gaslight," where a character manipulates his wife into doubting her perception of reality to the point of near institutionalization.
In contemporary usage, the term "gaslighting" has been diluted to the point where it is often used to describe any statement made by a conservative individual that does not align with the speaker's perception of reality. This misuse of the term has led to a situation where the party that once tried to convince the public that Joe Biden was physically and mentally fit, despite clear signs of his decline, is now suggesting that a bruise on President Donald Trump's hand indicates a serious health condition.
The bruise in question, which has been a topic of discussion among left-leaning individuals, has a simple explanation. "President Trump is a man of the people," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, according to an NBC News report. "His commitment is unwavering, and he proves that every single day." She further explained that the bruise was a result of President Trump's constant interaction with the public, which often involves shaking hands.
This explanation aligns with previous reports about President Trump's hands. A report by The Hill in March 2024 noted that Trump's hands often got bruised due to enthusiastic fans who would grasp his hand firmly during handshakes. In an interview with the Washington Examiner, Trump acknowledged that he had to overcome his germophobia in order to interact with his supporters.
Despite this rational explanation, there seems to be a disproportionate concern about Trump's physical fitness based on a bruise, while questions about Biden's mental fitness were dismissed as ageist. This selective concern raises questions about the objectivity of those raising these concerns.
In the film "Gaslight," the manipulated woman asks, "Have you gone mad, my husband? Or is it I who am mad?" This question resonates with the current situation, where the term "gaslighting" is being misused to manipulate reality. It is ironic that those accusing Trump and the right of "gaslighting" America are themselves engaging in a form of gaslighting by manipulating the narrative to suit their agenda.
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