Let me preface this. I don't need anyone to define the term for me. I know what it means.

I also don't need the etymology, the names of the plays and movies from which it was derived, nor the the titles of psychology books and papers written about it. Don't waste your time and mine trying to educate me about things I already know.

So what's my point? First, making an argument that attempts to get listeners to question their current belief system is NOT gaslighting. Challenging that belief system with logic and reason is also not gaslighting. It's what use to be called reasoned debate and was considered to be one of the primary purposes of educators.

So, for example, saying Louis Farrakhan is an anti-semite, therefore those who support him and associate him with their campaigns are tainted by his anti-semitism, is not gaslighting. No one is utilizing sociopathic manipulation techniques to try and make supporters of politicians who campaign with Farrakhan question their own sanity.

Also let me spell this out as well. The preceding paragraph was simply one example. I am not focused on Democrats who embrace Louis Farrakhan. There are many examples, this was just the first one that came to mind. Both sides are guilty of misusing and overusing this term.

Finally, I despise jargon of any type. I loathe the business-speak buzzword crap I have to hear every day at work and have particular scorn for those who use the same phrases in conversation outside the office. Hence this post and the one before it. The incursion of buzzword jargon like "dog whistle" and "gaslighting" into everyday speech offends me beyond measure.