Donald Trump as a “gaslighter”: What we must learn from his manipulative non-apology

Donald Trump as a “gaslighter”: What we must learn from his manipulative non-apology

by Paul Rosenberg at Salon

http://www.salon.com/2016/10/16/donald-trump-as-a-gaslighter-what-we-must-learn-from-his-manipulative-non-apology/

"SNIP...............


“Trump’s statement is an eerie replica of psychological manipulations made by abusers after episodes of abuse,” McElrath began. “Let’s break it down.” That’s precisely what she did in 15 numbered tweets. McElrath’s clinical dissection was the only analysis I saw that left me, at the end, feeling completely free of all Trump’s slimy tendrils, with a perfectly clear understanding of everything he’s tried to do. She began by translating Trump’s statement “I’m not perfect” into what we might call its psychological meaning: Your expectations I behave like a human being are unreasonable. McElrath’s tweets continued:

2. “I’ve never pretended to be someone I’m not” = you fell in love with me so it’s your fault

3. “this more than decade old video” = it was a long time ago, why the fuss? you’re so unreasonable.

4. “these words do not reflect who I am” = the reality you just experienced didn’t actually happen (gaslighting)

5. “I said it … I apologize” = get over it already, I said I’m sorry, you’re being hysterical


.................SNIP"