Gaslighting is a specific form of psychological manipulation. The term surrounds a range of techniques used to control over others by influencing their actions, thoughts and emotions. When I think of gaslighting, something that comes to my mind is "DARVO" response. Narcissists use DARVO to avoid accountability.

 

How does DARVO technique work in workplaces, relationships, organizations, etc.? It is simple and clear. You clearly bring up injustice, they become defensive and you eventually become a victim and offender. In fact, DARVO is an acronym for "deny, attack, and reverse victim & offender." This happens more often. It is used by many people who are evil in our societies today. 

 

The most recent example of DARVO is the case of Vinicius Jr. When he became the victim of racial abuse during Real Madrid's loss to Valencia in May 2023, there are those who claimed that opposing fans engage in those behaviors to gain competitive advantage by trying to provoke reaction from a targeted player. 

 

In this case, Vinicius Jr. occasionally reacted to these provocations. To make matter even worse, there are those who claimed that Vinicius Jr. himself somehow invites racist attacks through his own pitch antics, celebratory dances and show-boarding. This is wrong, unacceptable and intolerable. 

 

Racism and bullyganism cannot be justified, trivialized or downplayed.