Gaslighting: know the facts

Throwing around the term ‘gaslighting’ seems to to be all the rage in 2020. From small-scale instances to politically motivated groups accusing their own governments of ‘gaslighting’ them, everyone’s been getting in on the fun; but what actually is gaslighting? We contacted science to shed some ‘light’ on the subject.

Mr. Wakefield, a well-respected physician in over 12 relatively major Facebook groups, let us know what’s what. The term actually comes from a Hollywood film, Gas Light (1944) – the first hole in the hull of HMS Credibility.

Mr. Wakefield informed us that the usage of the term is simply an overreaction from the ‘modern generations’, who feel inadequate in comparison to their superiors. This leads them to imagine that they are actually being manipulated into questioning their own mind by those with power over them! What a ridiculous idea! This made-up phenomenon is what they label ‘gaslighting’.

Mr. Wakefield wrote in ‘Old Scientific’ a conclusion of the investigation he has conducted: “It’s merely another trivial ‘microagression’ for pampered youth to complain about, a complete fabrication rooted in Hollywood nonsense. You cant apply terms and phenomenon from movies to real life. How many psychopaths do you know that go around dressed as their mothers whilst trying to run a hotel? It’s merely a Hollywood plot. It categorically does not exist in the real world. There’s a completely rational explanation for why some people have power over others, and they don’t need to waste time manipulating their subordinates. They work harder. They are smarter. They are the breadwinners, working tirelessly for their dependents. They deserve nothing but respect, and anyone that believes they are abusing their power is wrong, blinded by jealousy and spite. The world would run a lot smoother if everyone accepted their ineptitude in the face of their superiors. It is heartbreaking to see accusations of this phenomenon lobbed around even within the perfectly stable nuclear family these days.”

The science has spoken. It is clear there is no foundation at all for ‘gaslighting’ and we all need to accept that if we want to move on as a society. We must accept it is a myth and disregard any silly notion that someone is undermining our minds.

To anyone who still clings on to this ridiculous myth, being corrected is not psychological abuse. Facts do not care about your feelings. Follow the science.

Hancock in ruins as inter-uni tensions rise

Following the temporary cease-fire due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the rivalry between Newcastle University and Northumbria reached a new level of intensity early morning yesterday.

The Hancock pub is, (or was) the dividing line between the two institutions; it served as a standard venue for most meetings and parleys between the two student bodies, like the famous “Newcastle Tory Society and Northumbria’s one Tory” meeting.

The confrontation is only the latest skirmish in the long conflict over who has jurisdiction over the Hancock. The Hancock has long been referred to as the Kashmir of Newcastle. According to Newcastle students it has long since been their own. After all, it is only just down the highly efficient cycle path-cum-pavement from their library. Northumbria have instead insisted it is their’s, a tangible claim made based on a building with their name on it being visible a Marjorie Robinson and a road away from the establishment.

It didn’t take long for conflict to spark up once the pub re-opened following lock-down. Students from both universities decided to choose it as their post-pandemic haunt, only for the disagreement to reignite once the first round of lukewarm Fosters were put-away. A pool related confrontation is said to have broken out close to 9 am, although these reports are unconfirmed.

All of a sudden, tragedy struck, any possibility of further conflict was wiped from the face of the earth early Wednesay morning, along with the pub itself. Residents were shocked to see a crater where the Hancock, plus its exclusive beer ‘garden’, once proudly stood. The only sign of what once remained was a broken pool cue and a black and white photo of a Chimp playing the fiddle. We can only wonder what song that Chimp would be playing today. ‘Give Peace a Chance’, perhaps?

Workers sift through the rubble

The news came as a shock to both warring parties. A Newcastle student was quoted, standing tearful amongst the carnage, as saying “Where are we expected to go now? That beer garden was the closest we had to a rooftop terrace. Alright, it wasn’t a rooftop, but it had those red heater thingies, indie rock, and the wind cut right through it, so you know what I mean. Who are you anyway? Are you even a real reporter? Why do you smell like sulphur? Get away from me!”.

Strong words reader, strong words. A war that has cost so much yet achieved so little. Where will the destruction stop now it has finally begun? All we are saying, is give peace a chance.