Subtle uses of power over

Imagine this scenario. Someone has made an accusation towards you or has challenged you. 

You do not understand what they mean, or what they are referring to. So, rather than attack as a knee-jerk response, you ask for clarity.

They return with less information and continue the challenge as if you should be able to understand. Or read their mind. 

This is a subtle form of domination and superiority. The inference is your stupidity or lack of something. You should understand!

Seeking, with clear intent to understand, another’s action and being denied that opportunity leaves you with a few choices.

Refuse to continue to engage. This is not a win-win, infinite game. It is a game set up for you to lose. When you stop playing, the game is over.

Engage, knowing you are unlikely to engage correctly. You will be blamed for something.

Call the behaviour for what is. Dare to Care. 

No matter your choice, you will be made wrong. The only way to play this game and be right is to be supplicant to the dominator’s whims. When we do this, we reinforce this type of gaslighting and manipulative behaviour.

Photo Taken June 20th 2024