Gaslighting isn't that of an uncommon term in our daily life. It has been seen in many areas of news, especially surrounding crime or gossip, since the mid-2010s. What is gaslighting and how was the term 'Gaslighting' was coined?

The word Gaslighting is derived from the 1944 George Cuker film entitled 'Gas Light'. In the film, a husband named Gregory lights the gaslight dimly but whenever his wife comments about the brightness suspiciously, he tells her off with false narratives. He said, "I could only get inside that brain of yours and understand what makes you do these crazy, twisted things."

Many cases of gaslighting can be found in various situations in ordinary relationships. We see it in families, schools and workplaces where relationships are vertical or horizontal. Before the term 'Gaslighting' became prevalent, one movie let us see the typical tricks of gaslighting; it was called 'Tangled'.

Mother Gothel always greatly exaggerates the risks of the outisde world, or wears Rapunzel down by singing 'Mother Knows Best', one of her theme songs, to get Rapunzel to question her own sanity. She countinuously doubts her own judgment and blames herself after escaping from the tower, though far apart from Mother Gothel. But after Rapunzel unveils the truth of herself, she confronts Mother Gothel and finds herself by saying "Did I mumble, mother?" Literally, figuratively, she finds her own voice.

How's your relationship with others? Unknowingly, does one of your friends keep singing 'Friends Know Best' to you or vice versa. Be aware and be careful.

L.L.F reporter Han-sung Jeong