Manipulation Methods Utilized by Narcissists: Twelve Propagandistic Techniques to Control You
In the realm of interpersonal dynamics, narcissists employ a variety of techniques to influence, unsettle, and manipulate people. These tactics are not unlike the powerful tool of propaganda, which has been historically used to start wars and end governments.
One such technique is minimizing, where narcissists deny or downplay anything that doesn't align with their goals, often used to disregard others' feelings and needs. Another technique is glittering generalities, where narcissists use glowing words and statements without providing evidence to make themselves appear superior.
The big lie is another propaganda technique used by narcissists. They spin a lie so outrageous that it overwhelms others' critical faculties. For instance, they might assert a false accusation against someone, hoping it will go unchallenged due to its audacious nature.
Narcissists also employ tu quoque, answering criticism by asserting the accuser is guilty as well, implying the accuser is hypocritical and putting others on the defensive. Scapegoating is another tactic, where they falsely blame one individual for a group's problems to make others feel inferior, gain power, and evade responsibility.
In rapid-fire succession, narcissists might use the gish gallop, flooding their opponents with a barrage of assertions, questions, and accusations to overwhelm them and prevent a thoughtful response. They may also resort to repetition/ad nauseam, repeating a word or phrase endlessly to sidetrack discussion and make others believe it.
Intentional vagueness is another technique where narcissists say something so vague as to be meaningless or open to multiple interpretations, distracting attention from legitimate concerns or questions. Narcissists might also attempt to equate vastly different situations to justify their unreasonable views and actions through false equivalence.
Narcissists may also use the lesser of two evils technique, giving others only two undesirable options, one of which is far more catastrophic, to justify or excuse control, abuse, or other excesses. Additionally, they might use thought-control tactics to confuse and dominate others, such as ad hominem attacks, where they resort to name-calling or questioning someone's intelligence to shift the conversation when threatened.
Critical thinking skills, developed by Socrates, are essential in debunking fallacious arguments like these. These skills are widely taught in schools today. For those interested in learning more about propaganda and narcissistic tactics, resources can be found on websites such as yourlogicalfallacyis.com, Bernays' "Propaganda," Lasswell's "Propaganda technique in the world war," and Lippmann's "Public opinion."
It's important to note that narcissists, in their personal lives, use propaganda techniques similar to those used by repressive regimes to control, confuse, and manipulate others. Recognising and understanding these techniques can empower individuals to navigate such situations more effectively.
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