Where the word “gaslighting” comes from
Published May 31, 2022
From MSNBC to Fox News, the word “gaslighting” is everywhere these days. And while the term is commonly connected to antisemitism, it can also be used in a variety of forms.
Where does it come from and what does it mean? In our second installment of our “Word of the Week” series, we dig into the ubiquitous term: its roots in a 1944 Hollywood thriller, how it has come to be used today, and whether it’s still a useful word. We speak with linguist Rachel Steindel Burdin and psychotherapist Robin Stern. We’ll also hear from comedian Judy Gold and Tik Tok star Miriam Anzovin.
The Jewish Women’s Archive
The St. Louis Jewish Light is proud to announce a new partnership with the JWA. Together, we will bring many parts of the JWA collection to St. Louis readers, as well as promote the “Can We Talk?” podcast by sharing both current and past relevant episodes each week.
The Jewish Women’s Archive is a national organization dedicated to collecting and promoting the extraordinary stories of Jewish women. JWA explores the past as a framework for understanding the issues important to women today; inspires young people with remarkable role models; and uses Jewish women’s stories to excite people to see themselves as agents of change.
This website is the world’s largest collection of information on Jewish women and draws 2.5 million visitors a year seeking information, inspiration, community, and a sense of identity. We hope you enjoy exploring the thousands of stories of inspiring women here! JWA also hosts public programs; trains the thought leaders of tomorrow through the Rising Voices Fellowship; sparks conversation with its blog, podcast, and social media presence; and is a leading voice in feminist and Jewish spheres.
Join us! There are many ways to get involved with JWA, including:
- Subscribe to JWA’s podcast, “Can We Talk?”
- Read with the JWA Book Club
- Follow “Jewish Women, Amplified,” JWA’s popular blog on feminism, history makers, and current events
- Teach for a variety of educational settings
- Create a tribute to a special woman in your life (and add her to the archive) with We Celebrate
- Find unique merchandise, including the “Feminist History-Makers” series, in the JWA Shop
- Make a donation to support a resource and community like no other
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