What is manipulation?
Manipulation refers to the act of influencing or controlling someone in a way that is often dishonest or unfair. This can be done through various means such as using deceit, coercion, or trickery to get someone to do what you want.
Have you ever been stuck in a seat and seen manipulation unfold before your very eyes? I did and the story goes like this …
Sophie was a bright and passionate young woman who was deeply committed to advocating for the rights of marginalized communities. She was always the first to speak up at meetings and events, and her passion and conviction were contagious.
One day, Sophie attended a town hall meeting where the local government was discussing plans to cut funding for social services. She felt compelled to speak out against the proposal, knowing that it would disproportionately impact vulnerable members of the community.
As soon as Sophie began to speak, however, she was interrupted by the town mayor, a stern and imposing figure who was known for his authoritarian approach. He told her that this was not the time or place for her comments and that she should be quiet and listen to what he and the other officials had to say.
Reactions and Responses to Manipulation
Sophie was taken aback. She had never been spoken to in such a dismissive and condescending manner, and she felt intimidated and afraid to break out of the box of what was expected and “normal.” She didn’t want to make a scene or be seen as a troublemaker, so she reluctantly sat down and tried to contain her frustration.
As the meeting went on, Sophie found it increasingly difficult to concentrate on the discussion. She felt as though her voice had been silenced, and that her concerns and opinions didn’t matter to those in positions of power. She left the meeting feeling disheartened and defeated, wondering if there was any point in continuing to fight for what she believed in.
Over the next few days, Sophie found it hard to shake the feeling of being silenced and dismissed. She began to doubt herself and her abilities, wondering if she was really cut out for activism and advocacy. However, with the support of her friends and colleagues, she found the strength to keep going and to continue speaking out on behalf of those who needed a voice.
I found it difficult to sit still in my seat and listen and watch the manipulation unfold in front of me. A few days later, I still find it difficult to sit back and do nothing yet have no idea what to do other than to know, manipulation happens and it is wrong. This time, the manipulator won. Maybe next time there will be more power and strength.
Have you ever witnessed manipulation in action?
It’s a painful experience to watch someone be silenced and dismissed, especially when they are trying to stand up for what is right. Sophie, a passionate advocate for marginalized communities, experienced this firsthand at a town hall meeting where she was shut down by an authoritative figure.
Sophie felt compelled to speak out against the proposed cuts to social services, but her voice was quickly silenced by the mayor, who used his position of power to dismiss her concerns. This type of manipulation is all too common, and it can be devastating to those who are on the receiving end.
Sophie’s experience of being shut down and dismissed left her feeling disheartened and defeated. It’s hard to keep fighting for what is right when it feels like your voice doesn’t matter. However, she found the strength to keep going and to continue speaking out, with the support of her friends and colleagues.
Those who hold positions of power can use manipulation to maintain the status quo, control, and mediocrity, even when it’s not in the best interests of the people they are supposed to be serving. What’s the solution? We cannot change everybody. Sometimes we have to move on away from the manipulators. If the oppression continues and is a pattern, sometimes, it’s best to move forward without looking back.
Thought to ponder: Did everyone else in the room notice the manipulation or are they oblivious to it?
