As someone who has struggled with severe depression and low self-image

in the past, and who has displayed several tell-tale behaviors and signs of the narcissistic personality disorder, I make this video not in personal judgement of anyone, but as a reminder to myself, and a warning to others. I also wish to examine my own communication methods and see if perhaps I can improve them.

I have been told several times now, by a few different sources here on Steemit, that the very real philosophical objections I have raised with the ideas and approaches of others claiming to be Voluntaryists--while simultaneously questioning basic axioms and property norms--are simply me "seeking attention," or attempting to "aggrandize myself." It was even implied that the reason I wished to debate some of these individuals was for attention or publicity. Nothing could be further from the truth. I care about these ideas (the foundational tenets of Voluntaryism) very passionately, and wished to defend them. No more, no less. I was reticent to engage in the debate online, but felt it to be necessary out of my own personal sense of duty. I would have much rather been involved in my "real life" anarchy-ing of growing my garden, interacting with friends, or spending time with my family.

In this video, I address these issues via the broader approach of discussing gaslighting and narcissistic communication styles in general. When you are not free to disagree with someone without a label being applied to you, and when the content of your objection is ignored, but the tone of your voice or the "gentleness" of your objection is made the primary focus of contention, then you can almost be sure something is amiss.

Ironically, throughout the recent misadventure in horrible miscommunication (which I am now guilty of playing a part in) I honestly feel I have been focused on ideas (if delivering them somewhat passionately and aggressively) while the individuals I reference here in this video seem to focus not on the arguments being made, but the style in which I have made them. What is strange to me is that the real vitriol, callousness, and lack of openness that has been projected on to me, was first (as far as I can tell) delivered from the other side. This seems to be of no consequence or concern, however, to those convinced that I am a divisive individual harmful to the "advance of the movement."

The best way to deal with these types of projection and narcissistic, gaslighting techniques is to remain calm, boldly name the behaviors when they rear their heads, and refuse to play the game by the unfair rules set forth by master (conscious or unconscious) manipulators.

~KafkA

Graham Smith is a Voluntaryist activist, creator, and peaceful parent residing in Niigata City, Japan. Graham runs the "Voluntary Japan" online initiative with a presence here on Steem, as well as DTube and Twitter. (Hit me up so I can stop talking about myself in the third person!)