I'm a woman who has been gaslighted.
Who I Am
My name is Livvy Hintz, and I'm 19 years old. My pronouns are she/her/hers. I'm a second year undergraduate at the University of Michigan. I'm currently studying Earth & Environmental Science with a minor in Writing, but my plans change monthly. Beyond the fast facts, I'm a daughter, a sister, a writer, a feminist, a girlfriend and a vegan food blogger.
Why I Care
My role as a powerful, compassionate woman in society comes in many different forms -- and in almost every identity I carry, I've been a victim of gaslighting. This is a systemic problem used to persist false, negative female stereotypes, cause insecurity in women and encourage them to stay silent about their experiences. Exposing this tactic used to oppress women is crucial to progressing toward equality of the sexes.
What I Want
As believers of equality and justice, we need to spread awareness of the gaslight effect and its function in preserving inequality. My project focuses on its involvement in general female oppression, but gaslighting is supremely pervasive for people of color — especially women of color. Overall, I want the white patriarchy dismantled, and you can listen to Episode 4 of my podcast to see how we might be able to get that done.
How to Help
Share this podcast and the information you've learned to everyone you know! Educating others can not only stop future gaslighting on the individual level, but it will begin exposing it on the systemic scale as well. And if you see gaslighting happening in the future, don't be afraid to stop it in its tracks. Also, stay in the feminist conversation and support initiatives to smash the patriachy — or even start your own.
Contact Me
Email - hintzo@umich.edu
Tel - 248.807.6858