Equivocation, projection, and gaslighting are all psychological defense mechanisms or rhetorical tactics that can be used—intentionally or unconsciously—to preserve a “good guy” narrative identity, even when one’s behavior contradicts that identity. Here's how each one functions in maintaining that self-image:
Definition: Using vague, ambiguous, or misleading language to obscure the truth or avoid accountability.
How it supports the "good guy" narrative:
Equivocation allows someone to blur the lines between intention and impact.
By being deliberately unclear, the person avoids having to own the consequences of their actions while still claiming moral high ground.
It helps maintain the illusion that they’re being reasonable or misunderstood, rather than wrong.
Examples:
“I never said that exactly…”
“That’s not what I meant—you’re twisting my words.”
Using euphemisms for hurtful behavior ("I was just being honest" instead of admitting cruelty).
🔍 Why it works: Ambiguity makes it harder for others to challenge the narrative, while the equivocator continues to cast themselves as fair, rational, or well-meaning.
Definition: Attributing one’s own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or behaviors to someone else.
How it supports the "good guy" narrative:
By projecting flaws or ill-intent onto others, the person distances themselves from those same flaws.
It positions them as the victim or the moral superior, rather than the aggressor or wrongdoer.
This enables them to preserve a self-concept of integrity and kindness.
Examples:
Accusing someone of being manipulative when they themselves are being manipulative.
“You’re the one who’s always starting drama!” (when they are the one escalating conflict).
🔍 Why it works: The projected traits create a scapegoat, deflecting blame and reinforcing the narrative that “I’m the reasonable one.”
Definition: Manipulating someone into doubting their own perceptions, memory, or sanity.
How it supports the "good guy" narrative:
Gaslighting helps the person rewrite events to paint themselves in a positive light and invalidate the other person’s experience.
By making the other person question their reality, the gaslighter strengthens the illusion of being innocent, misunderstood, or morally right.
It allows them to recast conflict or harm as a misunderstanding or overreaction, not wrongdoing.
Examples:
“That’s not what happened—you’re imagining things.”
“You’re being too sensitive; I was only trying to help.”
Denying past statements or actions: “I never said that.”
🔍 Why it works: Gaslighting erodes the other person's confidence in their own judgment, making them more likely to accept the gaslighter’s version of reality, which upholds the "good guy" façade.
This is a self-image or persona that someone builds around being:
Kind
Fair
Honest
Reasonable
Morally superior or principled
However, when their actions contradict that identity (e.g., manipulation, cruelty, dishonesty), instead of confronting this dissonance, they may use the above tactics to preserve the narrative rather than revise it.
Tactic |
Function |
How it Protects the "Good Guy" Identity |
|---|---|---|
Equivocation |
Obscures truth |
Makes bad actions seem unclear or justifiable |
Projection |
Deflects blame |
Shifts flaws onto others to preserve innocence |
Gaslighting |
Rewrites reality |
Invalidates others’ experiences to stay “right” |
If you're exploring this for personal insight, research, or even fiction writing, understanding these mechanisms can help identify how people maintain positive self-concepts even while engaging in harmful behavior.