Whenever we hear someone say, "I am shocked -- shocked -- to find out [something-something-something, whatever it is"].
And when they say that, they are really not shocked, they are pretending. Saying the opposite of what's true. Trying to influence or control the narrative. It's a kind of gaslighting.
The "shocked -- shocked" expression comes from the American film Casablanca. Captain Louis Renault (portrayed by actor Claude Rains) is enjoying an evening in Rick's casino; he gets the word he is supposed to close the place down right away, so he announces it with a trumped-up excuse, saying loudly, "I am shocked -- shocked! -- to find that gambling is going on in here!"
And a casino worker gives him money -- "Your winnings, sir."
So -- he himself was gambling, and then suddenly he pretends to be shocked that gambling is even occurring. Changing the narrative.
Sometimes when a person uses the "I am shocked, shocked" expression, they are quoting the movie; and some people who say it are borrowing from someone else they heard say it, and they may not even be familiar with the movie.
Today, under an article about Donald Trump's recent threats in the public sphere was this Comment:
------------------ The judicial system needs to hold him to account.
Death threats to judges, grand jury members, prosecutors, etc.
And the orange menace continues his rants and nothing happens.
Someone will be killed and Republicans will be shocked that there is gambling in the casino.
Revoke his release and incarcerate him. Now. --------------
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