Well, are you -- like so many today -- living with an anger within? Please, share... One of my goals is to open up for discussion subjects that matter -- such as truths of our innermost state -- in order that there exists a safe place where the conversation can begin. So,... let's begin: Are you angry? If so, what makes you mad? How might your anger be expressed in the everyday of daily life? What effects do anger have on you and, from what you can observe, on the wider society? Do you see any solutions? Please,... Explain!!
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I don't get angry very often. As much as I use it as a way to communicate affection, humor, etc, I very rarely find myself truly, irreperably angry. In those times, I've noticed a common theme. Injustice. I don't mean to say that to sound like some huge hero, 'cause sometimes, perceived injustice is just not being treated the way you think you deserve. But be it social injustice, an unjust treatment of people I consider friends, or good people, or systems mean to uphold injustice, thinking about or experiencing these things tend to make me the angriest I ever am. The social climate right now, and the (what in all honesty, is my own perception) lack of... Desire, to change the things that continue to make a world without justice, without fairness, with at least a little less exploitation makes me angrier than I almost ever am.
Wow, Robby. This is fantastic. Thanks for sharing this modern example of anger. Yesterday I returned to ”The Wall” and listened again. I liked it so much that I think I’ll re-listen to the whole album, again, today! I’m curious. Here’s a question for everyone: What other examples do you see in society — in the arts, in politics, the economy, anywhere — that reflects our version of 21st century anger?
Recently I had done a lot of driving. During this large chunk of time I got to do two of my favorite things: listen to my favorite music and catch up with Mr. B's latest episode!!! After listening to what Mr. B had to say about the presence of anger in our society and its role, I started to apply some of those questions to the content in Pink Floyd's album The Wall.
This album tells the story of its protagonist "Pink", who struggles to deal with overwhelming fits of anger after experiencing traumatic events such as growing up without a father, being raised by an extremely overprotective mother, and being cheated on by his wife. Quite understandably, Pink becomes consumed by fury and lashes out in all directions. However, in his rage he seems to pose very shrewd and relatable criticisms of the oppressive institutions that caused him suffering in his tragic life. Perhaps his most engaging criticism that I think many can sympathize with is that of the impersonal and domineering nature of educational systems. Pink wanting nothing more than to tell his past teachers to "leave those kids alone" is something I think most people have wanted to shout out in protest (except to you Mr. B.). This attempt to tear down such despotic structures brick by brick is perhaps the greatest upside of anger as we know it.
However, Pink's story truly is a tragedy as his fatal flaw is his submission to rage. Fueled solely by anger, he strays from his more innocent protests. In a stroke of irony, Pink becomes so blinded that he excretes inhumane and autocratic political rhetoric, the very same that cost his father's life in the Second World War.
Obviously, anger has no memory as Pink's endeavor to destroy the sources of evil and pain in his life spat out the same consequence tenfold. Although one's rage can be a useful tool to open the doorway to things in society that need to be rectified, that is where rage should be left: at the door. And inevitably, If you let anger control your life, you will build with the bricks of the wall you sought to destroy.