Why You SHOULD Get Angry!

Dien, there's the perfect nonsense argument, if you'll pardon me saying so. There are different DEGREES of anger and what they supposedly induced is only the first, most superficial, degree of anger. In that case their arguments are 'probably' valid. There is, however, no justification for broadening the scope of the findings to include various degrees and types of anger.

Most folks think of anger as a single stage of behavior or status or feeling etc. Not so!

Remember the red-faced, angry young boy who'd been teased unmercifully and who flew into a rage? It was, for all intents and purposes, counter-productive to what was actually needed and called for to protect himself from further harrassment and teasing. That's not rational and it's not in line with their conclusions any more than 'road rage' is an appropriate response for a rational human being. Both happen, both are counter-productive for the individual and often lead to an escalation of the precipitating events.

My assessment: inconclusive at least and negatively damaging at worst when it comes to telling folks they should get angry. Baloney! Anger actually clouds the thinking when things really matter. It raises blood pressure and causes multiple negative system reactions that inhibit circulation of the blood, oxygenation, and the proper functioning of the higher thinking centers of the brain.

Their conclusions aren't conclusions...they're guesses supported by skewed testing. You can't really test anger as most folks experience it (in multiple ways/degrees) by inducing anger. We're not test tube subjects and anger isn't a static state that can be added or taken away from a person at will, except in a most superficial way.

Nice try, but I'm not buying their conclusions.

Sandi Bowman

I have to Agree with Sandi...

If Anger was that good, then past Anger type posts such as Don related topics and a few others would benefit Sowpubbers But Unfortunately they Don't...

Notice how nice and quite it is lately...

Although that could be a Bad thing... Knock on wood...

Here's another Terrible Problem anger and People wanting Power causes...
http://www.sowpub.com/forum/showthread.php?p=15310

Phil

[Dien Rice]

Hi Sandi,

I think I essentially agree with your post. I must admit, my post was written in a way to try to "stir the pot" a little...

Originally Posted by Sandi Bowman

Dien, there's the perfect nonsense argument, if you'll pardon me saying so. There are different DEGREES of anger and what they supposedly induced is only the first, most superficial, degree of anger. In that case their arguments are 'probably' valid. There is, however, no justification for broadening the scope of the findings to include various degrees and types of anger.

After looking at the article again, I think you're right! They do only induce a "superficial" degree of anger, and the participants certainly didn't fly into a rage (I don't think)...

Maybe there's a benefit to this "superficial" level of anger, however?

Actually, it might then also fit in with this other article I saw too (there's a link to this at the bottom of the other article)...
http://www.livescience.com/health/051103_anger.html

Here's a short quote from that article...

"Anger is good for you, as long as you keep it below a boil, according to new psychology research based on face reading.

"People who respond to stressful situations with short-term anger or indignation have a sense of control and optimism that lacks in those who respond with fear."

Anyway, I find it all quite fascinating! I often do find I'm more "motivated" to "get off my rear" and DO something when I am a bit miffed about something...

Speaking of rages, I think I remember reading something in one of Tony Robbins' books (which I've only skimmed, I haven't read any of his stuff cover-to-cover). I think he said something like, when he feels himself getting angry at someone, he makes sure to use a certain word. He says something like...

"I'm very peeved that you forgot to close the window!"

He says, when you use the word "peeved" - somehow, it's hard to remain in a rage for too long!

Cheers

Dien
(not huffy or miffed or even peeved - I better find something to get peeved about!)