Positive Rage

There's a phrase or quote tossed around a lot, and it annoys me to hear it: "Those you allow to anger you, you allow to control you." There are variations. I counter this with: "The world needs anger. The world often continues to allow evil because it isn't angry enough." -Bede Jarrett

Anger is a natural emotion, as much a part of the human makeup as is love, happiness, sorrow. The problem is not anger, but rather an overwhelming anger, one that burns unchecked. I admit I have problems with this as well. But sometimes, anger is not only to be expected, but is something that SHOULD happen. There are things that happen in this world, or even between groups as small as two people, to which the proper response IS anger.

Maybe the distinction is between unfounded anger...and a righteous fury. Because those who've spent much time around me know the difference. I laugh at insults, I have little or no shame. But I hate wrong. Mine is a righteous fury, because in retrospect, the main things I have gotten enraged over...have been, betrayals, lying. The seeming general specialties of the human species.

And in reference to the specific quote that started this: First, anger is natural; to say you do not feel anger, let others anger...that's an outright lie. Second, I'd like to meet the person who sees me at even my median rage, and thinks that anyone has anyh control over me right then. Thirdly, the only way you can even marginally apply that quote, is to repress your anger. And it will find other ways of coming out.