Songs of Angry Men
by Gina Simmons, Ph.D.
Last weekend we attended a youth theater performance of Les Miserables, the musical based on the novel by Victor Hugo. In The People’s Song the chorus sings, “Do you hear the people sing, singing the songs of angry men? It is the music of the people who will not be slaves again.” It reminded me of many in the United States and across the world who join in groups to fight oppression, poverty, war and injustice. Fueled by moral anger, outrage and desperation, people join together to right perceived wrongs in the hope of a better day for themselves or their children.
While many of these movements create positive changes such as religious freedom, civil rights, protections for children, some turn violent and ugly. Sometimes groups begin as peaceful protests, but shaped by changes in leadership, embark on an ominous, destructive path. The recent murder of Dr. George Tiller by a violent anti-abortion extremist comes to mind. When we believe in our own righteousness it can feel intoxicating. Famous wit, Oscar Wilde said, “Morality is simply the attitude we adopt towards people whom we personally dislike.” Moral anger can disguise hatred, envy, jealousy and yes, simple dislike.
When tempted to get puffed up with righteous indignation, the wise person pauses, reflects, and tends to take the moderate view. Studies show that people of higher intelligence tend to take moderate positions. Less intelligent people take extreme positions. When we feel angry we like to join with others who share our views. They support our position and make us feel great about ourselves. Throughout history people have been lynched, gassed, shot, tortured and oppressed out of moral anger. This behavior has not stopped human problems, but instead created greater problems.
In our personal lives we get outraged by inconsiderate house guests, people who don’t RSVP, poor drivers, help desk professionals who speak poor English and other perceived infractions both important and petty. We like to recruit people to our cause, “can you believe he said that? Don’t bother sending anything, they never reply.” When friends and family agree with us we feel supported and entitled to our indignation.
Of course in the midst of our delicious baptism of moral superiority we forget our own driving errors, inconsiderate behavior, forgetfulness and human failings. We tend to commit the fundamental attribution error: Our own mistakes are situational (I speed because I overslept). The others mistake is due to a flaw in their character (He speeds because he’s a maniac!) We give ourselves a pass when we make a mistake, but don’t give the same courtesy to others.
Next time you feel superior to another, stop. Take a deep breath. Get off your pedestal. It’s the smart thing to do.
Excellent advice. Do you find that people who feel inadequate and hopeless struggle more with anger? The comment “Studies show that people of higher intelligence tend to take moderate positions” I find very interesting. Could it be that perhaps the person with higher intelligence has more self-confidence and doesn’t feel as hopeless and frustrated? The person with higher intelligence is more successful and their voice is heard, more opportunities abound and their lives are better, less to be angry about?
It seems that people who are angry will first internalize their anger, they take it out on themselves with behaviors that demonstrate their self loathing. Some will take it out on their families, with abuse and neglect and others will vent that anger on strangers, and their community. Perhaps it all begins with self-esteem and the ability to feel hope. I live near San Francisco. The areas with the most violent crime are the areas with the most poverty. I know that drugs play a role, also gangs and a sense of hopelessness often found in these neighborhoods.
Thank you for your interesting comment, Kelly. Low self esteem and feelings of hopelessness can fuel problem anger. While many highly intelligent people experience all the same feelings of anger and despair as their less intelligent counterparts, when evaluating what to do, they tend to take a moderate position. Your point about hopefulness is important. Hope is a sign of mental health. When people in poverty experience hope and are given opportunities to develop their potential they can channel their anger positively.
i am in that posititon right now can you give me some help or advice on how to revervse my thinking . i never looked at it the way you just said it. i do all that. please help me .
Thank you for your comment Mike. I recommend you check out the book Weisingers Anger Workout. You can find it in our Amazon Store under recommended books. It’s really helpful and can make you feel better, happier and not so angry. It also helps to talk to a counselor. You can check out the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists site or the American Psychological Association site for referrals to qualified professionals. All the best to you Mike.