#mentalhealthmonday#mentalhealthawareness
Hate and anger.
These days we see them played out as emotional currency. Rage of the oppressed and the perceived oppressed alike doled out like fiat dollars to the broke masses.
The idea that negative emotion is a bargaining chip has poured a destructive energy gasoline into our socially collective campfire, and now we're all feeling the heat.
Whether it's super heroes who only gain their powers when pushed to an emotional breaking point (Why are there so many?), or the prolification of acts of mass violence by the outcast and dejected in our society, we're seeing the promulgation of the childish idea that anger is somehow a valid response to experiencimg feelings of opposition.
"You wouldn't like me when I'm angry. "
Well, no shit.
No one like dealing with anyone when they're angry. That's the kind of emotional bargaining chip used by a 5 year old who doesn't get a cookie. Somehow, here in 2022, we have allowed this kind of emotional pandering to carry over into adulthood, but it's not good, and it's not constructive.
Anger is the fire that burns the bearer. Acting on anger is the destruction of the individual. Rage is an all consuming conflagration that results in nothing but pain and regret. So, why are we encouraging this?
By no means am I trying to invalidate people's feelings. I grew up learning anger and violence and it's cost, and that, in turn, visited those terrible things on me, in my time. But the idea that we should do anything but offer corrective outlets for anger, and admonition for those who would threaten violence as a recourse for their suffering is foolhardy.
We cannot bargain with the Devil and win. When we allow anger to become our currency, our whole system of emotional commerce becomes corrupt and jaded.
Have a great week.
Be well.
Stay #SavageAndWonderful
Much Love.
-DJR