"Here in the Western world, we live in a culture that tends to treat anger as taboo. A common tactic to unsettle an opponent today is to accuse him or her of being angry. It is amazing how easily humiliated and/or defensive an adversary can become in response to such an accusation. Yes, it is remarkable how quickly the one accused of anger can feel the need to resort to denials such as these:
"1. I am not angry! (Note that this is usually said angrily, thus demonstrating its falsehood.)
"2. I'm not angry; I'm just frustrated. (Note that frustrated is just a nicer way of saying angry.)
"3. I'm not angry; You're the one who’s angry! (Note that the 'terrible' charge of being angry is denied instead of owned and appreciated as an expression of passion for something that matters.)
"4. Of course I'm angry, but who wouldn't be angry when talking to an idiot! (Note that in saying this, one is tacitly accepting the accusation while at the same time excusing it.)
"Rare indeed in the West is someone who will respond in a way that both admits anger and owns it as something positive and important. . . ."
In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish,
Washington, DC) reflected on vengeful anger vis-à-vis righteous anger.
To access Msgr. Pope's complete post, please visit:
Community in Mission: The Passion of Anger and the "Miserable Truce" of the Modern Age (11 APR 16)
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