The many faces of South African anger
Anger can engender convincing argument, but for that to happen, it must be guided by rationality and channelled into a virtuous moral cause, writes Gareth van Onselen
SA is an angry place. You see it everywhere. But there is not much discussion about what anger is, how it manifests and its effect on public discourse. With regard to debate, it can be both a good and bad thing. Here is a connotative look at anger, some of the primary ways in which it manifests and, in each instance, its effect on debate and good argument. Hopefully it is helpful in distinguishing the one from the other. Rage Rage is an uncontrollable fury; the result of succumbing entirely to emotion. It is often accompanied by physical action, shouting or violence. Thus, it tends to occur outside the realm of public debate, rather on the streets or during actual interaction. The very fact that articulating wild anger through words requires some small measure of control means unadulterated rage is rarely encountered in written discourse. In rage, there is no attempt to win an argument, merely to give vent, physically or verbally, to one’s emotions. It is best indulged or arrested, ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.