Angers I Have Known

There are plenty of good reasons to be angry at the social and environmental state of the world. Here are six types of anger I’m acquainted with.

Wounded bird – Anger is camouflaged as weakness. Expects others to play along.

Chip on shoulder – Anyone in authority must be challenged. Anytime. Over anything.

Dragon slayer – I’m righteous. They are wrong. Therefore any action of mine is justified.

Raging bull – Social change is war. You are either for me or against me. Won’t trust anyone who is not in complete agreement.

Mother bear – Don’t dare threaten who and what I love. I can summon super human strength to protect them.

Fierce lover – Love knows no boundaries. Fearless at taking action to stop whoever and whatever is causing harm. Leaves room for those inflicting harm to change.

These angers will show up in every group or social movement that you are part of. They might even lurk inside you. Each have their uses. Some will hold you and others back from achieving your objectives. Some will get you to the doorstep of those in charge. Some will wedge the door open. Some enable you to pass through the doorway with a heart open enough to sit down with adversaries, perpetrators, betrayers and strangers.

EH!

It’s a joke to think that anyone is one thing. We’re all such complex creatures. But if I’m going to be a poster child for anything, anger’s a gorgeous emotion. It gets a bad rap, but it can make great changes happen.

– Alanis Morissette