Anger is one of the most potent and primal emotions, rooted in human biology and psychology. Throughout history, it has been both a destructive and constructive force, driving revolutions, wars, and social movements, but also causing division, violence, and pain. In recent times, anger has taken on a new, politically charged role, often harnessed by right-wing politicians and commentators to mobilise support, shape narratives, and gain power. One key philosophical examination of anger comes from the German philosopher Peter Sloterdijk, whose 2006 book Rage and Time explores how societies and political systems have historically channelled this emotion. This article delves into the nature of anger, its political exploitation, particularly by right-wing figures, and offers solutions for mitigating its harmful effects.
The Nature of Anger: A Double-Edged Sword
Anger is an emotional response to perceived injustice, frustration, or threats. It is deeply embedded in the human experience, with evolutionary roots tied to survival and protection. In some cases, anger can be a productive force, spurring individuals to confront wrongdoing or advocate for change. Civil rights movements, labour strikes, and anti-colonial struggles, for instance, have all drawn upon the righteous anger of the oppressed to effect change.
However, anger can also be volatile and irrational, leading to impulsive reactions, hostility, and aggression. When anger spirals out of control, it can contribute to the breakdown of relationships, fuel hate, and exacerbate societal divisions. The challenge, then, lies in understanding how anger is expressed, managed, and utilised—particularly in the political arena, where it can be a powerful tool for mobilising people.
Peter Sloterdijk’s Rage and Time: The Philosophy of Anger
Peter Sloterdijk’s Rage and Time (originally Zorn und Zeit) offers a profound exploration of the historical and philosophical dimensions of anger. Sloterdijk views anger not simply as a personal, fleeting emotion but as a fundamental force that has shaped human societies. He introduces the concept of the “thymotic” element of human nature—a term derived from the ancient Greek word thymos, which refers to the spirited or emotional part of the soul. This thymotic energy, according to Sloterdijk, is responsible for feelings of pride, honour, and anger.
In his book, Sloterdijk argues that anger has historically been collected and stored in what he calls “rage banks.” These are political or religious institutions that accumulate collective anger and channel it towards particular ends, such as revenge, justice, or social change. Sloterdijk identifies early Christianity as one such institution, where anger against the Roman oppressors was transformed into spiritual resistance and later into the promise of divine justice.
In modern times, political movements—especially totalitarian regimes—have tapped into this collective anger, mobilising it as a form of capital. The 20th century saw this with the rise of fascism and communism, both of which capitalised on the rage of the masses to build their ideologies. For Sloterdijk, anger is not inherently good or bad; it is a neutral force that can be either constructive or destructive depending on how it is harnessed.
Right-Wing Politicians and the Exploitation of Anger
In the 21st century, anger has become a key component of right-wing populist rhetoric. Politicians such as Donald Trump in the United States, Viktor Orbán in Hungary, and Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil have successfully leveraged collective anger to galvanise their supporters. They tap into a reservoir of rage, often fuelled by economic insecurity, cultural change, and perceived threats to national identity. The anger they exploit is not always grounded in objective reality, but in subjective feelings of disenfranchisement and loss.
The Strategy of Populist Anger
Right-wing populists often portray themselves as outsiders or anti-establishment figures, standing up for the “common people” against a corrupt or distant elite. They use anger as a rallying cry, positioning their campaigns as a battle between the righteous anger of ordinary citizens and the perceived injustices perpetrated by immigrants, the media, intellectuals, or progressive movements.
In the UK, Brexit exemplified this dynamic. The Leave campaign harnessed public anger over immigration, economic stagnation, and a perceived loss of sovereignty to drive its message. Political figures like Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson framed the European Union as an oppressive force, stoking fears of uncontrolled immigration and the erosion of British identity. Their rhetoric transformed anger into political capital, ultimately leading to the UK’s departure from the EU.
The Role of Media and Commentators
Right-wing media outlets and commentators have played a crucial role in amplifying and shaping anger. Television channels like Fox News in the United States, tabloids like The Daily Mail in the UK, and radio talk shows provide platforms for expressing and legitimising anger. These outlets frequently focus on cultural flashpoints—immigration, race, gender, and identity politics—presenting them in a way that fuels outrage and resentment.
The echo chambers created by social media have further magnified this effect. Algorithms on platforms such as Facebook and Twitter reward emotionally charged content, ensuring that anger-driven posts receive higher engagement. This creates a feedback loop, where anger becomes not just a political tool but a commercial product. As Sloterdijk might observe, in this digital age, anger has become an even more liquid form of capital, constantly circulated, exchanged, and exploited.
The Consequences of Political Anger
While the mobilisation of anger can be politically effective in the short term, it carries significant long-term risks. When anger dominates political discourse, it tends to polarise societies, eroding trust in institutions and undermining democratic norms. The politics of anger often simplifies complex issues, reducing them to a binary struggle between “us” and “them.”
In extreme cases, this can lead to violence. The rise of far-right extremism and terrorism in recent years, from the Christchurch mosque shootings to the Capitol insurrection in the United States, demonstrates how anger, when left unchecked, can escalate into real-world harm.
Moreover, anger-driven politics is inherently unstable. Once in power, populist leaders often struggle to deliver on the promises they made to their angry supporters, leading to further disillusionment and resentment. This creates a vicious cycle where anger feeds into more anger, deepening divisions and destabilising societies.
Solutions: Managing Anger in Politics and Society
Given the destructive potential of unchecked anger, finding ways to manage and redirect this emotion is crucial. There are several strategies that can be employed at both the individual and societal levels.
1. Promoting Emotional Intelligence and Anger Management
On a personal level, education in emotional intelligence can help individuals recognise and regulate their anger. This involves developing greater self-awareness, understanding the triggers of anger, and learning techniques for de-escalating emotional responses. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), for example, has been shown to be effective in helping individuals manage anger in healthier ways.
Public education campaigns could promote emotional literacy as part of the school curriculum, equipping future generations with the tools to navigate their emotions without resorting to rage.
2. Building Political and Social Empathy
Empathy is the antidote to anger-fuelled polarisation. Encouraging dialogue across political and cultural divides can help reduce the perception of the “other” as an enemy. In polarised societies, initiatives that bring people from different backgrounds together—whether through community projects, dialogues, or shared spaces—can help foster understanding and reduce anger-driven hostility.
Political leaders and media commentators have a responsibility to promote nuanced discussions and avoid inflammatory rhetoric. Rather than exploiting anger for short-term gain, they should encourage constructive engagement with complex issues.
3. Economic and Social Justice
Much of the anger that right-wing populists tap into is rooted in economic insecurity and social inequality. Addressing the root causes of this anger requires policies that promote economic and social justice. This might include investing in job creation, ensuring access to healthcare and education, and implementing progressive taxation policies that reduce wealth inequality.
By addressing the material conditions that fuel anger, governments can reduce the appeal of populist movements that thrive on grievance and resentment.
4. Regulating Media and Social Media Platforms
The role of media in amplifying anger cannot be ignored. Regulating how media outlets report on sensitive issues—without impinging on free speech—could help reduce the spread of misinformation and inflammatory content. Similarly, social media platforms need to be held accountable for their role in amplifying anger-driven content. Stricter regulation of algorithms, transparency in content moderation, and the promotion of civil discourse could help mitigate the anger-inducing effects of these platforms.
Anger Is An Energy: Us It Wisely
Anger is an intrinsic part of the human condition, a powerful emotion that can both drive progress and cause destruction. As Peter Sloterdijk’s Rage and Time illustrates, anger has been harnessed by political and religious institutions throughout history. In the contemporary world, right-wing politicians and commentators have skilfully exploited anger to mobilise support and achieve their goals, but the consequences have been divisive and, at times, dangerous. Many people are angry, as social media in particular reveals. But it is a confused anger based not on facts but something they believe to be facts but aren’t. When challenged they tend to increase their anger and vitriol and it becomes even more chaotic and unfocused. A very sad sight.
Managing anger in politics and society requires a multifaceted approach. By promoting emotional intelligence, fostering empathy, addressing the root causes of economic and social inequality, and regulating the role of media, we can begin to mitigate the destructive potential of anger and channel it towards more constructive ends. Anger, when directed towards justice and positive change, can be a force for good; but left unchecked, it threatens to undermine the very fabric of democratic societies.
Sources
- Sloterdijk, P. (2010). Rage and Time: A Psychopolitical Investigation. Columbia University Press.
- Krastev, I. (2017). After Europe. University of Pennsylvania Press.
- Mounk, Y. (2018). The People vs. Democracy: Why Our Freedom Is in Danger and How to Save It. Harvard University Press.
- Hockenos, P. (2019). “How Europe’s Far Right is Using Anger to Radicalise Citizens.” Foreign Policy.
- BBC News. (2021). “How Social Media Fuels Political Anger.”
- Damasio, A. (2000). The Feeling of What Happens: Body and Emotion in the Making of Consciousness. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
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