In a Combative Mood

My disposition stands at the edge of belligerent.  Annoyed at trifles.  Ready for some conflict, though not really for destructive conflict.  Just the type that keeps me sharp and lets me express what I think.  

No particular reason why.  My schedule today got disrupted by a medical test scheduled amply in advance.  Slept poorly.  Coffee delayed until after test.  I'm just ready to fight about something.

There are some benefits to being disagreeable, as discussed at some length by Adam Grant in his Thinking Again.  And I have outlets for being disagreeable.

With schedule already disrupted, I'll go ahead and irk somebody while I catch up on coffee, then treadmill.

Anger Contest

University of Delaware offered an opportunity for expression in the form of a contest.  They asked students, including those in the senior division, to submit audiotapes of 3-4 minutes answering question of whether people are more angry nowadays.  I have a few technical challenges like figuring out how to record it on my cell phone for transmission and how to get the requisite @udel.edu email address.  Those are more easily resolved than creating accurate and compelling text.  My first effort went a bit over five minutes.

Do I think people are angrier?  No, but means of expression and efficiency of broadcast make it seem so.  History is replete with enslavement, real and perceived, the best invitation to anger.  Some of that sense has increased as we become subservient to our employers, our health insurers, and TV personalities.  Machers, once admired for their initiative, have shifted into a more scorned people of entitlement who will not think twice about manipulating you when you are vulnerable.  So yes, there is more expressed anger, but I think also more justified anger.