Ranting, raving, screaming, yelling, threats, intimidation, demeaning language, fury, uncontrolled anger, violent outbursts, verbal assaults, aggressiveness, and temper tantrums are all hallmarks of Trump's legacy of rage on our culture. His wrathful influence did not start with him, nor it will end with him. Most likely he patterned his rageaholic personality from his vengeful controlling father. He honed his lifetime of affluenza rage by trademarking it into the MAGA brand. Wrath, or extreme rage, is one of the seven deadly sins. Even if you're not a believer in religious teachings, the seven deadly sins (Lust, Envy, Gluttony, Greed, Pride, Sloth, Wrath) are an insightful guide to potentially problematic behaviors, and when uncontrolled, will almost certainly lead to destructive impulses and consequences. Trump is guilty of all of them, but it appears his favorite is wrath. Like most authoritarian dictators, he channels and exports his wrath because strong emotional rage is more addictive than heroin and more contagious than measles. Rage is a psychological tsunami justifying revenge by eliminating perceived enemies. It ensnares the fomenting angry with senseless meth-like energy to rise up to exact revenge. January 6th is just one of its outcomes.
Rage is not just an avenue for Trump, though he is quick to utilize its intoxicating power. We see it in all shootings, the rise in settling scores with lethal force, and the intolerance of divergent views. To put it simply, it's my way or the automatic weapon way in your face. Rage is a reaction to avoid feeling helpless and hopeless. It preys upon the emotionally and spiritually bankrupt. That's what makes it a deadly sin.
Luigi Mangione is an example of how pernicious rage can be quickly radicalized. This young man from an extremely wealthy family, devolved into a rage spiral as a result of medical limitations following surgery. He could not fathom that this capricious fate should happen to such a privileged intelligent man in his twenties. As his limitations became intolerable, he immersed himself into the blame dogma (a la Ted Kaczynski & Trump) focusing on retribution of his supposed 'oppressors'. His rage killing inspired many health insurance victims to revere him as a hero. Yes, rage is blindingly contagious, eliminating any chance of mercy or empathy.
Combatting the power of rage seems insurmountable. So, what is the answer? The Buddhists believe that even if your anger is justified, it will not bring you peace of mind. The Catholics, who are proponents of the seven deadly sins, believe wrath is best offset by gentleness, self-control, patience, and peace. Easier said than done. In this age of instant gratification, practicing self-control, patience, and abstaining from violence requires mindfulness and restraint. It is our only hope in this era of rage.
