In the hit movie Network (1976), a mentally unstable TV newscaster prompts a meteoric rise in his ratings by convincing viewers to open their windows and shout “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take this anymore.” Although the specific target of their anger isn’t identified, the movie mentions a variety of real-life possibilities: a chaotic end to a deadly, pointless war; a government unable to address powerful forces such as racism and poverty; cynical, cutthroat corporations scrambling to extract every penny of profit from consumers while treating them with contempt; TV “news” that is (in the movie’s script) “bull----.”

Today, we’re all “mad as hell” about some political or social issue. We see and feel anger everywhere: on the debate stage, in threats against election officials and immigrants, physical assassination attempts, vicious character assassinations, a steady stream of internet hostility, and simple conversations with neighbors. It’s clear that both sides are very angry: a recent poll indicates that nine out of 10 Americans can name a news or political event that sparks their anger.

One reason for our ever-present anger is that it benefits politicians skilled at provoking it and then riding it into the voting booth. Angry voters are statistically more likely to vote, and are very loyal to their party or candidate. Today, candidates who don’t acknowledge or use people’s anger are very rare birds who quickly become extinct.

A scientific article in Nature (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-017-0213-3) notes that one reliable source of anger is “moral outrage.” Although Democrats aren’t blameless, I can’t help but think of three highlights (or lowlights) in Donald Trump’s political career. He opened his successful campaign in 2016 by charging that “Mexicans” crossing the border were “rapists.” More recently, he charged that immigrants are “poisoning our blood,” and that Haitians in Ohio are eating neighbors’ beloved pets. As sources of moral outrage, rapists, pet-eaters, and blood-poisoners rank near the very top of the list. If a person believes just one of those charges, or one or two of the thousands of his documented lies (including the “stolen” election), it’s enough to spark the anger he needs to be successful.

But he is also an equal opportunity anger-creator. Democrats feel a strong sense of moral outrage in reacting to false and misleading statements about immigrants; his history (and conviction) of sexual assault; his dismissive attitudes toward veterans (even tortured heroes like John McCain); his love for dictators; his support for white supremacists; etc., etc.

So, here we are, a country that’s mad as hell. But feeling constantly angry is hazardous. Individually, anger releases hormones intended for fight-or-flight encounters, and too many instances endanger people’s hearts, mental health, digestion, and sleep. And contrary to a common bit of psychobabble, studies indicate that venting anger actually increases the likelihood of more of the same rather than providing any soul-cleansing effect.

Socially, many sources agree that anger provoked by politicians can become “a weapon of division with far-reaching consequences for our social cohesion and democratic governance,” (Boston Globe, Sept. 8, 2024). Our trust in government has plummeted: In 1958, almost 80% of people believed government would do what’s right all the time, or most of the time; only about 50% in 2000; and a minuscule 16% in 2024.

We face a personal and social quandary. It’s nearly impossible to bury our heads so deeply in the ocean sand that we don’t feel the pounding surf of political upheaval. But even a single step into the turbulent tide of politics is dangerous; we’re easy prey for a deadly undertow that can carry us far from the shores of simple human decency and understanding.

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For me, the question is: “Now that the anger-genie is out of the bottle, can we ever get it back in?” Provoking anger is very effective for many politicians, and returning to a less angry society requires strong leadership and people who are exhausted by the constant deluge of negativity in our national politics.

A recent Greenfield Recorder letter (“Seen It?” Aug. 30) rhetorically asked if anyone has ever seen Donald Trump laugh, with the implied (and literal) answer of “No.” Regardless of all the policy differences and vague proposals, and realizing that a president’s control of the economy and legislative success is limited, I’m choosing the campaign that projects some joy and laughter in comparison to Trump’s constant glower and grimace, his chaos and casual cruelty. I believe it’s time to emphasize the multitude of things that unite us rather than the few that divide us.

Allen Woods is a freelance writer, author of the Revolutionary-era historical fiction novel “The Sword and Scabbard,” and Greenfield resident. His column appears regularly on a Saturday. Comments are welcome here or at awoods2846@gmail.com.