machine against the rage

I read a western study about our exceptionally consistent perceptions across all the divides--gender, race, socio-economic status, etc.--regarding anger.

Almost all of us believe that a man becomes angry in response to a situation, and then he says or does something about it, after which he's no longer angry.

Almost all of us believe that women carry anger inside themselves all the time.

I read another study about how we all think if we offer someone facts and logic on a topic of discussion, they'll receive and consider the new information and change their minds, just as reasonably as we would.

But the truth is, when presented with information that contradicted their current understanding, most people were shown to double down on what they already thought they knew, even when directly confronted with opposing facts.

An online study presented a mock jury scenario in which one juror took a viewpoint opposite the majority, and argued it with increasing intensity as expressed through language, punctuation, and eventually shouty caps. This arguing juror had fully scripted lines throughout the study.

When the juror was named “Jason,” most people considered the opposing viewpoint, and reported respecting Jason's position. Further discussion ensued within the group. Several jurors changed their minds based on Jason's argument. Jurors described him as confident and persuasive.

When “Sarah” presented exactly the same script, word for word, same punctuation, same shouty caps, people did not reconsider their positions. They doubled down. Some actually switched and voted against Sarah although they'd begun in agreement with her.

Sarah was not described by anyone as “confident” or “persuasive.” Other words were used.

Can you feel all of this in your body?

I feel it in mine. She fucking feels all of it.

This is my attempt at being present with that, and inviting your presence too, without actually setting anything on fire tonight while I'm also sitting with CPTSD rage.

I will say this much:

If we all think men just punch something and then they're fine

And if we all think women walk around carrying endless rage eternally

How and where and why do we think women accumulated all that rage?

Welp. It's her fault now. That's what matters. STFU already, Morg, you're getting dangerous.

Thanks for reading. ❤️‍🔥