Why is the Collective Consciousness of Society Getting So Angry?

Despite our individuality, there is a common thread that connects us as a society. This shared experience is often reflected in our collective emotions, especially when it comes to issues like financial stress and political polarization. While the concept of 'collective consciousness' can be debated, it is undeniable that societal stress levels are at an all-time high, particularly in the United States. In this article, we will explore the root causes and underlying mechanisms that drive collective anger and how these factors impact our daily lives.

The Nature of Collective Anger

Anger is a natural emotion, but the collective expression of it through society can have profound effects on individuals and communities. From the brain’s perspective, anger often arises from the activation of the limbic system, which is responsible for emotions and memory processing. In the face of stressors such as economic hardship, social changes, and political tensions, this part of the brain can become hyperactive, triggering strong emotional responses.

Financial Stress and Collective Anger

Financial stress is one of the primary contributors to collective anger. The United States is currently ranked 169th on the Gini coefficient, a measure of income inequality. With living costs on the rise and financial security becoming a luxury for many, it is no wonder that anger and frustration are widespread. The Gini coefficient, which measures the distribution of income or wealth within a society, has a value of 100 at perfect equality and 0 at perfect inequality. The U.S. is around 10 on this scale, indicating significant levels of financial stress and inequality.

Moreover, the U.S. is only about 10th on the global financial equality list. This means that a disproportionate amount of wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few, leaving the majority struggling to keep up. Financial stress not only affects individuals but also contributes to a societal mindset that is more prone to negative emotions. When people are anxious and stressed, they are more likely to engage in behaviors that are driven by fear and anger, rather than logic and positivity.

The Role of the Right Brain in Anger Expression

The brain can be divided into two hemispheres, each with distinct functions. The right hemisphere is associated with emotions, spatial skills, and creative thinking, while the left hemisphere is responsible for logic, language, and analytical thinking. In times of stress, the right hemisphere can become overactive, leading to emotional and often irrational behaviors, including anger.

When individuals experience financial stress, they may rely more heavily on the right hemisphere, leading to anxiety-driven emotions and potentially OCD-type behaviors. This misalignment between emotional and rational thinking can manifest as anger, frustration, and other negative emotions. Understanding this connection is crucial for addressing the root causes of collective anger.

Maximizing Logical and Positive Thinking

To counteract the negative impacts of financial stress and promote a healthier societal mindset, it is essential to engage the left hemisphere of the brain, which is associated with logic, positivity, and rational thinking. This can be achieved through various methods, such as mindfulness practices, meditation, and cognitive-behavioral techniques.

For example, the Emotionally Grounded Mindset (EGMi) aims to maximize the use of the left hemisphere by fostering a sense of goodness, oneness, and inner happiness. By focusing on what we truly need rather than what we think we should have, we can reduce the financial anxiety and stress that contribute to anger and other negative emotions.

Evolution and the Pervasiveness of Anger

From an evolutionary perspective, anger has played a crucial role in survival. It is a survival mechanism that has helped humans respond to threats and protect themselves. However, in modern society, where threats are often abstract and less directly linked to physical danger, anger can become a destructive force. The video linked below shows how humans have evolved to give anger a central role in our emotional responses, making it a common and often exaggerated emotion in today's world.

Watch the video here to see how anger has evolved as a response to various stressors in our environment.

Societal Stress and Its Outcomes

Given the various stressors facing society, it is unsurprising that many people are feeling angry and frustrated. The upcoming election in the United States has polarized the country, and issues such as COVID-19, unemployment, and healthcare concerns have added to the collective stress levels. These factors, combined with a hyperactive limbic system and financial stress, create a perfect storm of emotional tension that can manifest as anger.

It is important to recognize that while the concept of collective consciousness may be debated, the observable outcomes of collective anger, such as social unrest and political polarization, are a reality. By addressing the root causes of this anger, such as financial stress and systemic inequality, we can work towards a more balanced and mentally healthy society.

Conclusion

The root of collective anger in society lies in the interplay between individual stressors and the collective emotional response. Financial stress, systemic inequality, and the overactive right hemisphere of the brain all contribute to this phenomenon. By fostering a more logical and positive mindset, we can reduce the prevalence of anger and promote a healthier, more harmonious society.

It is essential for individuals and policymakers to recognize and address the root causes of collective anger. By doing so, we can work towards a future where financial security, social equity, and emotional well-being are prioritized. Only then can we truly foster a society free from the destructive forces of anger and negativity.