Anger has become the new tragic flaw. Like hubris in Greek tragedy, rage in contemporary life is bringing down brandnames in a growing number of fields.
The latest, as THE NEW YORK TIMES reports, is former Scarlet Knights Men's Basketball team coach at Rutgers in New Jersey Mike Rice. A video of his abusive rage-filled behavior not only brought him down but also other bigwigs at the university.
Case studies about how the public relations aspects of this are managed will be hot. After all, the ambitious politico Chris Christie is governor the governor of NJ and tax funds help support the state school. You might send your analysis to Jack O'Dwyer (jack@odwyerpr.com) for possible publication in Odwyerpr.com.
Before The Rice Affair became front-page news, trending in tech circles were rumors that TechCrunch founder and investor Michael Arrington was another angry young man. SOCIAL TIMES reported alleged physical abuse of his one-time girlfriend Jenn Allen. Arrington had it made in tech media. Now, he and everywhere his tentacles extend will also need such sophisticated PR. Those who specialize in tech PR might have already transmitted their opinings about this to Odwyerpr.com.
With so much Everyman/Everywoman knowledge about the dangers of anger and that those who abuse will do it again, no matter their contrite promises, this syndrome is out of the closet. In addition, technology, ranging from wearing a wire to using a smartphone to video, provides documentation. My hunch is that mothers no longer have to warn their daughters not to become involved with angry lovers.
Unfortunately, treatment for anger management has a high failure rate, just as does rehab in alcoholism. Those who are angry, it seems, have to bottom out and be willing to frame the world differently. Rage starts with a mindset of resentment and entitlement. I bear witness to that hybrid all the time in 12-step programs. It takes away people's families, jobs, and the ability to live outside of institutions, be they prison or mental hospitals.




