Why so angry?

WHY ARE we so angry? That’s the question when people post hurtful messages on social media, make obscene hand gestures in the traffic or go full tilt at one another in a family restaurant.

This anger – often with ugly racial overtones – is displayed all around us, and the time has come, says Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, to deal with it.

It was to be a topic on the ANC’s national executive committee meeting at the weekend, and Gordhan rightly says we can no longer stand on the sidelines and simply hope it goes away.

“At your next braai, talk about the importance of non-racialism because we’re beginning to lose it in South Africa. We need to actively talk about what it means to be anti-racist,” he said.

The well-publicised incident at the Spur in Joburg illustrates the level of anger in our society and, despite what some believe, it clearly had racial overtones.

What have we become where people out having a meal with family get so angry that they can hurl such abuse at one another, and that a man gets so angry that he threatens to hit a woman in a restaurant?

And, while a witness shoots a video that tens of thousands will watch, what are we doing collectively to stop being so angry? Last year Independent Media launched a campaign titled Racism Stops with Me to encourage active citizenry in the fight against racism. Our Executive Chairman, Dr Iqbal Surve, said at the time that it was not just about drawing attention to the problem, but encouraging all of us to be part of the solution.

It is about making a conscious decision to show empathy and tolerance, and to behave in a calm and dignified manner towards fellow men and women. It is time to stop being angry.